Notable Alumni of West Chester University
West Chester University of Pennsylvania, tracing its roots to the West Chester Academy of 1812, has a rich history of producing prominent graduates in various fields. From its early days as the West Chester Normal School to its current status as a public research university within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the institution has fostered talent that has made significant contributions to society. This article highlights some of the most distinguished alumni who have walked the halls of West Chester University, leaving their mark on the world.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence
West Chester University has evolved significantly since its establishment on September 25, 1871. Initially focused on teacher education, it expanded its academic offerings over the years, becoming West Chester State Teachers College in 1927 and West Chester State College in 1960. The passage of the State System of Higher Education bill in 1983 marked another milestone, transforming it into one of the 14 universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Today, West Chester University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities - High research activity."
The university offers a wide array of undergraduate degrees, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Music. It also provides paraprofessional studies in law, medicine, and theology, along with dual-degree programs in cooperation with institutions like Pennsylvania State University, Columbia University, and Thomas Jefferson University. These programs reflect the university's commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities and preparing students for success in various fields.
Political Leaders and Public Servants
West Chester University has produced numerous alumni who have excelled in the realm of politics and public service, shaping policies and serving their communities.
Jill Biden: Perhaps one of the most recognizable alumni, Jill Biden earned her Master of Education degree from West Chester University. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 2021 to 2025, alongside her husband, President Joe Biden. A lifelong educator, she taught English at Northern Virginia Community College, even during her time as Second Lady and First Lady, making her the first wife of a vice president or president to hold a salaried job during the majority of her husband's tenure.
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Curt Weldon: Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969, Curt Weldon served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 7th district from 1987 to 2007. He held prominent positions on the Armed Services Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee, also co-chairing the Duma-Congress Study Group, fostering relations between the United States and Russia.
Carolyn Comitta: With a B.S. in Education from WCU, Carolyn Comitta has had a distinguished career in public service. She served as the Mayor of West Chester, the first woman to hold the position, and later represented the 156th district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Currently, she is a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the 19th district. Comitta has also contributed to international conferences, including the UN Conference on Human Settlements and the Health Environment of the UN.
Barbara McIlvaine Smith: Earning a degree in Elementary Education from WCU, Barbara McIlvaine Smith became a member of the House of Representatives, where she played a pivotal role in shifting the balance of power in the State House. She also holds the distinction of being the first Native American elected to the legislature.
Tommy Tomlinson: As a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, representing the 6th District from 1995 to 2022, Tommy Tomlinson has dedicated many years to public service.
Stephen Kinsey: Serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2013 to 2024, Stephen Kinsey was the chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus during the 2019-2020 legislative session.
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Jennifer O'Mara: Jennifer O'Mara is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 165th Legislative District.
Albert W. Jefferis: Albert Webb Jefferis was an American Republican Party politician.
These alumni exemplify the commitment to public service instilled at West Chester University, contributing to their communities and shaping the political landscape.
Arts, Entertainment, and Media
West Chester University has also nurtured creative talent that has achieved recognition in the arts, entertainment, and media industries.
Asher Roth: Asher Paul Roth is an American rapper known for his 2009 debut single "I Love College."
Shane Gillis: Shane Michael Gillis is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster known for his Netflix comedy specials and series Tires.
Jessica Barth: Jessica Barth is an American actress, known for portraying Tami-Lynn McCafferty in the film Ted and its sequel.
Nafessa Williams: Nafessa Williams is an American actress, best known for her roles in The CW's Black Lightning and the Whitney Houston biopic Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
Larry Mendte: Larry Mendte is a news anchor and radio talk show host, honored with receiving the Edward R. Murrow Award.
Melissa Dunphy: Melissa Dunphy is a classical music composer whose music has been featured on The Rachel Maddow Show.
Derek Frey: Derek Frey is associated with Lazer Film Productions.
Rodney Linderman (Rodney Anonymous): Rodney Linderman, also known as Rodney Anonymous, is a musician.
Howard J. Buss: Howard J. Buss is an American composer of contemporary classical music.
These individuals showcase the diverse artistic talent cultivated at West Chester University, enriching the cultural landscape with their contributions.
Athletics
West Chester University has a strong athletic tradition, with its teams, the Golden Rams, competing in NCAA Division II athletics. The university has celebrated numerous national championships in sports like women's basketball, women's lacrosse, women's swimming, women's field hockey, and men's soccer. Several alumni have gone on to achieve success in professional sports and coaching.
Geno Auriemma: Luigi "Geno" Auriemma is the head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team. He holds the record for most wins and highest winning percentage among college coaches. Auriemma led UConn to 11 NCAA Division I national championships and coached the United States women's national basketball team to gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Cathy Rush: Cathy Rush is a Hall of Fame basketball coach who led Immaculata University's Mighty Macs to three consecutive national titles in the 1970s.
Marian Washington: Marian Washington played on the WCU basketball team that won the first national women’s tournament in ’69. She went on to coach Kansas University’s basketball team for thirty years, and receive the Black Coaches Association Lifetime Achievement Award and a membership in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame for leading KU’s team to numerous victories.
Jerry Yeagley: Jerry Yeagley was a player on WCU's championship men's soccer team before becoming a highly successful coach at Indiana University, winning six NCAA Championships and six National Coach of the Year Awards.
Tank Toland: John Joseph Toland is an American former professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Tank Toland.
David Starr: Charles Max Barsky is an American retired professional wrestler best known by his ring name David Starr.
Ken Campbell: Robert Kenneth Campbell is a former American football player who played with the New York Titans.
Howie Bedell: Howard William Bedell is an American former Major League Baseball player, coach, and front-office administrator.
These athletes and coaches exemplify the spirit of competition and achievement fostered at West Chester University.
Other Notable Alumni
Beyond politics, arts, and athletics, West Chester University has produced accomplished individuals in various other fields.
Yogananda Pittman: Yogananda D. Pittman is the University of California, Berkeley chief of police. She was formerly the assistant chief and acting chief of the United States Capitol Police, serving in those posts during and after the 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol.
Gloria Casarez: Gloria Casarez was a groundbreaking American civil rights leader from Philadelphia.
Robert Mosley: Robert Mosley was an American operatic bass-baritone.
Christopher McMullen: Christopher J. McMullen is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service and served as the United States Ambassador to Angola.
D. Brian Peterman: Vice Admiral David Brian Peterman retired in July 2008. Prior to retiring he was Commander, Atlantic Area / Commander, Defense Force East.
Michael Dever: Michael Dever is an American businessman, futures trader, and author.
Geralyn Wolf: Geralyn Wolf is an American bishop who was the twelfth diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church.
These alumni represent the diverse range of accomplishments and contributions made by graduates of West Chester University.
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