2024 Spring Commencement Program

A Brief History of Millersville

Millersville has the distinction of being Pennsylvania’s first state-owned university, founded in 1855 as a normal school. In the mid-19th century, normal schools were developed throughout the East as a way to train teachers for the country’s fast-growing new public schools. In Lancaster County, James P. Wickersham was in charge of the public schools and was convinced of the need for training programs for teachers. He held his own program, a teachers institute, in the little borough of Millersville. After its success, he then convinced the town fathers who had built the school to permit it to be used instead as a permanent normal school.

For the next 100 years, Millersville’s purpose was to prepare teachers, and it did so with great success. Its reputation as an institution of excellence was established during the period when it was operating two-year and later four-year programs to prepare the individuals who taught the children of this Commonwealth.

Over the years, the school’s name changed several times. Wickersham called it the Lancaster County Normal School. In 1859, when it was four years old, the school was officially recognized by the state legislature, and its name became The First Pennsylvania State Normal School. That lengthy title was gradually changed by usage to Millersville State Normal School. It was known by several other names before 1959, when the name was changed to Millersville State College, and soon to follow were a great many new four-year baccalaureate programs in the arts and sciences. Also added were master’s degree programs, at first in teacher education and later in many other fields. On July 1, 1983, the college became Millersville University of Pennsylvania, and the 14 state-owned colleges became the State System of Higher Education.

Millersville University Today

During Millersville’s evolution from a normal school to a university, its reputation as a good training ground for teachers has not diminished. Teacher certification programs are available across all schools in Special Education, Elementary and Early Childhood Education, a wide selection of Secondary Education programs, Technology and Engineering Education, Art Education and Music Education.

The College of Education and Human Services is home to the following departments: Educational Foundations; Early, Middle and Exceptional Education; Psychology; and Wellness and Sport Sciences, as well as the School of Social Work.

The College of Science and Technology is comprised of the following departments: Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Geography; Mathematics; Wehrheim School of Nursing and Physics. Offerings in the health fields include Respiratory Therapy; Medical Technology; Nuclear Medicine Technology; Pre-Athletic Training; Pre-Med; Pre-Optometry; Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Podiatry.

The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences is the home of the liberal arts disciplines in humanities and social sciences, including the departments of Art and Design; Communication and Theatre; Criminology, Sociology and Anthropology; Economics; English and World Languages; Government, Policy and Law; History; Language and Culture Studies; and Philosophy, as well as the Tell School of Music. The College also offers interdisciplinary programs in African American Studies, Entrepreneurship, International Studies, Latina/o Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

Originally established in 2019, the Lombardo College of Business offers majors in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Management and Marketing. The College was officially named in 2020 in recognition of Dr. Samuel and Mrs. Dena Lombardo’s generosity to both the College and University. This is the first named college in Millersville’s 166-year history.

The College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning was established in fall 2009 following 50 years of graduate program offerings. Today, Millersville offers more than 50 graduate degree and certification programs, and three doctoral programs that serve the needs of adult learners in our community and beyond.

University College was established at the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic year and is comprised of Academic Advisement and Student Development, the Center for Public Scholarship and Social Change, the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership, Experiential Learning and Career Management (ELCM), the Francine G. McNairy Library and Learning Forum, Integrated Studies, Multidisciplinary Studies, the Office of Learning Services, Starfish, Success Coaching, the University Honors College and the Writing Center.

The University’s curriculum is continuously studied and adjusted to allow for the development of programs to meet the needs of students. Millersville University’s Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) major is an innovative and flexible program of study that allows students to tailor studies to meet their academic strengths and career goals with careful advisement.

Integrated Studies is an individualized postsecondary education course of study for individuals with intellectual disability that leads to social and professional networks, careers and bright futures. Students receive support from trained personnel, including coaches, mentors, faculty and staff.

Millersville’s excellent reputation extends beyond the classroom as well. It has outstanding athletic, intramural and recreational programs. It offers a wide range of cultural activities for both educational and entertainment purposes. The Winter Visual and Performing Arts Center houses the Tell School of Music and state-of-the-art facilities, including performance and recital halls, recording suites and piano labs. The Ware Center in downtown Lancaster offers space for academic studies as well as elegant performance areas and cultural events programs.

The 250-acre main campus is well-tended, and the park-like area around the campus pond is regarded as a special place by students where they can sit and enjoy the outdoors and watch the swans, Miller and S’Ville.

All of these factors contribute to a good deal of pride at Millersville University—pride that parents and friends of graduates rightfully share.

ACADEMIC SYMBOLISM

Academic ceremonies are steeped in centuries-old ritual. The elaborate trappings contribute to the pageantry and dignity of the occasion, and convey the continuity of academic tradition from medieval times to the present. Incorporating these traditions unites Millersville University with the community of scholars and institutions of higher learning.

THE ACADEMIC PROCESSION
The academic procession that begins and ends most academic ceremonies is a descendant of the clerical procession. Millersville University’s procession, formed in ranks of two, is led by one of the most senior faculty carrying the University mace, followed by the candidates for degrees, the University faculty, the Council of Trustees and platform party, and the University president and guest speaker.

THE MACE
The staff carried at the front of the academic procession is called a mace and represents the authority of the Office of the President.

THE UNIVERSITY SEAL
Millersville University’s seal, a gift of the Class of 1916, is worn on a gold chain by the University president.

ACADEMIC ATTIRE
The academic regalia has always consisted of three parts: the gown, the hood and the cap. It has traditionally been worn at academic ceremonies as a record of the academic achievement of the participants. Its use originated in the Middle Ages, when all undergraduates were required to wear clerical robes, since students were expected to enter the ranks of the clergy. In this country, a color system was adopted in 1893 to identify the academic discipline in which the degree was earned. Some of the most frequently seen hood colors, and the field of learning represented by each, are white, arts and letters; light blue, education; dark blue, philosophy; golden yellow, science; copper, economics; scarlet, theology; and pink, music. The tassels for bachelor’s and master’s degrees are usually black, while the tassel of the doctorate cap is usually gold.

Click on links below to learn more.

---

Board of Goverors, Council of Trustees, Presidents Cabinet

PASSHE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES

Daniel A. Wubah, Ph.D., President
 
PRESIDENT’S CABINET

---

Colleges and Departments

COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES AND ADULT LEARNING 
James A. Delle, Ph.D., Dean 
 
COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES  
Ieva Zake, Ph.D., Dean 

Department, Chairperson 
Art & Design, Shauna L. Frischkorn, M.F.A. 
Communication & Theatre, Lowery Woodall III, Ph.D. 
Criminology, Sociology and Anthropology, Marlene S. Arnold, Ph.D. 
Economics, Kenneth W. Smith, Ph.D. 
English and World Languages, Justin Mando, Ph.D. 
Government, Policy & Law, Richard A. Glenn, Ph.D. 
History, Robyn L. Davis, Ph.D. 
Music, Mícheál B. Houlahan, Ph.D. 
Philosophy, Jen Miller, Ph.D. 

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES AND SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Lara Willox, Ph.D., Dean 

Department, Chairperson 
Early, Middle & Exceptional Education, Jennifer Shettel, Ed.D.  
Educational Foundations, Tiffany E. Wright, Ed.D. 
Psychology, Debra S. Vredenburg-Rudy, Ph.D. 
Social Work, Karen M. Rice, Ph.D. 
Special Education, Janet Bertoni, Ph.D. 
Wellness & Sport Sciences, Daniel J. Keefer, Ph.D. 

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
Marc Harris, Ph.D., Dean 

Department, Chairperson 
Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology, Jack Ogutu, Ph.D. 
Biology, Ryan L. Wagner, Ph.D. 
Chemistry, Daniel Albert, Ph.D. 
Computer Science, Stephanie M. Schwartz, Ph.D. 
Earth Sciences, Lynn Marquez, Ph.D. 
Geography, Jessica J. Kelly, Ph.D. 
Mathematics, Tyrone Washington, Ph.D. 
Nursing, Kelly A. Kuhns, Ph.D. 
Physics, Sean P. Hendrick, Ph.D. 

LOMBARDO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS 
Marc Tomljanovich, Ph.D., Dean 

Department, Chairperson 
Accounting and Finance, Eric L. Blazer, Ph.D. 
Management and Marketing, David J. DiRusso, Ph.D.  

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE 
Rachel E. Finley-Bowman, Ph.D., Dean

Department, Chairperson 
Academic Advisement & Student Development, Kristen Lawson, Ed.D. 
University Library, Scott Anderson, M.B.A. 

NON-COLLEGE DEPARTMENTS 

Department, Chairperson 
Counseling and Human Development, Joseph F. Lynch, Ph.D. 
Intercollegiate Athletics, Larry E. Earnesty, M.S.

ART EDUCATION 
Leslie Gates, Ph.D.  
 
ASSESSMENT, CURRICULUM AND TEACHING  
Oliver Dreon, Ph.D.  
 
DOCTORATE IN EDUCATION  
Ann Gaudino, Ed.D.  
 
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE 
Kelly Rotondo, DNP, RN, SCRN, CTC  
 
DOCTOR OF SOCIAL WORK  
Bertha De Jesus, DSW  
 
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION  
Elizabeth Powers-Costello, Ph.D.  
 
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT  
Sepideh Yalda, Ph.D.  
 
ENGLISH  
Nicole Pfannenstiel, Ph.D. 
  
GIFTED EDUCATION  
Charlton H. Wolfgang, Ph.D.  
 
HISTORY  
Clarence Maxwell, Ph.D.  
 
INTEGRATED SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS  
Lynn Marquez, Ph.D.  
 
LANGUAGE AND LITERACY EDUCATION  
Aileen P. Hower, Ed.D.  
 
LEADERSHIP FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING  
Tiffany E. Wright, Ed.D. and Ann Marie Licata, Ph.D.  
 
MATHEMATICS  
Erin R. Moss, Ph.D.  
 
NURSING  
Cayleigh M. Minter, DNP, CRNP  
 
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY  
Karena S. Rush, Ph.D.  
 
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY  
Lauren T. Kaiser, Ph.D.  
 
SCHOOL COUNSELING  
Richard Joseph Behun, Ph.D.  
 
SOCIAL WORK  
Laura B. Granruth, Ph.D.  
 
SPECIAL EDUCATION  
Deborah E. Tamakloe, Ph.D.  
 
SPORT MANAGEMENT  
Julie A. Lombardi, D.P.E.  
 
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION  
Scott A. Warner, Ed.D 

9 am ceremony

Tamara C. Willis, Ph.D. Class of 1999, Marvelous Marauder Class of 2023 
Superintendent of Schools 
Susquehanna Township  

Dr. Tamara C. Willis ’99 brings over 25 years of education expertise to her current position as Superintendent of Schools for the Susquehanna Township School District in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where she has served for seven years. Committed to equipping 21st-century learners with the skills needed for success in a global environment, she champions innovation and personalized learning approaches. 

Her impact extends beyond the confines of her district, earning her recognition as a featured speaker at HP's prestigious American Reinventors Series on two occasions. Through strategic partnerships, she has spearheaded groundbreaking STEM initiatives within her district, earning accolades such as being featured in a Microsoft Customer Story, highlighting the district's dedication to educational excellence.  

Willis contributed a chapter to the book "STEM Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st-century Graduate," emphasizing the collaborative effort needed for the educational advancement of all learners, and most recently, she garnered attention for her insights in a Time article discussing the cooperative efforts between ETS and the Carnegie Foundation to revolutionize learner assessment methods. Her dedication to advancing educational practices underscores her commitment to preparing students for success in an ever-evolving world. With a proven track record of maximizing teacher and student success, Dr. Willis has skillfully developed a vision and strategic direction for one of the most diverse districts in the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

She earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology in 2007 from Temple University and a Master of Education in Educational Administration in 2003. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education in 1999 from Millersville University, cementing her deep connection to Millersville. 

Besides her professional achievements, Willis remains actively engaged in community service, serving on various boards and committees, including the United Way of the Capital Region and the Dauphin County Drug and Alcohol Advisory. She has also maintained close ties with Millersville University, previously serving on the Alumni and Foundation Boards and actively contributing to the African American/Latino scholarship committee. 
 
Her commitment to excellence and long-term success makes her an asset to the educational community and beyond. Willis lives in Harrisburg with her two yorkies, Muffin and Braxton, and her great-nephew, Aiden. 

---

1 pm Ceremony

Dr. Jon Kauffman ‘85 
Vice President, Biopharma Biologics 
Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Inc. 

Dr. Jon Kauffman ’85 is the Vice President, Biopharma Biologics of Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Inc. Kauffman has been at Eurofins for almost 35 years and leads nearly 500 scientists of the Biologics team for the largest cGMP (guidelines for the very latest quality standards) testing facility in the world.

Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, and pharmaceutical product testing. It is also one of the market leaders in testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, and advanced material sciences and has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialized and molecular clinical diagnostic testing.

Prior to being named VP of Biopharma Biologics of Eurofins, Kauffman was the Managing Director of Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories at their facility in Dungarvan, County Waterford, Ireland. He also served as President of Eurofins Advantar Laboratories in San Diego.

After receiving his bachelor’s in chemistry at Millersville, Kauffman earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Delaware in 1989. Dr. Kauffman says that his education and experience at Millersville prepared him well to obtain his Ph.D. and advance into industry. 

As part of the inaugural MARVELOUS MARAUDERS - CLASS OF 2023, Kauffman has been very connected with Millersville over the years. He’s been an adjunct chemistry professor at the University and a long-time member of Millersville's College of Science and Technology Advisory Board.

Since 1990, Kauffman has personally hired over 100 Millersville graduates to Eurofins Lancaster Labs. Some of those alums are now in senior management roles with Eurofins. He has facilitated donations from Eurofins of lab supplies, equipment, instrumentation, and funding of upgrade the hoods in Millersville’s science labs. And he has hosted tours of the Eurofins facility for MU students and professors.

Kauffman lives in Millersville with his wife, Donna, ’85. The couple have two wonderful sons, Jared and Justin, and are the proud owners of Jazzy, a rescue dog.