Generous Grant Supports Future Caregivers
Wilson College recently received a generous grant from The John H. Shook Foundation. The grant will provide scholarships to support students pursuing a degree in nursing and other healthcare careers. This transformative gift underscores the Foundation’s commitment to advancing health and human services and supporting the well-being of Franklin County’s aging population.
Fall Census Confirms Historic Enrollment
Wilson College has officially reached the highest enrollment total in its history. Following the completion of the Fall 2025 Census, the College reports an official enrollment of 2,081 students, surpassing the preliminary milestone announced in the Fall 2025 issue of Wilson Magazine.
The earlier figure, shared prior to the census, marked a significant point-in-time achievement. The finalized count now confirms that enrollment growth continued through the census period, setting a new historic achievement for the institution.
This record-breaking enrollment reflects strong growth across multiple student populations, including increases in first-time in-college students, Wilson College Online, dual enrollment high school students, and the Teacher Certification Program. Together, these gains have driven a 53 percent increase in total enrollment over the past three years, underscoring sustained momentum and the College’s expanding reach.
Wilson and Shippensburg Unveil New Partnership for Occupational Therapy
Wilson College and Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania proudly announced a new 4+2 Enrollment Articulation Agreement designed to streamline the academic pathway for students pursuing careers in occupational therapy. This partnership reflects both institutions’ commitment to preparing future healthcare professionals through collaborative and innovative educational opportunities. Under the newly established “Bachelor’s + 2 OTD” pathway, students will complete a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science at Shippensburg University before matriculating into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at Wilson College.
“This agreement helps address the growing demand for occupational therapy professionals by creating a clear, efficient pathway for students,” said Michael Gerg, DOT, MS, OTR/L, CHT, associate professor and program director of the Wilson College Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program. “Together, we’re preparing graduates who are ready to meet critical healthcare needs in our communities.”
Wilson College Kicks Off Residence Hall Expansion Project
Construction is underway on an exciting residence hall expansion project at Wilson College. This marks a significant investment in the Chambersburg campus, reflecting the College’s continued enrollment growth and its commitment to providing a residential experience that supports student success.
Over the past several years, Wilson has experienced sustained increases in enrollment, resulting in on-campus housing reaching full capacity. To address this demand—and to better meet the evolving needs of today’s students—the College, with the help of a local architect and regional construction firm, has reimagined the ground floor of Prentis Hall and the area above the dining hall, between McElwain and Davison Halls (known as the Platform), into modern, apartment-style residences and a small number of offices.
When complete, the renovation will include:
• Three 4-bedroom apartments (each housing 4 students), one 3-bedroom ADA accessible apartment (housing 4 students), and one 1-bedroom apartment (housing one student) on the ground floor of Prentis Hall, and
• Two 1-bedroom apartments for a graduate assistant and a teaching assistant, and one 2-bedroom apartment for a professional staff member on the Platform
• Six offices on the Platform
In total, 21 new residential beds will be added to the campus.
Apartment-style housing plays an important role in student recruitment and retention, particularly for students seeking a more independent living environment while remaining fully engaged in campus life. This model supports students as they develop life skills such as collaboration, time management, and personal accountability—key outcomes of a Wilson education.
These apartments will provide students with amenities that support both academic focus and personal development, including private or semi-private bedrooms, shared living and kitchen spaces, and greater autonomy and responsibility in a supportive residential setting.
Wilson has launched a fundraising campaign to cover the anticipated $3.6 million project cost. Giving options are available at multiple levels of support, with many including a naming opportunity. If you would like to be at the forefront of this exciting project, please contact our Office of Institutional Advancement via email at advancement@wilson.edu or by phone at 717-262-2010.
Additional information about the project, including floor plans and naming opportunities, can be found online at www.wilson.edu/res-hallexpansion.
