{"id":1991,"date":"2025-07-16T14:58:56","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T14:58:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/?page_id=1991"},"modified":"2025-10-06T14:33:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T14:33:01","slug":"community-messages","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/community-messages\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Messages"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1991\" class=\"elementor elementor-1991\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28a850a7 e-flex e-con-boxed elementor-invisible e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"28a850a7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;gradient&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1845701e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1845701e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b0b333 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7b0b333\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Community Messages<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e118e1c elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con-boxed elementor-invisible e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e118e1c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9894b93 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9894b93\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d175e35 elementor-position-inline-start elementor-tablet-position-block-start elementor-view-default elementor-mobile-position-block-start elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"d175e35\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/wcsu.edu\/president\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Office of the President\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" id=\"Layer_1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 85.64 98.8\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 85.64 98.8;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><style type=\"text\/css\">\t.st0{fill:#F05023;}<\/style><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M85.35,0h-3.79h-25.9H0v0.01v4.06v52.93c0,18.03,27.49,37.11,42.22,41.69c0.01,0,0.03,0.01,0.04,0.01 c0.06,0.02,0.12,0.03,0.19,0.04c0.02,0,0.05,0.01,0.07,0.02c0.1,0.01,0.2,0.02,0.3,0.02c0,0,0,0,0,0s0,0,0,0c0,0,0,0,0,0 c0.1,0,0.2-0.01,0.3-0.02c0.02,0,0.05-0.01,0.07-0.02c0.06-0.01,0.12-0.02,0.19-0.04c0.01,0,0.03,0,0.04-0.01 c14.72-4.58,42.22-23.66,42.22-41.69v-5.52V51.1V0H85.35z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/wcsu.edu\/president\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOffice of the President\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9c525c e-con-full elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a9c525c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3003ba9 e-fit_to_content e-n-menu-layout-horizontal e-n-menu-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-menu\" data-id=\"3003ba9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;menu_items&quot;:[{&quot;item_title&quot;:&quot;ABOUT JESSE M. BERNAL&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;6c51e2d&quot;,&quot;item_dropdown_content&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;item_link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot; https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/president\\\/president-bernals-biography\\\/&quot;,&quot;is_external&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nofollow&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;custom_attributes&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;item_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;item_icon_active&quot;:null,&quot;element_id&quot;:&quot;&quot;},{&quot;item_title&quot;:&quot;LEADERSHIP &amp; TEAM&quot;,&quot;item_dropdown_content&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;65f0a2c&quot;,&quot;item_link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;is_external&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nofollow&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;custom_attributes&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;item_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;item_icon_active&quot;:null,&quot;element_id&quot;:&quot;&quot;},{&quot;item_title&quot;:&quot;University Initiatives&quot;,&quot;item_dropdown_content&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;be12d4b&quot;,&quot;item_link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;is_external&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nofollow&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;custom_attributes&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;item_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;item_icon_active&quot;:null,&quot;element_id&quot;:&quot;&quot;},{&quot;item_title&quot;:&quot;Community Messages&quot;,&quot;item_dropdown_content&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;item_link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/president\\\/community-messages\\\/&quot;,&quot;is_external&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nofollow&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;custom_attributes&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;8ff6233&quot;,&quot;item_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;item_icon_active&quot;:null,&quot;element_id&quot;:&quot;&quot;},{&quot;item_title&quot;:&quot;CONTACT&quot;,&quot;item_link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/president\\\/contact\\\/&quot;,&quot;is_external&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;nofollow&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;custom_attributes&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;2970ede&quot;,&quot;item_dropdown_content&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;item_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;item_icon_active&quot;:null,&quot;element_id&quot;:&quot;&quot;}],&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;fit_to_content&quot;,&quot;item_position_horizontal&quot;:&quot;end&quot;,&quot;item_position_horizontal_tablet&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;open_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;,&quot;menu_item_title_distance_from_content_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:0,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;menu_item_title_distance_from_content&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:24,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;content_horizontal_position&quot;:&quot;center&quot;,&quot;item_layout&quot;:&quot;horizontal&quot;,&quot;open_on&quot;:&quot;hover&quot;,&quot;horizontal_scroll&quot;:&quot;disable&quot;,&quot;breakpoint_selector&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;menu_item_title_distance_from_content_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"mega-menu.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<nav class=\"e-n-menu\" data-widget-number=\"503\" aria-label=\"Menu\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"e-n-menu-toggle\" id=\"menu-toggle-503\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"menubar-503\" aria-label=\"Menu Toggle\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-toggle-icon e-open\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"eicon-menu-bar\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-toggle-icon e-close\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"eicon-close\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-menu-wrapper\" id=\"menubar-503\" aria-labelledby=\"menu-toggle-503\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"e-n-menu-heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"e-n-menu-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-menu-title-5031\" class=\"e-n-menu-title elementor-animation-skew\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-n-menu-title-container e-focus e-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/president-bernals-biography\/\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tABOUT JESSE M. BERNAL\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"e-n-menu-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-menu-title-5032\" class=\"e-n-menu-title elementor-animation-skew\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-menu-title-container\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLEADERSHIP & TEAM\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon-5032\" class=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon e-focus\" data-tab-index=\"2\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-menu-content-5032\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon-opened\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-caret-up\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Close LEADERSHIP & TEAM<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon-closed\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-caret-down\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Open LEADERSHIP & TEAM<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-menu-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-menu-content-5032\" data-tab-index=\"2\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon-5032\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b23ffe3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b23ffe3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-474cd33 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"474cd33\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fcef22 premium-tablet-type-column elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget__width-inherit premium-type-column elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-icon-list\" data-id=\"8fcef22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;premium_icon_list_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;,&quot;rbadges_repeater&quot;:[],&quot;premium_icon_list_animation_delay&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"premium-icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"premium-bullet-list-box\" data-list-animation=\"fadeIn animated-\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"premium-bullet-list-content elementor-repeater-item-ee87890\" data-delay=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-text-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"premium-bullet-text\" data-text=\"OFFICE &amp; SENIOR TEAM\"> OFFICE &amp; SENIOR TEAM <\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"premium-bullet-list-link\" aria-label=\"OFFICE &amp; SENIOR TEAM\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/office-and-senior-team\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>OFFICE &amp; SENIOR TEAM<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-divider\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"premium-bullet-list-content elementor-repeater-item-fea2b73\" data-delay=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-text-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"premium-bullet-text\" data-text=\"PAST PRESIDENTS\"> PAST PRESIDENTS <\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"premium-bullet-list-link\" aria-label=\"PAST PRESIDENTS\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/past\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>PAST PRESIDENTS<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-divider premium-bullet-list-divider\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"e-n-menu-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-menu-title-5033\" class=\"e-n-menu-title elementor-animation-skew\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-menu-title-container\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUniversity Initiatives\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon-5033\" class=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon e-focus\" data-tab-index=\"3\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-menu-content-5033\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon-opened\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-caret-up\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Close University Initiatives<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon-closed\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-caret-down\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Open University Initiatives<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-menu-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-menu-content-5033\" data-tab-index=\"3\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-menu-dropdown-icon-5033\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2ebac3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d2ebac3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0b5d66a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0b5d66a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f00a5a premium-tablet-type-column elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget__width-inherit premium-type-column elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-icon-list\" data-id=\"0f00a5a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;premium_icon_list_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;,&quot;rbadges_repeater&quot;:[],&quot;premium_icon_list_animation_delay&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"premium-icon-list.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"premium-bullet-list-box\" data-list-animation=\"fadeIn animated-\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"premium-bullet-list-content elementor-repeater-item-ee87890\" data-delay=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-text-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"premium-bullet-text\" data-text=\"Mission &amp; Values\"> Mission &amp; Values <\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"premium-bullet-list-link\" aria-label=\"Mission &amp; Values\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/vision-principles\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Mission &amp; Values<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-divider\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"premium-bullet-list-content elementor-repeater-item-fea2b73\" data-delay=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-text-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"premium-bullet-text\" data-text=\"Strategic Plan\"> Strategic Plan <\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"premium-bullet-list-link\" aria-label=\"Strategic Plan\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Strategic Plan<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-bullet-list-divider premium-bullet-list-divider\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"e-n-menu-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-menu-title-5034\" class=\"e-n-menu-title e-current elementor-animation-skew\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-n-menu-title-container e-focus e-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/community-messages\/\" aria-current=\"page\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCommunity Messages\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"e-n-menu-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"e-n-menu-title-5035\" class=\"e-n-menu-title elementor-animation-skew\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"e-n-menu-title-container e-focus e-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/contact\/\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"e-n-menu-title-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCONTACT\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0194ebe elementor-hidden-desktop e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0194ebe\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation_tablet&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-779d402 premium-nav-ver premium-nav-slide-down premium-vertical-right premium-ham-dropdown elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-nav-menu\" data-id=\"779d402\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;submenu_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;fas fa-chevron-down&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;fa-solid&quot;}}\" data-widget_type=\"premium-nav-menu.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-settings=\"{&quot;breakpoint&quot;:1024,&quot;mobileLayout&quot;:&quot;dropdown&quot;,&quot;mainLayout&quot;:&quot;ver&quot;,&quot;stretchDropdown&quot;:false,&quot;hoverEffect&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;submenuEvent&quot;:&quot;hover&quot;,&quot;submenuTrigger&quot;:&quot;item&quot;,&quot;closeAfterClick&quot;:false,&quot;renderMobileMenu&quot;:true}\" class=\"premium-nav-widget-container premium-nav-pointer-underline premium-nav-animation-slide\" style=\"visibility:hidden; opacity:0;\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-ver-inner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-hamburger-toggle premium-mobile-menu-icon\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Toggle Menu\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"premium-toggle-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-bars\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"premium-toggle-close\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-times\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-nav-menu-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"premium-nav-menu premium-main-nav-menu\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-f6b1c0e has-pa-badge\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT<span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-b3a0aa5 has-pa-badge\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/president-bernals-biography\/\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">ABOUT JESSE M. BERNAL<span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><li class=\"premium-item-anchor menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-8cee89c menu-item-has-children has-pa-badge\" data-full-width=\"true\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">LEADERSHIP &amp; TEAM<i class=\"premium-dropdown-icon fas fa-chevron-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><ul class=\"premium-sub-menu premium-lq__none\"><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-375425e premium-sub-menu-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/office-and-senior-team\/\" class='premium-menu-link premium-sub-menu-link'>Office &amp; Senior Team<\/a><\/li><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-990c5d9 premium-sub-menu-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/past\/\" class='premium-menu-link premium-sub-menu-link'>Past Presidents<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"premium-item-anchor menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-37a91e8 menu-item-has-children has-pa-badge\" data-full-width=\"true\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">UNIVERSITY INITIATIVES<i class=\"premium-dropdown-icon fas fa-chevron-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><ul class=\"premium-sub-menu premium-lq__none\"><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-5adeeab premium-sub-menu-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/vision-principles\/\" class='premium-menu-link premium-sub-menu-link'>Mission &amp; Values<\/a><\/li><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-1ae0841 premium-sub-menu-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/\" class='premium-menu-link premium-sub-menu-link'>Strategic Plan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"premium-active-item menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-f9cb1c5 has-pa-badge\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/community-messages\/\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">Community Messages<span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-8fe62a8 has-pa-badge\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/contact\/\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">CONTACT<span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-mobile-menu-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"premium-mobile-menu premium-main-mobile-menu premium-main-nav-menu\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-f6b1c0e has-pa-badge\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT<span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-b3a0aa5 has-pa-badge\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/president-bernals-biography\/\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">ABOUT JESSE M. BERNAL<span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><li class=\"premium-item-anchor menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-8cee89c menu-item-has-children has-pa-badge\" data-full-width=\"true\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">LEADERSHIP &amp; TEAM<i class=\"premium-dropdown-icon fas fa-chevron-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><ul class=\"premium-sub-menu premium-lq__none\"><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-375425e premium-sub-menu-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/office-and-senior-team\/\" class='premium-menu-link premium-sub-menu-link'>Office &amp; Senior Team<\/a><\/li><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-990c5d9 premium-sub-menu-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/past\/\" class='premium-menu-link premium-sub-menu-link'>Past Presidents<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"premium-item-anchor menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-37a91e8 menu-item-has-children has-pa-badge\" data-full-width=\"true\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">UNIVERSITY INITIATIVES<i class=\"premium-dropdown-icon fas fa-chevron-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><ul class=\"premium-sub-menu premium-lq__none\"><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-5adeeab premium-sub-menu-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/vision-principles\/\" class='premium-menu-link premium-sub-menu-link'>Mission &amp; Values<\/a><\/li><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-1ae0841 premium-sub-menu-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/\" class='premium-menu-link premium-sub-menu-link'>Strategic Plan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"premium-active-item menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-f9cb1c5 has-pa-badge\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/community-messages\/\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">Community Messages<span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a><li class=\"menu-item premium-nav-menu-item elementor-repeater elementor-repeater-item-8fe62a8 has-pa-badge\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/contact\/\" class=\"premium-menu-link premium-menu-link-parent premium-lq__none\">CONTACT<span class=\"premium-item-badge\">\u2794<\/span><\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2c18eb e-flex e-con-boxed elementor-invisible e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c2c18eb\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0fec9a5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0fec9a5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a628bf e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9a628bf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5096ab pa-icon-pos-after premium-lq__none elementor-widget elementor-widget-premium-addon-button\" data-id=\"a5096ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"premium-addon-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<a class=\"premium-button premium-button-style1 premium-btn-block premium-button-style1-right\" href=\"#recent\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"premium-button-text-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"svg-inline--fas-fa-arrow-down premium-drawable-icon premium-svg-nodraw\" aria-hidden='true' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 448 512'><path d=\"M413.1 222.5l22.2 22.2c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L241 473c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L12.7 278.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.2-22.2c9.5-9.5 25-9.3 34.3.4L184 343.4V56c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h32c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v287.4l114.8-120.5c9.3-9.8 24.8-10 34.3-.4z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRecent Messages\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8514367 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8514367\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5abc94a e-grid-align-right e-grid-align-mobile-center elementor-shape-rounded elementor-grid-0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-social-icons\" data-id=\"5abc94a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"social-icons.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-social-icons-wrapper elementor-grid\" role=\"list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-grid-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-icon elementor-social-icon elementor-social-icon-instagram elementor-repeater-item-bab548d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/westconn_president\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Instagram<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fab fa-instagram\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-grid-item\" role=\"listitem\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-icon elementor-social-icon elementor-social-icon-linkedin elementor-repeater-item-427f4f4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jesse-m-bernal-ph-d-1a837213\/\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Linkedin<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fab fa-linkedin\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12bd6c5 e-flex e-con-boxed elementor-invisible e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"12bd6c5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b6669d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2b6669d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Recent Messages<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f29540 recent e-flex e-con-boxed elementor-invisible e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"0f29540\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-041148b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"041148b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c84c7d elementor-grid-1 elementor-grid-tablet-1 elementor-grid-mobile-1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-loop-grid\" data-id=\"2c84c7d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;template_id&quot;:2065,&quot;columns&quot;:1,&quot;columns_tablet&quot;:1,&quot;_skin&quot;:&quot;post&quot;,&quot;columns_mobile&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;edit_handle_selector&quot;:&quot;[data-elementor-type=\\&quot;loop-item\\&quot;]&quot;,&quot;row_gap&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;row_gap_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;row_gap_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"loop-grid.post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-loop-container elementor-grid\" role=\"list\">\n\t\t<style id=\"loop-2065\">.elementor-widget-container.premium-cursor-ftext .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}} .premium-cursor-follow-text{font-family:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-weight );}.elementor-widget-container .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}}{color:var( --e-global-color-primary );fill:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-container .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-text{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-container:not(.premium-gbadge-custom) .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container, .elementor-widget-container.premium-gbadge-custom .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container{background-color:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-container .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-icon{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );fill:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-7507521{--display:flex;}.elementor-widget-post-info .elementor-icon-list-item:not(:last-child):after{border-color:var( --e-global-color-text );}.elementor-widget-post-info .elementor-icon-list-icon i{color:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-post-info .elementor-icon-list-icon svg{fill:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-post-info .elementor-icon-list-text, .elementor-widget-post-info .elementor-icon-list-text a{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-post-info .elementor-icon-list-item{font-family:var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight );}.elementor-widget-post-info.premium-cursor-ftext .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}} .premium-cursor-follow-text{font-family:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-weight );}.elementor-widget-post-info .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}}{color:var( --e-global-color-primary );fill:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-post-info .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-text{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-post-info:not(.premium-gbadge-custom) .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container, .elementor-widget-post-info.premium-gbadge-custom .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container{background-color:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-post-info .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-icon{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );fill:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-d9b6549 .elementor-icon-list-icon{width:0px;}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-d9b6549 .elementor-icon-list-icon i{font-size:0px;}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-d9b6549 .elementor-icon-list-icon svg{--e-icon-list-icon-size:0px;}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-d9b6549 .elementor-icon-list-text, .elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-d9b6549 .elementor-icon-list-text a{color:#616161;}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-d9b6549 .elementor-icon-list-item{font-family:\"Montserrat\", Sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;}.elementor-widget-theme-post-title .elementor-heading-title{font-family:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-weight );color:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-title.premium-cursor-ftext .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}} .premium-cursor-follow-text{font-family:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-weight );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-title .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}}{color:var( --e-global-color-primary );fill:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-title .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-text{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-title:not(.premium-gbadge-custom) .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container, .elementor-widget-theme-post-title.premium-gbadge-custom .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container{background-color:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-title .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-icon{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );fill:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-3074a08 .elementor-heading-title{font-family:\"Montserrat\", Sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;line-height:22px;letter-spacing:0.3px;color:#2E2E2E;}.elementor-widget-theme-post-content{color:var( --e-global-color-text );font-family:var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-content.premium-cursor-ftext .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}} .premium-cursor-follow-text{font-family:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-weight );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-content .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}}{color:var( --e-global-color-primary );fill:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-content .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-text{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-content:not(.premium-gbadge-custom) .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container, .elementor-widget-theme-post-content.premium-gbadge-custom .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container{background-color:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-theme-post-content .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-icon{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );fill:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-cc4958e{color:#2E2E2E;font-family:\"Roboto\", Sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:23px;}.elementor-widget-divider{--divider-color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-divider .elementor-divider__text{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );font-family:var( --e-global-typography-secondary-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-secondary-font-weight );}.elementor-widget-divider.elementor-view-stacked .elementor-icon{background-color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-divider.elementor-view-framed .elementor-icon, .elementor-widget-divider.elementor-view-default .elementor-icon{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );border-color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-divider.elementor-view-framed .elementor-icon, .elementor-widget-divider.elementor-view-default .elementor-icon svg{fill:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-divider.premium-cursor-ftext .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}} .premium-cursor-follow-text{font-family:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-primary-font-weight );}.elementor-widget-divider .premium-global-cursor-{{ID}}{color:var( --e-global-color-primary );fill:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-divider .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-text{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-widget-divider:not(.premium-gbadge-custom) .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container, .elementor-widget-divider.premium-gbadge-custom .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-container{background-color:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-divider .premium-global-badge-{{ID}} .premium-badge-icon{color:var( --e-global-color-secondary );fill:var( --e-global-color-secondary );}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-a7d045c{--divider-border-style:solid;--divider-color:#D9D8D6;--divider-border-width:1px;}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-a7d045c .elementor-divider-separator{width:100%;}.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-a7d045c .elementor-divider{padding-block-start:35px;padding-block-end:35px;}@media(max-width:767px){.elementor-2065 .elementor-element.elementor-element-3074a08 .elementor-heading-title{font-size:15px;line-height:1.4em;}}<\/style>\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-4094 post-4094 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>March 31, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Search Launched: Associate Vice President for Student Affairs &amp; Dean of Students<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dear WestConn Students &amp; Colleagues,<\/p>\n<p>We have officially launched the search for our Associate Vice President for Student Affairs &amp; Dean of Students.<\/p>\n<p>This is a critical, community-facing role, one that sits at the heart of the student experience at WestConn. More information about the search, including the position profile, advisory search committee, and anticipated timeline, is available here: <b><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/studentaffairs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-outlook-id=\"ca445bee-38f0-4608-8a65-a55c51e6e6d7\">www.<wbr \/>wcsu.<wbr \/>edu\/<wbr \/>president\/<wbr \/>studentaffairs\/<wbr \/><\/a><\/u><\/b><b>.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>I am deeply grateful to those who have agreed to serve on the search committee, including its co-chairs, Jennifer LaBate and Melissa Stephens, and to our representatives from the University Senate, Student Government Association, AAUP, and SUOAF. Your willingness to engage in this important work reflects the shared investment we all have in getting this right. The full committee list is available on the website.<\/p>\n<p>I encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues and your professional networks. As part of our process, the broader campus community will have opportunities to meet finalists, ask questions, and provide feedback. We hope to make that happen before the end of the term, though we are ready to adjust our schedule to ensure meaningful and broad participation, as this role deserves.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for your continued partnership as we build this next chapter together.<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<br \/>\nJesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.<br \/>\nPresident<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-4096 post-4096 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>March 28, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Thank you for believing in WestConn<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dear Friends, Students, and Colleagues,<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m writing to you the morning after one of the most meaningful days in the life of this university, and in mine.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll share photos and memories from the inauguration later this week. But I didn&#8217;t want to wait. I wanted to say it directly: <strong>Thank you.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Thank you for showing up. For this university. For our students. For the future we\u2019re building together.<\/p>\n<p>When I looked out from that podium and saw the room \u2013 the faces, the energy, the belief \u2013 I felt something I don\u2019t think I&#8217;ll ever forget. That was not just an inauguration. That was a community telling itself what it\u2019s capable of.<\/p>\n<ul data-editing-info=\"{&quot;applyListStyleFromLevel&quot;:true,&quot;unorderedStyleType&quot;:1}\">\n<li><strong>To our donors and foundation partners:<\/strong>\u00a0I said it from the podium, and I\u2019ll say it again here. Your investment in WestConn is not charity. It is the single best bet you can make on the future of this region. I hope you felt that in the room, because I meant every word. Every scholarship, every program, every door you help open \u2013 it changes a life. And that life changes a family. And that family changes a community. That\u2019s not a talking point. That&#8217;s how it actually works.<\/li>\n<li><strong>To our local and state elected officials:<\/strong>\u00a0Your presence sent a powerful message. WestConn serves students who have the least margin for error, and the most to give back. Your support of public higher education tells them they matter. That matters more than you know.<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0<strong>To our Board of Regents, Chair Guay, Vice Chair James, and Chancellor Maduko:<\/strong>\u00a0I carry your trust seriously. I hope the address reflected the kind of presidency I intend to lead, grounded in honesty, shared leadership, and an unwavering commitment to students.<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0<strong>To our faculty and staff:<\/strong>\u00a0You are the soul of this institution. You learn students&#8217; names. You stay late. You notice when someone is struggling, and you do something about it. <span data-date-isostring=\"2026-04-03\">Friday<\/span> was a celebration of you. I know some of you have been carrying this place through hard years without a permanent president, without certainty, without enough recognition. I see you. And I need you to know this next chapter belongs to you as much as it does to anyone.<\/li>\n<li><strong>To our students:<\/strong>\u00a0You show up every day with a kind of courage and determination that makes all of this work worth doing. This place exists because of you. Never forget that.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Somewhere on this campus right now, there&#8217;s a student who almost didn&#8217;t come back this semester. Who&#8217;s wondering if they belong. If you see them, tell them they do. That\u2019s the work.<\/p>\n<p>During my address, I asked our community to carry one question into every room and every decision: <strong><em>What does it take for our people to thrive? <\/em><\/strong>Not survive. Not get by. <strong>Thrive.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I meant that for all of us. Not just those on campus, but every partner, every supporter, every person who believes in what a regional public university can be.<\/p>\n<p>If we answer that question honestly, and if we let it change us, there is no limit to what this university can become.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Welcome. Weave. Widen.<\/strong>\u00a0That is <em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/western-rising-2025-4wwbjz9.gamma.site\/feb26\" data-outlook-id=\"db1b0e44-38b3-4662-87cd-a444b33595dd\">WestConn Rising<\/a><\/u><\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The celebration was extraordinary. Now the real work begins. I\u2019m grateful to have every one of you in it. Let&#8217;s get to work.<\/p>\n<p>With deep appreciation,<\/p>\n<p>Jesse (\ud83d\udc3e from Bella &amp; Tuck too with their rising popularity in their wolf gear \ud83d\udc3e)<br \/>\nWestConn President<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-4098 post-4098 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>March 25, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">An Expanded Regional Partnership &amp; an Invitation to Serve<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dear Faculty and Staff,<\/p>\n<p>Interim Chancellor O. John Maduko has formally charged Interim President Christina Royal and me to convene a joint Task Force to develop a roadmap for a deeper regional partnership between CT State Danbury and WestConn. The goal is straightforward: better serve students in Danbury and the surrounding region, strengthening transfer pathways, aligning workforce preparation, and improving the overall student experience, while each institution keeps its own identity, mission, and accreditation fully intact.<\/p>\n<p>This is a partnership, not a merger. Two institutions. One shared commitment to students.<\/p>\n<p>Danbury is a dynamic, growing region. The students we serve, and those we have not yet reached, deserve a higher education ecosystem that meets them where they are and takes them where they want to go. That is what our work is about.<\/p>\n<p>I understand that some in our community have concerns, especially about losing students to CT State because of the difference in tuition and about potential reputational risk. There are other questions as well, but these are the most common I have heard. I take those concerns seriously. At the same time, I believe the potential benefits far outweigh them. In similar efforts elsewhere, these fears haven&#8217;t materialized. Instead, institutions have seen stronger transfer pipelines, enrollment growth, and new revenue. This is exactly why we are convening a Task Force: to explore this carefully, examine the data and evidence, and help us move forward with clarity.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m looking for WestConn faculty and staff who want to help shape what this looks like. The Task Force and parallel sub-groups will include representation across academic leadership, student affairs, enrollment, operations, IT, institutional research, and others. I want people at the table who understand WestConn deeply and care about getting this right.<\/p>\n<p><b>To self-nominate, send a brief statement of interest to <\/b><b><a href=\"mailto:president@wcsu.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-outlook-id=\"ee4adb7b-3596-423c-9d0e-ae0b311da2bd\">president@<wbr \/>wcsu.<wbr \/>edu<\/a><\/b><b>\u00a0by <span data-date-isostring=\"2026-04-07\">April 7<\/span>. A few sentences is all I need. Tell me who you are, what area you represent, and why you want to serve.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>There will also be other opportunities for members of our community to provide feedback, and I will share regular updates as this work moves forward. I\u2019ll be sharing more about the Task Force structure, timeline, and charge in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out if you have questions.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for everything you do for our students and for WestConn. This is the kind of work that can make a real difference for our region.<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p>Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.<br \/>\nPresident<br \/>\nWestern Connecticut State University<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-4002 post-4002 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>March 19, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Celebrating Our 2026 honorary degree recipient, President\u2019s Medal honoree, and commencement speaker<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dear WestConn Colleagues,<\/p>\n<p>I am pleased to share that Western Connecticut State University will confer the 2026 Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters upon Robert J. Yamin, Esq., and will present the 2026 President\u2019s Medal to Dr. Richard Asselta. I am also glad to share that Anna Rathmann of the Jane Goodall Institute will serve as our commencement speaker. You can learn more about this year\u2019s honorees and our awards history here: <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/awards\/\" data-outlook-id=\"1adb5164-52a1-4834-8bd3-7afa38cf7649\">WCSU Awards<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n<p>Bob Yamin will be recognized at the Graduate Commencement on May 19. A proud WestConn alumnus, distinguished attorney, civic leader, and longstanding champion for the University and the greater Danbury community, Bob represents the very best of service, leadership, and commitment to the common good. This year\u2019s honorary degree is especially meaningful, as it is WestConn\u2019s first honorary degree in eight years.<\/p>\n<p>Rick Asselta will receive the President\u2019s Medal at the Undergraduate Commencement on May 18. Through decades of engagement with WestConn, partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, and service to the Danbury community and beyond, Rick has demonstrated a deeply student-centered and mission-driven commitment that has had lasting impact.<\/p>\n<p>More information about commencement is available here: <u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/commencement\/\" data-outlook-id=\"b8abd0f4-f9f8-44e2-a518-882f0515b695\">Commencement<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s recognitions also reflect an important step in our continued work to lead through shared leadership. These recommendations were informed through a more inclusive and deliberative process that invited nominations from the community and guidance from a representative committee. I am grateful to all who helped shape this process, and we will continue refining it in the years ahead.<\/p>\n<p>Please join me in congratulating Bob, Rick, and Anna as we prepare to celebrate Commencement and honor these remarkable individuals.<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p>Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.<br \/>\nPresident<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-4038 post-4038 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>March 17, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Launch of Search for Inaugural Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dear WestConn Colleagues,<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">We have officially launched the search for our inaugural Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is an important step in our ongoing implementation of the Spring 2026 administrative restructure and in building a more coordinated, responsive, and sustainable university. As outlined in our restructuring framework, this role is designed to help bring together key operational areas, strengthen alignment across functions, and support the day-to-day systems that help WestConn serve students well. More information about the search, including the position profile, advisory search committee, and anticipated timeline, is available here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/vpo\" data-outlook-id=\"898976b9-05d0-4305-8c6c-2e366ddf87e9\">www.wcsu.edu\/president\/vpo<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/s26restructure\" data-outlook-id=\"313b6215-304b-4908-a403-2ac549f390d8\">www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/s26restructure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">I am grateful to those who have agreed to help lead and support this important work as part of the committee. I also encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues and professional networks. As part of our continued effort to strengthen inclusive and thoughtful search practices, we are also following a newer approach for executive searches in which immediate direct reports to the position do not serve on the search committee. This practice helps create appropriate space in the committee process while still ensuring meaningful participation from those most connected to the work. Immediate direct reports, along with the broader campus community, will have opportunities to meet finalists, ask questions, and provide feedback as part of the process.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">This search matters because operations matter. The systems, services, and coordination behind the scenes shape the experience our students, faculty, and staff have every day. Bringing the right leader into this inaugural role is part of how we continue building a WestConn that is more connected, more effective, and better prepared for the future. As we recruit, we will be looking not only for strong experience and leadership, but also for someone whose values align with WestConn\u2019s commitments.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thank you for your continued engagement as we build this next chapter together.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sincerely,<br \/>\nJesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.<br \/>\nPresident<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-3751 post-3751 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>March 6, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Board of Regents Approves Naming of CELT in Honor of Dr. Carol A. Hawkes<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dear WestConn Community,<\/p>\n<p>I am pleased to share an important and meaningful update for our university.<\/p>\n<p>At its <span data-date-isostring=\"2026-02-26\">February 26<\/span> meeting, the Board of Regents formally approved the naming of our Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in honor of Dr. Carol A. Hawkes. Going forward, CELT will be known as the Dr. Carol A. Hawkes Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Hawkes\u2019s legacy at WestConn is extraordinary. Over 24 years of service, she helped shape the academic and artistic life of this institution as a faculty member and academic leader, as Dean of Arts and Sciences, as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and as the founding dean of what became our School of Visual and Performing Arts. Her influence is still felt across this university.<\/p>\n<p>Since learning about her generous gift to WestConn, I&#8217;ve spoken with many who knew or worked with her, including former Presidents James Schmotter and James Roach, who shared stories of her high standards, dedication, intellect, and influential leadership. She was a trailblazer for women in higher education and prioritized faculty advancement. These conversations have strengthened my gratitude and sense of duty.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Hawkes\u2019s bequest is particularly significant as it represents a rare unrestricted gift, demonstrating considerable trust in WestConn and confidence in our future. Her total contribution of $3.3 million, the second largest in the university\u2019s history, provides an opportunity to honor her legacy by supporting academic excellence, fostering innovation, and advancing initiatives that benefit students and the individuals who contribute to the university\u2019s success.<\/p>\n<p>The approved framework launches a new Hawkes Fellows Program for faculty and staff and introduces the Hawkes Catalyst Grants, both of which I will directly support. The newly established Hawkes Center will receive support, and we have set aside an undesignated $1.5 million as a strategic investment reserve for future decisions. This amount will be thoughtfully evaluated over time to ensure it is used in ways that best serve our community. Additionally, the center will offer grants dedicated to advancing our commitment to incorporate applied learning opportunities for every student.<\/p>\n<p>I want to emphasize that this is only the beginning. Shared stewardship with community input will continue to be sought as these opportunities take shape, including future decisions about the long-term strategic use of the remaining investment. There is no timeline at this point for that broader allocation, and I believe that is appropriate as we continue to shape priorities together.<\/p>\n<p>More details about how to apply for available funds and the fellows\u2019 program will be shared soon. In addition, Provost Hegedus will soon announce a call for applications for the next Director of the Hawkes Center.<\/p>\n<p>I am grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this moment, and to all who will help shape what comes next. It is a privilege to honor Dr. Hawkes in this way, and I hope this beginning reflects both her love for WestConn and our commitment to use her gift with care, purpose, and imagination.<\/p>\n<p>With gratitude,<br \/>\nJesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.<br \/>\nPresident<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-3758 post-3758 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>March 4, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Update on WestConn Facilities &amp; Planning Leadership<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dear WestConn Faculty and Staff,<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the spirit of how I try to communicate with you \u2013 clearly, directly, and with appreciation for the people doing the work \u2013 I want to share an update regarding leadership in our facilities areas as we continue finalizing decisions about organizational structure and campus leadership.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Effective March 11, Deanna Cibery-Schaab, Interim Associate Vice President for Facilities Management &amp; Planning, will transition back to her permanent role as Director of Access Control &amp; One-Card Services in the WESTCONNect Office. I\u2019m grateful for Deanna\u2019s steady and extraordinary leadership during this interim period. She has, time after time, stepped in when the university needed her most, and she has advanced important work with professionalism, care and a deep commitment to our students and colleagues. The successes she has achieved during her time in this role make WestConn better in many ways. Please join me in thanking Deanna for her service.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the coming months, we will begin a national search for a new leader of facilities management and planning. In the meantime, to ensure continuity and clear decision-making, I have asked, and want to thank, the following leaders to cover key responsibilities typically handled by this role:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<li>Bob Berry, Chief of Police &amp; Director of Public Safety \u2014 Management-level supervision of the WESTCONNect Office<\/li>\n<li>Dan Casinelli, Director of Facilities Planning &amp; Engineering \u2014 Capital planning, the Facilities Master Plan, and coordination of projects with the System Office<\/li>\n<li>Fred Cratty, Chief Human Resources Officer \u2014 Management-level supervision of Facilities Operations staff (Custodial, HVAC, Trades, Grounds), as well as space allocation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you need assistance and are unsure who to contact, please reach out to Fred Cratty, and he will help route your request to the appropriate person.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thank you for your patience and partnership as we strengthen our operations and ensure we have the right leadership structure in place to support the work of teaching, learning, and student success.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.<br \/>\nPresident<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-3756 post-3756 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>February 23, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Updated Information: Welcome. Weave. Widen. Wolves Day of Giving \u2013 February 26<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dear WestConn Community,<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Our annual Wolves Day of Giving is almost here.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the entire WestConn community will come together for 24 hours to invest in the people, programs, and possibilities that define our university.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is more than a fundraising day. It is a moment to welcome new opportunities, weave our strengths together, and widen our collective impact across campus and throughout the region we serve.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thank you to everyone for your efforts and hard work to prepare for this important day. Please share your favorite areas with your contacts, and friends and be sure to join us at the events throughout the day.\u00a0 Your participation creates even more opportunities to win funds for your favorite area of support.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can follow the day\u2019s progress, check out the leaderboards and explore giving opportunities here:<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwolvesgivingday.wcsu.edu%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cbernalj%40wcsu.edu%7C24a79bde93654c7c583a08de733c1e11%7Ce1622dbc94ba48ad87bba7f28074ee3d%7C0%7C0%7C639074899203321126%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=xwYBBq9aa5JRlh0uVhFu%2Fm0TtO9P4UuduSEQ5cH6gUM%3D&amp;reserved=0\" data-outlook-id=\"bcf7d11a-4604-47a0-ac37-750077674fcf\">Wolves Day of Giving<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are many ways to support WestConn. From student scholarships and academic departments to athletics, student life, faculty innovation, and community partnerships, every gift strengthens something meaningful. The site highlights a range of funds and initiatives so you can direct your support where it matters most to you.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">This year, I\u2019m excited to participate in Wolves Day of Giving with a new effort I\u2019ve launched\u2014the <strong>WestConn10 Community Support Fund<\/strong>\u2014starting with my own personal contribution to help build early momentum. I\u2019ll be sharing this page, along with the main Wolves Day of Giving link, with my contacts.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">The WestConn10 Fund provides immediate, flexible resources for:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"font-weight: 400\">\n<li>Student scholarships<\/li>\n<li>Faculty and Staff innovation grants<\/li>\n<li>Community sponsorships that extend WestConn\u2019s regional impact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is not an endowment \u2014 every dollar goes directly to current priorities and urgent needs. When we give together, our impact multiplies.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">If WestConn has shaped you, supported you, or inspired you, I invite you to help shape what comes next.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Share the area of your choice with your networks: friends, family, alumni, colleagues and ask them to bookmark the page. Personal outreach expands our reach and strengthens our momentum.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">WestConn continues to rise because of each of you. Our students are counting on us. Our region is watching. And our future is ours to build, together.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Let\u2019s make this our strongest Wolves Day of Giving yet.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">With gratitude,<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.<br \/>\nPresident<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-3456 post-3456 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>January 21, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Spring 2026 Update &amp; Request for Feedback<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dear WestConn Students, Faculty, and Staff,<\/p>\n<p>Thank you to everyone who joined us Tuesday afternoon for our Spring Semester Kickoff Meeting. For those who couldn\u2019t attend, and for all who want to revisit the information, below is a brief recap of what I shared, along with links to more details on each topic.<\/p>\n<p>Over the holidays, my 85-year-old grandmother, who spent much of her life as a migrant farm worker and later as a hospital custodian, asked me, \u201cMijo, what is it that you do?\u201d The clearest answer I could give is also what I have come to define as our shared purpose: We Welcome people as they are, Weave relationships that help them belong and succeed, and Widen opportunity so every learner can thrive.<\/p>\n<p>That purpose is guiding our work this semester: moving from stability to resilience, strengthening our foundations, and building what is Distinctively WestConn: care that shows up in high standards, real support, and education that prepares students for careers and lives that matter.<\/p>\n<p>Key updates (with links to more information)<br \/>\nWestern Rising Focused Strategy (2026\u20132028): our five commitments and priorities. Read more and provide feedback by February 9 at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/focusedstrategy\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/focusedstrategy<\/a>\/.<br \/>\nMid-Year Budget Update: stewardship, projections, and actions underway. Read more at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/26budget\" target=\"_blank\">www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/s26budget<\/a>.<br \/>\nAdministrative (Re)Structure Update: clarity, alignment, and \u201cWolves First\u201d efficiencies. Read more at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/s26restructure\" target=\"_blank\">www.wcsu.edu\/western-rising\/s26restructure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for your work, your care, and your continued commitment to WestConn. Let\u2019s keep building, together. Welcome. Weave. Widen.<\/p>\n<p>Go Wolves!<br \/>\nJesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.<br \/>\nPresident<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"loop-item\" data-elementor-id=\"2065\" class=\"elementor elementor-2065 e-loop-item e-loop-item-3754 post-3754 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\" data-elementor-post-type=\"elementor_library\" data-custom-edit-handle=\"1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7507521 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7507521\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"d9b6549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-1db3c5e elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>January 19, 2026<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3074a08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3074a08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Dr. King\u2019s Legacy and Our Commitment to Thrive<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc4958e elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-content\" data-id=\"cc4958e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-content.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Dear WestConn Community,<\/p>\n<p>Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader who challenged our nation to match our values with our actions, and to treat every person with dignity.<\/p>\n<p>At WestConn, that call connects directly to one of our clearest commitments, currently under review by the campus, in <i>Western Rising Focused Strategy<\/i>: <b>Creating a Campus Where Every Person Thrives<\/b>.\u00a0For Dr. King, a community isn\u2019t measured by what it says, but by how it shows up for people, especially those who have been pushed to the margins.<\/p>\n<p>As Connecticut\u2019s largest 4-year Hispanic-Serving Institution, we carry both a responsibility and an opportunity: to widen access, strengthen belonging, and make sure every student, and every member of our community, has what they need to learn and grow. Creating a campus where every person thrives means building a culture of care and action. It means listening, removing barriers, and choosing compassion in our daily work with one another.<\/p>\n<p>MLK Day is also a National Day of Service. If you\u2019re able, I hope you\u2019ll honor Dr. King in a simple, meaningful way today: lend a hand, volunteer, mentor, learn, check in on someone, or take time to listen with an open heart. Those small acts matter. They add up. They are how we build the \u201cbeloved community\u201d Dr. King called for, one relationship at a time.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for all you do to make WestConn a place of care, belonging, possibility, and action.<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<br \/>\nJesse<\/p>\n<p>Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.<br \/>\nPresident<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d045c elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"a7d045c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Community Messages Office of the President ABOUT JESSE M. BERNAL LEADERSHIP &#038; TEAM Close LEADERSHIP &#038; TEAM Open LEADERSHIP &#038; TEAM OFFICE &amp; SENIOR TEAM OFFICE &amp; SENIOR TEAM PAST PRESIDENTS PAST PRESIDENTS University Initiatives Close &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"full-width-wcsu.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1991","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1991","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1991"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1991\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}