The value of a degree from a PASSHE university shows in the real-world success of its students and alumni. The following stories highlight exceptional achievements, emphasizing academic excellence, career readiness, and the transformative impact of PASSHE.

SUCCESS HIGHLIGHTS


Noemie Tchamba is a sophomore at Cheyney University, whose journey from Cameroon to campus is defined by resilience, faith, and ambition. Recently named a Milken Institute HBCU Finance Fellow, she is already charting a path toward Wall Street and beyond.

Aviel Kuhn, a senior majoring in business management at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, already has a full-time job lined up for her after she graduates in May. By taking advantage of various professional networking opportunities and the strong AACSB-accredited curriculum offered by the Zeigler College of Business, Aviel successfully secured the job she wanted with her preferred company before completing her degree.

East Stroudsburg University’s latest nursing program graduates achieved a 95% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN), surpassing both state and national averages. The group of 20 became eligible for the exam after completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May. Their pass rate exceeds Pennsylvania’s average of 94.8% and the national average of 91.9%, according to 2024 data.

Chris McGinnis '06, a IUP studio art graduate, never expected to become VP of Programs and Development for a nonprofit. Drawn to Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage, he found inspiration at the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Through Rivers of Steel, a heritage corporation, Chris developed art programs on-site, transforming his passion into a public mission and effectively creating his own job.

Kutztown University’s College of Business celebrates renewed accreditation by the AACSB. It is also accredited by the Commission on Sports Management Accreditation (COSMA). It offers unique opportunities through its award-winning Small Business Development Center and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Center on campus.

An article by a Millersville University graduate was chosen as the winner of the 2025 Raymond J. Cunningham Prize by the American Historical Association. The national honor, which recognizes the best article published in a journal written by an undergraduate student, was presented to Claire DeVinney, a May 2024 graduate currently enrolled in the doctoral program in history at the University of Rochester. 

PennWest University graduate Leanna Sciabbarrasi has received the 2025 PERC Educator Excellence Award, recognizing her promise and dedication as an emerging educator. A bachelor’s degree holder in early childhood education, Sciabbarrasi excelled academically and demonstrated leadership as a member of the Honors Program, a Rutledge Scholar, and a campus worship team leader during her time at PennWest California.

Shippensburg University senior chemistry major Cole Pearson recently received the Trish Baisden Student of the Year Award at the Nuclear Chemistry Summer School at San Jose State University. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the American Chemical Society, this six-week program brings together undergraduates to study nuclear chemistry through lectures, labs, and field experiences, focusing on nuclear materials, radiochemistry, and nuclear medicine while visiting leading research facilities.

Military medical services is a career path for Slippery Rock University graduates that will soon become a concentration at SRU for more students to follow in the footsteps of 2nd Lt. Sydney Ryan, ’25. When she studied at SRU, she was a homeland security major with a minor in Arabic, and she participated in the U.S. Army ROTC program. “My major and minor helped me to get a bigger picture for issues pertaining to homeland security, and ROTC helped develop my leadership, flexibility, and adaptability,” Ryan said.

West Chester University celebrated the 50th anniversary of its nursing programs with a special announcement on October 25: the formation of a WCU School of Nursing. Dr. Nancy Barker, Chair of the Nursing Department, notes that students maintain a 95% pass rate on the national licensing exam for registered nurses (NCLEX), while continuing to exceed state and national averages. “Employers actively seek out WCU nurses for their competence and readiness for practice,” Dr. Barker says. “We have nursing graduates in all of the health systems within the Commonwealth of PA.”