Exploratory Studies

• Email Dr. Courtney Lloyd
• Lawrence Center, Room 222
• 610-436-3505

Bio

Dr. Courtney Lloyd is an Associate Professor and Director of Exploratory Studies. As an advisor, Dr. Lloyd assists students in realizing their academic potential and guides them in their decision-making when choosing a major. With over 15 years of experience working with WCU students, she is honest and transparent with each student that enters her office, but that is only because she cares about student success! Dr. Lloyd earned a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the Pennsylvania State University.

• Email Dr. Ann Colgan
• Lawrence Center, Room 222
• 610-436-3505

Bio

Dr. Ann Lieberman Colgan is a Professor and Director of the Liberal Studies Program. As an Exploratory Studies advisor, Dr. Colgan uses dialogic advising to understand her students as completely as possible. She works with students to explore their strengths and interests, and occasionally shares her own WCU undergraduate experiences. She wants students and families to recognize that success looks different for different individuals. Dr. Colgan earned her Doctor of Education Degree from Gratz College in Jewish Education and Jewish History. She also received her Master of Education degree in Secondary Education: Social Studies from Rivier University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Schedule an advising appointment with Dr. Colgan

• Email Dr. Juanita Wooten
• Lawrence Center, Room 222
• 610-436-3505

Bio

Dr. Juanita Wooten serves as an Exploratory Studies faculty advisor. She provides proactive advising to first-year students by supporting and guiding them toward identifying their academic and career goals. Dr. Juanita Wooten has worked for several years as an educator and administrator in higher education. Dr. Wooten earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Higher Education Leadership from Wilmington University, Delaware. She earned a Master of Science (MSA) degree in Human Services Administration from Audrey Cohen College, New York, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh, New York.

Schedule an advising appointment with Dr. Wooten

• Email Dr. Tiffany E. Jones
• 610-436-2504

Bio

Dr. Jones is a first-generation college student who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University, a Master of Science in Secondary and Higher Education Counseling from West Chester University, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Widener University. Prior to joining Exploratory Studies, Dr. Jones served as a Learning Specialist and Academic Advisor for the Academic Success Program (ASP) at West Chester University, where she fostered the learning experiences of ASP students. Dr. Jones chairs scholarship initiatives for The Society at WCU and the APSCUF (Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculty and Coaches), and provided leadership for the ASP Leadership Academy, FDI/Wells Fargo Tutoring Partnership with Chester High School, and the Recruitment and Retention of Women of Color Staff and Faculty and 150th Anniversary Sub-Committees of WCU’s Women Commission. Dr. Jones currently serves as the Co-Chair of the West Chester University President’s Commission on the Status of Women. Dr. Jones’ research interests include best practice initiatives that promote equity, access, and success of historically marginalized populations of individuals. These initiatives include proactive academic advising, learning support, first-year and first-gen college students, special admissions programs, self-efficacy, growth mindset, college developmental mathematics, and high school/college learning support partnerships.

• Email Dr. Casey R. Schmitt
• 610-436-3505

Bio

Dr. Casey R. Schmitt is a teacher, advisor, editor, and cultural critic, with expertise in environmental communication and public narrative. He has a PhD in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MA in Folklore Studies from the University of Oregon. His research examines storytelling, rhetorical framing, and public demonstration in environmental discourse, including justice campaigns, activism, and visual rhetoric. He is author of over two dozen peer-reviewed articles and chapters, and co-editor of Standing Up, Speaking Out: Stand-Up Comedy and the Rhetoric of Social Change (Routledge, 2017) and Water, Rhetoric, and Social Justice: A Critical Confluence (Lexington, 2020).

• Email Mrs. Linda Missanelli
• Lawrence Center, Room 222
• 610-436-3505

Bio

Mrs. Linda Missanelli is the Clerical Office Support Staff for both Exploratory Studies and Liberal Studies programs. She has a great understanding of the operations and activities in Exploratory Studies. As the first point of contact in our office, Mrs. Missanelli provides incredible support to faculty and staff to enhance our student success initiatives. Mrs. Missanelli’s advice to Exploratory Students is to go to class, study and get involved. Call 610-436-3505 to speak with Mrs. Missanelli about advising appointment. You may email Mrs. Missanelli at LMissanelli@wcupa.edu