Welcome, everyone, to our October Town Hall Meeting! We welcome all attending today in person, and all joining us through Teams. If you’re participating virtually, we’d appreciate your turning cameras on if possible.
Over the weekend, we learned of the untimely passing of long-serving HU Provost Bili Mattes, and we thank Provost Kevin Purcell for the beautiful note he sent about Bili to our University community. Please join me in a moment of silence for Bili, her family, and loved ones.
Moment of Silence for Long-Serving HU Provost Bili Mattes
Thank you.
Introducing Emily Aubele
I’d like to begin by welcoming the newest member of our HU family, Dr. Emily Aubele. For those of you who have not yet met her, Emily joined us on October 1 as our new Vice President for Student Affairs, succeeding Dr. Lauren Edgell. Emily has a strong Student Affairs background, including leadership for Student Affairs at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where I worked directly with her for 10 years, and earlier service in Residential Life at University of Pittsburgh and other institutions.
Before joining us, Emily most recently served as a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania United Way Vice President with responsibility for the state’s 211 programs, which have periodically brought her in touch with Harrisburg University students, faculty, and staff who conduct research and engage in other United Way activities. Emily will lead our dedicated team of student success colleagues, and our University-wide student retention initiatives including leadership for achieving the goals and objectives of the University’s 2026-30 Student Retention Plan.
Welcome, Emily! Would you like to say a few words?
Cabinet and Trustees Serve Pancakes to HU Community
Yesterday morning, members of the Cabinet and trustees joined me in serving a pancake breakfast to our students, faculty, and staff. It was fun interacting with our students and HU colleagues, who greatly appreciated the opportunity and had many smiling faces!
Student engagement is a key element and goal for our University, and I encourage all of us to take advantage of opportunities, when possible, to interact with and celebrate our students outside the classroom and in the life of the University. It means so much to them, and student retention research bears that out. As a student-centered institution, this engagement is not just the responsibility of Student Affairs staff. It is the responsibility of all of us including faculty and senior staff.
HU Named First PA Navigate Certified Campus in the Commonwealth
We are thrilled that the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, contracted by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, has named Harrisburg University the first PA Navigate Certified Campus in the Commonwealth. PA Navigate helps students find trusted support for school, work, and life by connecting them with resources to address basic needs and support their well-being.
This initiative grew out of a conversation between Cecilia Moser and Malik Potter about supporting students. Cecilia introduced Malik to PA Navigate, and Malik recognized the network’s potential to make essential resources more accessible. Malik and Matt Moser, also from PA Navigate, then developed HU’s approach, which they are now piloting.
The Campus Certification Program recognizes institutions that embed resource navigation into student life through student-centered support, community collaboration, and connections to workforce and career pathways. This work is already drawing interest beyond HU.
PA Hunger-Free has invited our team to share its approach with a network of 92 campuses across Pennsylvania. Building on this commitment, HU just hosted student video interviews for a statewide campaign led by PA EmpowerU, a program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students shared their experiences accessing basic needs support to help others recognize that seeking assistance is normal, resources are available, and no student has to navigate these challenges alone.
We offer special thanks to Malik, Cecilia, Matt, PA Navigate, the students who shared their stories, everyone who helped coordinate the filming, and our entire student success team for their continued commitment to helping students thrive!
Listening Tour
I continue to enjoy and greatly benefit from my ongoing listening tour with small groups of students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community members. I thank all of you who have met with me and shared your stories and perspectives, and I look forward to more meetings through early December.
I have also met one-on-one with most of our trustees, a wide array of community leaders and representatives, and I have greatly enjoyed spending time with students including two Pizza with the President sessions.
As I mentioned in my monthly blog that came out yesterday, I am hearing many consistent themes in these conversations, and when the listening tour concludes in several months I will share my full observations with the University community.
Some themes that are already especially prominent include:
- A strong belief in and commitment to our students and our mission across the University;
- A desire to grow our enrollments and financial stability in service of our mission;
- A belief in and commitment to expanding our meaningful engagement with students and creating an increasingly more vibrant on-campus environment;
- Pride in the strong impact and outcomes of inspirational partnerships across the University, region, Commonwealth and beyond;
- A desire to contribute strongly to the revitalization of Harrisburg and service to Southcentral Pennsylvania, a core and foundational element of our mission;
- And, of course, parking, parking, parking!
I am consistently hearing from you that we do not want Harrisburg University to continue being the region’s “best-kept secret.” Another theme surfacing frequently is that folks here want to feel more connected with one another and to the larger University mission.
That message is what prompted the launch of our Culture and Engagement Council: a faculty- and staff-led effort built around professional development, engagement and recognition, and health and wellness. Trust is built through action, and the strongest cultures are built by a community.
It has been gratifying to see our faculty and staff kick off culture-focused initiatives with such conviction and enthusiasm, including our recent Pride of the Susquehanna cruise in celebration of our 25th anniversary! With that, I’d like to invite Associate Professor of English Dr. Julie Doxsee and Assistant Director of Career Services and Employer Relations Emily Lupi to offer an update on the exciting work of the Culture and Engagement Council.
Associate Professor of English Julie Doxsee and Assistant Director for Career Services Emily Lupi Reported on Culture and Engagement Council
Thanks very much, Julie, Emily, and all members of the HU Culture and Engagement Council. You are making our University a better place to work, study, and thrive!
As most of you are aware, Workforce Research Group conducted an engagement survey of our faculty and staff in late April and early May. In the end-of-year hustle and bustle and presidential transition, results have not yet been shared with our community but I have asked Chief Human Resources Officer Jennifer Millford to share high-level results with you today.
Chief Human Resources Officer Jen Millford Shared Results of May 2026 Faculty and Staff Engagement Survey
Thanks so much, Jen! We will continue our collective focus on and commitment to employee wellbeing, including care, fairness, equity, and professional development.
Inaugural Harrisburg University Impact Report
Our long-planned 2026 Harrisburg University Impact Report is finished and has been promulgated widely. The reported data regarding the impact of this University on students, community, local and state economies, and beyond are compelling and mission-centric points of pride. The report is available on the website and has been covered in the media.
We thank Chief Philanthropy Officer Pamela Lambert, our Board Philanthropy Committee, Marketing and Communications staff, and many others for their development of this new report that everyone owns and celebrates.
Presidential Work Plan
As I reported to the HU Board of Trustees and shared with our University community, I have finished a Presidential Work Plan informed by feedback from the University and surrounding community. This Presidential Work Plan includes eight Presidential Performance Goals developed by our Board of Trustees and many initiatives that represent University-wide priorities that I will lead and support this year.
I want to emphasize that these initiatives and areas of focus are University-wide priorities and are owned by all of us. Everyone plays an important role in our collective progress.
At the end of this academic year, I plan to share an annual report of University-wide goal outcomes, including the celebration of many University members who have contributed to the achievement of our University’s success, growth, and continuous improvement.
University Business Plan
Following months of planning, meetings, and conversations of Cabinet and other administrative colleagues, trustees, attorneys, and consultants, we have completed our Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 2027-31 Business Plan for our University bondholders. The plan defines goals with specific metrics and flows from the Presidential Work Plan.
I want to especially thank Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kevin Purcell, Chief Financial and Chief Operating Officer Duane Maun, Chief Strategy Officer Dr. David Clickner, and Vice President for External Affairs and Strategic Growth Lorelee Isbell for their phenomenal leadership and collaboration in completing this vitally important plan.
Central to the Business Plan and Presidential Work Plan is the achievement of a continuous upward trend of incremental growth in student enrollment. Allow me to share a few recent enrollment updates.
Enrollment Update
Admitted master’s degree-seeking students for the late fall start total 178, with 83 deposits. Our fall 2 budget goal is 90 new students. Admissions staff continue working with others to enroll students up to the October 24 start date.
Spring master’s degree-seeking entering student deposits are behind last year but ahead of two years ago at this time. Spring doctoral entering student applications currently total 64 compared to 40 last year at this time, an increase of 60%, with 47 admitted students compared to five a year ago. Early Doctor of Physical Therapy entering student applications for next fall currently total 29 with 11 admitted students, a good beginning.
Total combined spring master’s and doctoral degree-seeking student applications are ahead of last year, and this continuing success is the result of Herculean leadership and support of faculty and staff across the University! Thank you all! We all own the many vitally important recent and continuing initiatives that are leading to continued enrollment growth. These efforts are foundational to our University’s success now and going forward.
There are currently 231 early bachelor degree-seeking new student applications for next fall, with 104 already accepted. Meaningful year-over-year baccalaureate trend comparisons for next fall will begin on November 15.
Enrollment is of course not only about new students, but, very importantly, it’s about ensuring the retention and success of continuing students, and that is also a University-wide priority. We are currently reaching out to continuing students to encourage and support their registration for spring coursework and would appreciate everyone’s help in engaging students and supporting their registration.
New High School Academies
And we are hard at work planning all aspects of our Cybersecurity and Robotics High School Academies that will debut at HU in September 2027. There is also interest in our developing a hydroponics, agricultural, biology-related academy for York County high school students to possibly be offered at the York Fairgrounds.
Between now and when the academies launch, we will conduct meetings with School District Superintendents to discuss the academy model and hopefully gain their support; promote the academies to prospective high school students and their families; and plan for the curriculum including high impact experiential learning activities, among others. We further need to fully develop the business plan including tuition and fees, transportation, and grant and other sources of income.
We are holding a planning meeting with many University members on Friday when we will identify leaders for each of these planning components, and a timeline.
There is so much good work happening in our strategic enrollment space! We thank Vice President of Enrollment Management John Champoli, his team, and all members of the University community as enrollment is the result of everyone’s efforts!
Financial Update
And with that continued enrollment success comes financial strength. HU continues its encouraging start through the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27. The University’s unaudited financial results through September 30 reflect stronger-than-anticipated tuition revenue and continued expense management.
Net tuition and fee revenue exceeded budget for the first quarter by approximately $2.62 million, while operating expenses before depreciation and amortization were approximately $630,000 below budget. While financial challenges remain, these results provide positive momentum as we prepare to implement our 2027-31 business plan and continue strengthening the University’s financial foundation.
We thank Chief Financial and Operating Officer Duane Maun, his dedicated colleagues, and faculty and staff across the University for their leadership and support.
Forensic Science Program Accreditation Visit
Under the leadership of Assistant Professors of Forensics Dr. Jill Yeakle and Dr. Carrie Wise, HU hosted a delegation last week from the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, or FEPAC. As we all are aware, Forensics is one of the University’s fastest growing undergraduate programs. The two-day visit included meetings across the University.
Program specific accreditations like this support our learners and lend credence to their education while serving as a recruitment and marketing tool to drive enrollment. We encourage program accreditation across the University where possible. I will support future additional efforts to seek disciplinary accreditation as it truly measures and promotes excellence in our core academic mission.
Thank you, Professors Yeakle and Wise, and everyone involved in this next step toward disciplinary accreditation for our strong and proud Forensics program!
Celebrating Successful Campus Events
Recently, HU celebrated several momentous and impactful events. On Tuesday, October 6, and Wednesday, October 7, Harrisburg University hosted three exceedingly successful events highlighting our work in innovation, research, entrepreneurship, emerging technology, and workforce development. We welcomed many government and industry leaders to campus, and the events brought considerable positive and compelling visibility to HU.
As part of National Manufacturing Week, United States Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (LA), U.S. Congressman Scott Perry (PA), U.S. Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI), and Pennsylvania State Senator Greg Rothman visited HU for a tour, discussion, and press conference focused on Harrisburg University’s advanced manufacturing program and research through STORMWERX. The official visit was scheduled to highlight HU’s applied research and partnerships that connect students with emerging technologies and manufacturing careers.
In their press conference remarks, Speaker Johnson and Congressman Perry praised HU as an innovative STEM-focused institution with programs, partnerships, and alumni success rates that are models of excellence.
On the very same day, HU hosted more than 30 participants from government, industry, and education to explore what quantum technologies mean for cybersecurity, workforce preparation, and our regional economy. Attendees included representatives from state and federal legislative offices, public cybersecurity leaders, Team Pennsylvania, and public and private organizations.
And the next day, Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development announced Governor Shapiro’s new Venture Studio Grant Program, part of the Innovate in PA 2.0 initiative, right here at HU. Grants between $250,000 and $1 million will be awarded, and we plan to submit a proposal to support the HU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Attending and speaking were DCED Secretary Rick Siger, State Senator Patty Kim, State Representative Nate Davidson, and others. The event was held in our Advanced Manufacturing labs and Makerspace, showcasing HU’s role in connecting science and technology with business and workforce development. We offer heartfelt thanks to the faculty, staff, and students who attended and participated.
Together, these three highly successful events offered valuable opportunities to showcase the work happening across Harrisburg University and strengthen relationships that support our students, programs, and future growth. We thank and congratulate everyone who helped make these three events a success – members of Cabinet, faculty, staff, students, and external partners including SE&M Solutions. From planning and preparation to participating, welcoming guests, and supporting the many details behind the scenes, your contributions showcased the best of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. These events were a University-wide effort, and we are grateful to everyone who played a part. As they say, “It Takes a Village!”
And as if all that weren’t enough, we are looking forward to hosting two powerful upcoming events. We can’t wait to host the 2026 Cybersecurity Summit this Wednesday and Thursday, October 21 and 22. The Summit will bring together more than 350 leaders and professionals from government, education, law enforcement, and the private sector.
Presented in partnership with InfraGard Central Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, this year’s Summit will explore the theme “Cyber Liberty: Powered by Unity, Strengthened by Resilience.” The two-day event will feature expert-led sessions, a tabletop exercise, and a Capture the Flag competition.
On Wednesday, November 18, we will host Central Pennsylvania GIS Day for the sixth consecutive year. Held in partnership with EBA Engineering, Keystone GIS, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the event is expected to engage high school students and professionals from government, higher education, and industry in exploring geographic information systems, geospatial innovation, career pathways, and workforce development.
Nationally recognized cartographer and visual storyteller Michael Hermann, founder of Purple Lizard Maps, will deliver the keynote, and participants will connect, exchange ideas, and explore how mapping and geospatial technologies can help shape Pennsylvania’s future.
We now open the meeting to questions, comments and suggestions, points of pride, and celebrations of HU family members.
Questions, Comments, Discussion
Thank you all and enjoy the rest of your day!
