West Chester University Names New President

WEST CHESTER, PA — R. Lorraine “Laurie” Bernotsky was unanimously named the 16th president of West Chester University by the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, effective July 1.

Bernotsky, 56, worked at the university for 27 years, recently as provost.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected to serve West Chester University’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni as its 16th president,” said Bernotsky, who resides in Exton with her husband, Michael Bray, who also works at the university.

“I have dedicated my professional life to public higher education because I believe in the access mission of public universities and of public higher education in general”

A champion for public education, Bernotsky is a first-generation college graduate selected to lead the largest research institution within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.

She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the former Messiah College and master's degrees from Oxford University and Temple University.

Bernotsky, interim president of Pennsylvania Western University, will succeed Christopher M. Fiorentino, who will retire on June 30. He has served as president since 2017.

Reactions

Retired State Sen. Robert M. Tomlinson, chairman of the university Council of Trustees, said Bernotsky exemplifies the understanding that all students within the state’s higher education benefit when universities collaborate with governance structures, including unions.
Dr. Kristen Crossney, professor and director of the University’s Doctor of Public Administration, said the university community is pleased with the announcement.

“We are excited for Dr. Bernotsky to lead the West Chester University community into our next chapter,” Crossney said.

University experience

With nearly three decades of progressive experience in higher education, Bernotsky began her career at West Chester University in 1996 as a member of the political science faculty.
When the opportunity opened to serve as associate provost and dean of graduate studies at the university, she competed in a national search for the role and served for several years before becoming provost in 2015.
As provost, Bernotsky led the university’s Academic Affairs division, which oversees approximately 850 faculty and comprises five colleges that offer more than 100 academic degree programs.
In 2017, she led the university’s budget and labor relations.
The presidential search committee led a comprehensive and inclusive university-wide process that elicited the feedback of West Chester University students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Numerous opportunities to interact with Bernotsky were provided through interviews, open forums, and presentations.