PennWest California

Last updated
Pennsylvania Western University, California
PennWest Lockup California FINAL SM.svg
Former names
Southwestern Normal School (1874–1914)
California State Normal School (1914–1928)
California State Teachers College (1928–1959)
California State College (1959–1983)
California University of Pennsylvania (1983–2022)
MottoBuilding Character. Building Careers.
Type Public university
Established1852;171 years ago (1852)
Parent institution
 Pennsylvania Western University
Academic affiliations
 Space-grant
Chancellor Daniel Greenstein
President Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson (interim) [1]
Academic staff
296 full-time, 90 part-time
Administrative staff
463 full-time, 22 part-time
Students7,312
Undergraduates 5,174
Postgraduates 2,138
Location
California
,
Pennsylvania
,
United States
CampusRural
Colors Red and black
Nickname Vulcans
Sporting affiliations
 NCAA Division II – PSAC
MascotBlaze
Website www.calu.edu

Pennsylvania Western University, California (commonly known as PennWest California) is a public university campus in California, Pennsylvania and one of three campuses of Pennsylvania Western University, part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Founded in 1852 and merged into PennWest in 2021, the university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. [2] It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. [3] The school was previously known as California University of Pennsylvania, or "Cal U" for short.

Contents

History

California University of Pennsylvania traces its roots back to 1852, when the community of California spent tax money and donations to create an academy for kindergarten through college-level courses. Its first principal was Ellis N. Johnson Jr. of Ohio. [4] [5] In 1864, it purchased 10 acres (4.0 ha) and moved to what is now the center of its present location, and a year later the school received a charter to be a normal school. In 1874, the institution was renamed Southwestern Normal School and in 1914 Pennsylvania bought the school, renaming it the California State Normal School and converted it into a two-year institute for training of elementary school teachers. [4]

In 1928 the school restored a full four-year curriculum and was renamed the California State Teachers College. The programs offered were expanded over time and broadened beyond teacher training, and by 1959 the school's name was condensed to California State College. In 1962, the school added a graduate program. The school became a part of the State System of Higher Education on July 1, 1983. At the same time, it was granted university status under the name, California University of Pennsylvania.

In July 2021, the university was officially merged with fellow Western Pennsylvania institutions Clarion University of Pennsylvania and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. On October 14, 2021, the state officially adopted the new and current name of the combined universities: Pennsylvania Western University.

Academics

PennWest California has more than 150 undergraduate programs and numerous master's degree programs. [6] As of 2020, it has three doctoral programs:

In addition, it has multiple certification, certificate, and licensure programs. [10] Cal U has a Global Online program, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates.

Campus

Eberly Science & Technology Center Eberly Science & Technology Center, California University of Pennsylvania.jpg
Eberly Science & Technology Center

The main campus consists of about 38 buildings situated on 92 acres (37 ha). [11] Another 9-acre (3.6 ha) facility is located near the main campus and houses the school's soccer facility. An additional 98-acre (40 ha) recreation complex, George H. Roadman University Park, is located one mile (1.6 km) from campus and includes a football stadium, various sports facilities, and picnic facilities. The university's student association also owns 98 acres at the SAI Farm, located near Roadman Park, as well as 25-acre Vulcan Village Student Apartments. Cal U has a large virtual school. [12]

California University has recently received state and private grants to rebuild the campus. Since 2000, six new residence halls have been completed, each with private bathrooms. A short drive or bus ride from campus, Cal U has apartment-like housing at the Vulcan Village complex. [13] [14]

The Elmo Natali Student Center, operated by the Student Association, Inc., is the main hub of student activities on campus. The student center hosts the student services offices, commuter center, theater, performance center, campus bookstore, the school's TV and Radio stations, CUTV and WCAL, as well as four distinctive dining areas. The Union was recently renovated as of the summer of 2015, planning to add new dining and study areas for Cal U students.

The Eberly Science and Technology Center opened in 1999, while the new Duda Hall (which replaced the original Duda World Cultures Building) opened in 2007. Steele Auditorium underwent a major renovation and expansion project, reopening in the Fall of 2007.

The Heron Hall recreation facility underwent significant renovation and expansion through the Fall and Spring semesters of 2008, opening to student and faculty use on Homecoming Day 2009. The new facility features an elevated running track, cardio equipment, free weight equipment, weight machines, two racquetball courts, a dance studio, two gymnasiums, and a swimming pool.

Athletics

PennWest California's nickname is the Vulcans, and its athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division II in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The school has been one of the more successful in the PSAC.

The university has won a total of five national championships. In 2004, sophomore guard Megan Storck knocked down a deep three-pointer in the final minute of play, breaking open a tie ballgame to give Cal U its first women's national basketball title. Women's basketball won a second title by defeating California Baptist 86–69 in 2015, helped by a 21–0 first half run. [15] Cal U's softball program won back to back championships in 1997 and 1998, including a 50–1 campaign during its first championship run. In 2008, the men's club ice hockey team captured an ACHA Division III national championship over San Diego State in a 7–3 finale capping off a 30–1 season record. [16]

The Vulcans have also had success in women's volleyball, men's and women's soccer, men's basketball, women's tennis and baseball, each advancing to the NCAA Tournament this decade. The men's basketball team has had a pair of runs to the NCAA Division II Final Four (1992 and 1996), as well as advancing to the Elite Eight in 2008. The women's basketball team has made two consecutive trips to the Elite Eight (2008 and 2009). The volleyball program went to the Final Four in 2000 and the Sweet 16 twice (2004 and 2006), as well as the Elite Eight twice (2007 and 2008). The women's tennis team advanced to the Division II Elite Eight in 2006. The men's soccer team won the first PSAC Championship in program history in 2008. The women's soccer team has advanced to its first ever NCAA tournament in 2009, going on to win the Atlantic Regional title. [17]

The PennWest California football team has won five consecutive PSAC championships, beginning in 2005. The Vulcans also won in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. [18] The Vulcans football team ended the 2007 season ranked #4 in the NCAA Division II, won the PSAC Championship, and captured their first NCAA Regional title, Defeating Shepherd University by a score of 58–38. With that victory, Cal U advanced to the National Semifinal game, which was played at Hepner-Bailey Field at Adamson Stadium. The Vulcans lost in their first attempt to advance to a national championship, falling to Valdosta State (Georgia), 28–24. In 2008, the Vulcans again advanced won the Regional title, this time traveling to Bloomsburg and defeating the Huskies 27–24. Once again the Vulcans were rewarded with hosting rights for the National Semifinal. However, the Vulcans were defeated by Minnesota Duluth, thus ending their second try at a national title. The 2009 season saw the California Vulcans start with an 0–2 record. However, Cal U rebounded and qualified for the Division II Championships once again. California won their third consecutive Super Region 1 title, defeating West Liberty. However, the Vulcans had to go on the road for the first time for their next National Semifinal matchup. The Vulcans traveled to Maryville, Missouri to take on Division II power Northwest Missouri State. The Vulcans were defeated by the Bearcats by a score of 56–31. Prior to the start of the 2009 season, Cal U purchased a wave cam generally used on Monday Night Football and by purchasing this new technology Cal U was the only college team in the country to have one.

Vulcan athletes also demonstrate academic accomplishments. More than half of Cal U's 18 varsity athletic teams posted grade point averages above 3.00 during the 2006–07 academic year, and 74% of the nearly 400 student-athletes were named to the Athletic Director's Academic Honor Roll (3.00 GPA or better), including 36 with perfect 4.00 GPAs during at least one semester.

PennWest California also manages several athletic facilities. Hamer Hall is the home of PennWest California's indoor teams, including volleyball, basketball and swimming, as well as athletic training and weight-training facilities, locker rooms, athletic offices and classrooms. The football and track & field teams call Hepner-Bailey Field at Adamson Stadium, located a mile south of the main campus, home. The cross country, softball, soccer and tennis teams compete in the adjacent Roadman Park complex. CONSOL Energy Park in Washington, Pennsylvania, hosts Cal U's home baseball games annually. The golf teams, added to the lineup of varsity sports in 2005, play at the adjacent Cedarbrook Golf Course.

Bill Brown, who recently retired, was the head basketball coach for 20 years, with an overall record of 365–207. Jess Strom is the women's head basketball coach, with an overall record of 165–46, including a 2015 NCAA National Championship. [19]

Notable alumni

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference</span> Collegiate athletic conference competing in NCAA

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level. The conference was originally formed in 1951 as the State Teachers Conference, and was temporarily named the Pennsylvania State Teachers College Conference in 1956 before being named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in 1964. The conference is currently composed of 17 full-time members within Pennsylvania and 1 in West Virginia. The conference headquarters are located in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania and staffed by a commissioner, two assistant commissioners, and a director of media relations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seton Hill University</span> Catholic university in Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Seton Hill University is a private Catholic university in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Originally a women's college, it became a coeducational university in 2002 and enrolls about 2,200 students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WCAL</span> Student-run college radio station serving PennWest California

WCAL 91.9 FM is a student-run college radio station serving PennWest California and the surrounding area, including Washington, Fayette, Westmoreland, Greene, and Allegheny counties.It also streams online.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PennWest Edinboro</span> Public university in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, U.S.

PennWest Edinboro is a campus of Pennsylvania Western University, a multi-campus public university in Pennsylvania. Located in the town of Edinboro, the campus has more than 4,600 enrolled students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PennWest Clarion</span> Public university in Clarion, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Pennsylvania Western University, Clarion, also known as PennWest Clarion, is a public university campus in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the institution was founded in 1867 and offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, as well as certificate programs and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Golden Bears</span> Intercollegiate sports teams of the University of California, Berkeley

The California Golden Bears are the athletic teams that represent the University of California, Berkeley. Referred to in athletic competition as California or Cal, the university fields 30 varsity athletic programs and various club teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)'s Division I primarily as a member of the Pac-12 Conference, and for a limited number of sports as a member of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). Over the course of the school's history, California has won team national titles in 13 men's and 3 women's sports and 113 team titles overall. Cal athletes have also competed in the Olympics for a host of different countries. Notable facilities used by the Bears include California Memorial Stadium (football) and Haas Pavilion. Cal finished the 2010–11 athletic season with 1,219.50 points, earning third place in the Director's Cup standings, the Golden Bears' highest finish ever. Cal did not receive any points for its national championships in rugby and men's crew because those sports are not governed by the NCAA. Cal finished 12th in the 2014-15 standings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penn State Nittany Lions</span> Intercollegiate sports teams of Penn State University

The Penn State Nittany Lions are the athletic teams of Pennsylvania State University, except for the women's basketball team, known as the Lady Lions. The school colors are navy blue and white. The school mascot is the Nittany Lion. The intercollegiate athletics logo was commissioned in 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hepner–Bailey Field at Adamson Stadium</span>

Hepner–Bailey Field at Adamson Stadium is an American football stadium, located in California, Pennsylvania on the campus of Pennsylvania Western University California. The stadium has a 6,500 seat capacity. In 2006, the playing field was renamed for two of California University's distinguished alumni and most recognizable athletic figures, Bill Hepner and Mitch Bailey. Adamson Stadium includes an eight-lane all-weather track, as well as field facilities which were renovated in 2002. The stadium includes a two-level press box that can accommodate radio and TV broadcasts as well as two large varsity locker rooms, two sets of public restrooms, concession stand, scoreboard with message board capabilities, ticket booths, training room and an equipment room. Just outside Adamson Stadium is the area for track & field throwing events.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edinboro Fighting Scots</span>

The Edinboro Fighting Scots are the athletic teams that represent Pennsylvania Western University Edinboro, located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports. The Fighting Scots are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) for 15 of 17 varsity sports. The wrestling team competes in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a member of NCAA Division I and the wheelchair basketball team competes outside of NCAA governance in the NWBA Intercollegiate Division. The Fighting Scots have been a member of the PSAC since its foundation in 1951.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Vulcans</span>

The California Vulcans are the intercollegiate sports teams and players that represent Pennsylvania Western University California, located in California, Pennsylvania. The Vulcans participate in the NCAA Division II in all sports and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in most sports. The school colors are Red and Black. The mascot of California is Blaze the Vulcan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kutztown Golden Bears</span> Athletic program of Kutztown University

The Kutztown Golden Bears are the sports teams that represent Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Kutztown University is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The university sponsors eight men's and fourteen women's intercollegiate sports. In 2022, Kutztown University added women's acrobatics & tumbling as its 22nd varsity sport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IUP Crimson Hawks</span> Crimson Hawks

The Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks, commonly known as the IUP Crimson Hawks and formerly called the IUP Indians, are the varsity athletic teams that represent Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which is located in Indiana, Pennsylvania. The university and all of its intercollegiate sports teams compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) within the NCAA Division II. The university sponsors 19 different teams, including eight teams for men and eleven teams for women: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, women's field hockey, football, men's golf, women's lacrosse, women's soccer, softball, men's and women's swimming, women's tennis, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, and women's volleyball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Vulcans football</span> Intercollegiate American football program and team for California University of Pennsylvania

The California Vulcans football program is the intercollegiate American football team for Pennsylvania Western University California, located in California, Pennsylvania. The team competes in NCAA Division II and is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. California University's first football team was fielded in 1916. The Vulcans play home games at the 6,500-seat Hepner–Bailey Field at Adamson Stadium on their campus, and are coached by Gary Dunn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners</span>

The Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners are the intercollegiate athletic teams representing the California State University, Bakersfield, located in Bakersfield, California. The Roadrunners compete at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level as a member of the Big West Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Chester Golden Rams</span> West Chester University of Pennsylvania sports teams

The West Chester Golden Rams represent West Chester University of Pennsylvania, which is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, in intercollegiate sports. They compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in NCAA Division II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cal Poly Mustangs</span> Sports teams of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

The Cal Poly Mustangs are the athletic teams representing California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. The university fields twenty-one teams and compete in NCAA Division I; they are primarily members of the Big West Conference, but the football team plays in the Big Sky Conference, the wrestling team is an associate member of the Pac-12 Conference, and the swimming and diving program competes as an affiliate member in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Chester University</span> Public space-grant university in West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.

West Chester University is a public research university in and around West Chester, Pennsylvania. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". With 17,719 undergraduate and graduate students as of 2019, WCU is the largest of the 10 state-owned universities belonging to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the sixth largest university in Pennsylvania. It also maintains a Center City Philadelphia satellite campus on Market Street.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheyney Wolves</span>

The Cheyney Wolves are the athletic sports teams for Cheyney University. They compete as an independent and formerly played in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Women's sports include basketball, cheerleading and volleyball. Basketball is the only men's sport the university currently offers as of 2019.

The 2016 PSAC Football Championship Game was held on November 12, 2016 at a Hepner–Bailey Field at Adamson Stadium. The two teams from each division will played for the PSAC Championship and an automatic bid into the NCAA Division II Football Championship.

The 2021 California Vulcans football team represented California University of Pennsylvania as a member of the West Division of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) during the 2021 NCAA Division II football season. Led by sixth-year head coach Gary Dunn, California compiled an overall record of 9–1 with a mark of 5–1 in conference play, sharing PSAC West Division title with Slippery Rock, who dealt the Vulcans their only loss of the season. By virtue of the head-to-head win Slippery Rock earned a berth in the PSAC Football Championship Game. California was ranked No. 21 in the final AFCA poll, but was not selected for the NCAA Division II Football Championship playoffs. The Vulcans played their home games at Hepner–Bailey Field at Adamson Stadium in California, Pennsylvania.

References

  1. ↑ Meet the President: Interim University President Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
  2. ↑ "A MESSAGE FROM INTERIM PRESIDENT JONES". California University of Pennsylvania. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  3. ↑ "Accreditation | Cal U". California University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2019-05-22.
  4. 1 2 "History of Cal U | Cal U". California University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2022-03-17.
  5. ↑ Ohles, John F.; Ohles, Shirley M. (1986). Public Colleges and Universities. Greenwood Press Inc. pp. 105–106. Retrieved 2023-08-22– via Archive.org.
  6. ↑ "Academics | Cal U". California University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  7. ↑ "Online Doctorate of Criminal Justice | Doctoral Programs at Cal U". California University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  8. ↑ "Education Administration and Leadership | Online Doctorate". California University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  9. ↑ "Health Science and Exercise Leadership Online Doctorate Degree". California University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  10. ↑ "Academics: Cal U" . Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  11. ↑ Witz, Billy (2020-09-23). "College Football's Worst Fear in the Pandemic: The Death of a Player". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2020-09-24.
  12. ↑ "Global Online Programs : CAL U". Calu.edu. Retrieved 2015-02-18.
  13. ↑ "Facilities". California University of Pennsylvania Athletics.
  14. ↑ "California University of Pennsylvania | Cal U". www.calu.edu. Retrieved 2017-08-10.
  15. ↑ "Cal U Women's Basketball Team Wins NCAA Division II Title" . Retrieved 10 June 2015.
  16. ↑ "Team Awards". California University of Pennsylvania Ice Hockey Club. Retrieved 2022-03-17.
  17. ↑ "Vulcans end season in NCAA Quarterfinals". California University of Pennsylvania Athletics. Retrieved 2022-03-17.
  18. ↑ "Conference Championships". California University of Pennsylvania Athletics. Retrieved 2022-03-17.
  19. ↑ "Bill Brown – Men's Basketball Coach". California University of Pennsylvania Athletics. Retrieved 2022-03-17.
  20. ↑ "A Strong Athlete: Ody Abbott". The Gazette Times. August 22, 1907. p. 6. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  21. ↑ Tinsley, M. Ferguson (March 4, 2002). "Newsmaker: Donna Feigley Barbisch; Setting goals leads to success in military". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . Pittsburgh, PA.
  22. ↑ "Roster Saskatchewan Roughriders". Archived from the original on November 30, 2010. Retrieved December 26, 2010.
  23. ↑ "Terry O'Shea NFL Football Statistics". Pro-Football-Reference.com. December 3, 1966. Retrieved November 15, 2011.

40°04′00″N79°53′05″W / 40.06678°N 79.88482°W / 40.06678; -79.88482

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.