Dr. R. Lorraine (Laurie) Bernotsky was named the 16th president of West Chester University by the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), effective July 1, 2024. A first-generation college graduate and advocate for public education, Dr. Bernotsky previously served as interim president of Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) as a loaned executive from West Chester University.Dr. Bernotsky began her career at West Chester University in 1996 as a political science faculty member. She later served as associate provost and dean of graduate studies, securing her position through a national search. In 2015, she became the provost, where she oversaw 850 faculty, six colleges, two schools, and more than 100 academic degree programs. Her role expanded to executive vice president in 2017, where she also managed the University’s budget and labor relations.In 2022, at the request of former Chancellor Daniel Greenstein, Dr. Bernotsky temporarily served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of PennWest, enhancing its operational excellence, strategic enrollment management, and financial sustainability. Her success led to her appointment as interim president of PennWest in July 2023.The Presidential Search Committee at West Chester University conducted a thorough and inclusive process, involving feedback from students, faculty, staff, and alumni through interviews, forums, and presentations. Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Search Committee unanimously recommended Dr. Bernotsky’s candidacy to the University’s Council of Trustees, leading to her unanimous appointment by the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Dr. Bernotsky holds a master’s and doctorate in politics from the University of Oxford and a master’s in sociology from Temple University. Known for her transformative leadership and dedication to student success, she is poised to guide West Chester University into its next 150 years.