West Chester University’s (WCU) Department of Political Science welcomes State Representative Chris Pielli, who is currently serving as the University’s Legislative Fellow. The role will run for two years beginning with the 2025 spring semester.
Pielli, currently in his second term representing the 156th legislative district, is working closely with WCU faculty and students to enhance their understanding of Pennsylvania politics and government. His district includes West Chester Borough, West Goshen Township, East Bradford Township, and almost all of East Goshen Township. He serves on six Pennsylvania House of Representatives committees: Commerce, Energy, Judiciary, Consumer Protection Technology & Utilities, Environmental & Natural Resources Protection, and Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness. Pielli holds a bachelor of arts and juris doctor degrees from Temple University.
“It’s an honor to serve as Legislative Fellow for West Chester University this spring semester,” Pielli said. “I look forward to working with Professor John Kennedy to share my experiences as a state representative and help teach our students about the importance of Pennsylvania politics and government. In turn, I look forward to learning from the students, and our future leaders, about their concerns and needs. Most importantly, this legislative fellowship opportunity allows me to help support the rights of students to quality, affordable higher education across the Commonwealth.”
The Legislative Fellow program at WCU was established in 2001 as part of a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education initiative to foster collaboration between lawmakers and university communities. By working directly with a state legislator, students, and faculty gain valuable insights into the legislative process while helping elected officials better understand higher education policies and student concerns. The fellowship aims to provide a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas and knowledge.
As part of his role, Pielli is actively participating in Kennedy’s 300-level course, Pennsylvania Government and Politics, throughout the spring semester. He is engaging with students on policy discussions, classroom activities, and extracurricular projects.
“Rep. Pielli has been very engaged with our students and is particularly interested in the policy discussions we have in class,” Kennedy said. “He’s visiting about a third of the classes throughout the semester, in which he discusses key legislative issues with the students as well as hosting us on our trip to the State Capitol at the conclusion of the course. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to interact with a sitting legislator, discuss state policy in a meaningful way, and gain firsthand knowledge of government operations. I have been particularly impressed by his interest in what the students have to say about issues and concerns that they have across the political spectrum. It is a great opportunity for all of us.”
Kennedy noted that this year’s class, with 22 students, is larger than usual and includes both political science and education majors. Topics discussed in the course include property tax reform, school vouchers, and Pennsylvania’s primary election system.
Learn more at West Chester University (WCU). WCU is the largest member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, which is comprised of 10 state-owned universities within the Commonwealth of PA. Founded in 1871, West Chester University is a comprehensive public institution offering a diverse range of more than 180 academic opportunities in 40 fields of study across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. In addition to the main campus in West Chester, the University offers programs through its graduate center, the campus in Philadelphia, and online.
