Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D.
It is hard not to become discouraged about the future of higher education when every news article is filled with predictions of higher education’s imminent demise. Even two of the most politically divergent papers, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, find rare commonality on this point. They cite the high cost to students, the growing student debt problem, political interference; the list goes on.
And yet, I am convinced that our country needs higher education now more than ever before; it especially needs places like Wilson. Wilson is a college of opportunity, a place that is as affordable as a public education, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Our graduates go out into the world ready to make a difference and seek care for our planet, humanity, and animal-kind. While they are here, they receive an education that, time and again, our students and graduates describe as nurturing, supportive, and transformative.
Recently, I was in Michigan with other college leaders meeting with corporate executives who reiterated what we already know: They seek employees who can think critically, creatively, and analytically; they want employees who can communicate effectively and efficiently; and they need employees who can work in small groups of people who are not like themselves. Fortunately, that is exactly the type of education Wilson has been providing for 154 years and counting.
The power of Wilson’s affordable and impactful experience is resonating. This fall Wilson announced the second
highest enrollment in our history. We are educating 1,555 students from all over the world either in-person
in Chambersburg, at various sites around Pennsylvania, or online. Our traditional-aged first-time-in-college incoming class increased 32 percent this year, to 179 students, nearing pre- pandemic levels. All of this is a result of an outstanding strategic plan, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the generosity of folks like you.
For the first time in the history of the College, the Wilson Fund has topped $1 million for four consecutive years. In fact, this past year was the third highest giving year in our history. This is a result of the success of the $16 million We Rise campaign. To date, we have raised $14 million and we still have over a year and a half to go. I am excited to join the rest of our advancement team on the road visiting with our alumnae, alumni, and friends as we share the good news about Wilson and ask for your support. These dollars are crucial to supporting our students, faculty, and staff and to helping us grow Wilson to a position where the College thrives.
In this edition of Wilson Magazine, you will read about the evolution in nursing education that is producing nurses of deep mastery who can think on their feet, adapt to swiftly changing circumstances, and care for patients holistically, human to human, in a way that is uniquely Wilson. You will also meet Wilson’s new director of the Hankey Center for the History of Women’s Education and learn about her passion for bringing the Wilson legacy and women’s history to a new generation of students. We will share with you stories about three siblings pursuing their passions as a result of a Wilson education, our faculty’s many accomplishments, the amazing experiences of our students and alumnae, and so much more.
As you read each story, I think you will seewhyitissoeasyformetolovethe work that I do. I am humbled to lead this remarkable college. There is no higher calling than helping to transform the lives of students, and I am grateful for the role that you play in helping Wilson do just that.
