Solid Leadership, Strategic Decisions Make WCU the Crown Jewel of the State System of Higher Education

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West Chester University
Image via the Philadelphia Inquirer.

West Chester University, currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, has emerged as the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s most successful institution. Susan Snyder covered the academic distinction for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Founded in 1871, WCU has continued to grow, despite the state system losing 22 percent of overall enrollment since 2010.

The school, which is also the least expensive university in the state system, has a robust academic regimen in which students perform well. It also ranks among the best for retention statewide.

WCU boasts $159 million in budgetary reserves, despite receiving the smallest per-pupil subsidy from the system.

While it has benefited from being located near Philadelphia in a borough with a vibrant downtown scene, the university has also driven its own fortune.

“West Chester’s success is attributed to something far greater than its location and population growth,” said Daniel Greenstein, state system chancellor. “It has to do with solid leadership and good decision-making at every level of the organization.”

Its reputation is burnished by a strong brand name and avoiding the debt some universities took on to build expensive residence halls. The leadership also intentionally kept costs down and worked on adding programs that are attractive to many students.

Read more about West Chester University in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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