Welcome to our community website, CHHS Amplified. To bridge the gap between our different programs, we decided to create a platform that would highlight the profound work that our college is doing. CHHS Amplified is unique in that it centers around recognizing our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice (DEISJ) initiatives, peer success stories, and growing student groups and committees. This site will do more than keep our students aware. It will allow our prospective students, Chester community, and others to be a part of Widener Pride.

Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year!

As we get back into the swing of things, we want to highlight how the CHHS programs and faculty welcomed our new and returning students to campus:

Academic Convocation 2023 – College doesn’t have to be a Drag: A Season of Transformation – Keynote Speech by Dr. Brent Satterly

Serving as the Keynote Speaker for Widener University’s Academic Convocation on August 25, 2023, Dr. Brent Satterly shared a message of hope, curiosity, vulnerability, and transformation. A drag queen and professor within the CHHS Centers for Social Work Education and Human Sexuality Studies, Dr. Satterly consistently reminds students that they BELONG: “Every—single—one of you matters—regardless of your major, your involvement, your academics, or your standing as an undergrad or graduate student. You belong here as part of the PRIDE.”

RuPaul famously quipped, “We are all born naked, [and] the rest is drag.” And drag is something each of us does every single day. We all have work drag, student drag, faculty drag, family drag—just different roles we adorn in different settings. Drag allows us to both hide and express different parts of ourselves. It gives us courage to be authentic. And know, that you belong—no matter what drag you wear.”

While Dr. Satterly is frequently the one to inspire his Widener community, he notes that it is Widener’s students who inspire and transform him:

I have now had the privilege of teaching countless undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students…and it is now YOU who are my inspiration. When students show courage to try something new, I am inspired. When students reach out to ask for help, I am inspired. When students engage in compelling conversation about sensitive topics in a classroom in ways that don’t harm others but encourage critical thinking, I am inspired. When students present their research during Undergraduate Student Project Day, I am inspired. And Widener offers so much for students to stretch their proverbial legs from academic achievements to Student Government to athletics to the arts to civic engagement opportunities to Greek life and all kinds of clubs—the sky’s the limit. And you, the students, show up.

And over the years, with faculty and staff who care, with students who inspire, fear is transformed—in fact—dispelled by curiosity, critical thinking, and reflection.

So…because of that…I have transformed”

To view the whole speech, click here (27:00 – 51:00)

Self-Care Corner

Counseling & Psychological Services

Through our on-campus Counseling and Psychological Services, psychologists and psychology interns will help you address personal, emotional, or social concerns. Staff will help you address a variety of areas, including dealing with loss, sadness, anxiety, socialization difficulties, substance abuse, inter-personal relationships, and more.

Services are available to eligible full time undergraduate and graduate students. Their staff can help determine your eligibility and help to schedule an appointment with a member of their team.

Services include:

Confidential individual counseling and psychotherapy services
Psycho-education
Collaboration and consultation with academic, residential, and service programs
Referrals to other sources for help, both on and off campus, when needed

For more information on hours of operation, scheduling, and more please click here.

Looking for some new music with great relaxation, study, Yoga, and calm background vibes?

Look no further! Professor Stephen E. Kauffman (Social Work) has posted three albums of his music (instrumental-New Age jazz) to Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music & iTunes. If interested, look for Steve Kauffman, with the albums titled “Buddha Worlds”, Building Bubbles” and “Faceless”.

Widener Spotlight

Congratulations to Dr. Melvin T. Tillman, the 2022 award recipient for the Patricia Barthalow Koch Award for Research Publications in Sexuality!

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This honor is awarded each year to recognize and support the research excellence in sexology fostered by the Center for Human Sexuality Studies and exhibited by the students attaining their doctoral degrees in the program.

Dr. Melvin Tillman (he/him) received his doctorate in Human Sexuality Studies from Widener University in 2020. Despite his many research interests, he has consistently wanted to focus on the sexual pleasure of people of marginalized genders. Therefore, Dr. Tillman’s dissertation focused on the ways in which women assess authenticity, and thus enjoyment, in sexually explicit material. Approximately a year later, the Journal of Sex Research published this study. To stay abreast in research, Dr. Tillman has continued to peer review academic manuscripts in human sexuality. Dr. Tillman also works as an adjunct professor where he helps burgeoning sex educators and therapists learn about the field. Additionally, Dr. Tillman currently provides robust therapy and supervision to a diverse clientele and plans to establish his own practice to further increase accessibility to human sexuality services.

Please join us on for a virtual event celebrating Dr. Melvin Tillman on Friday, October 14, 4:30 to 6:00 pm EST on Zoom. Dr. Tillman will present his research, we will hear from Dr. Koch, and we will have time questions! https://widener.zoom.us/j/9122200319

Congratulations to our 2022-2023 AAUW Scholar, Janaeyah Reid!

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has awarded a 2022-23 fellowship or grant to a scholar at Widener University: Janaeyah Reid, a recipient of the Career Development Grant, is currently pursuing an M.S.W. in Social Work. Recipients will pursue academic work and lead innovative community projects to empower women and girls.

AAUW is one of the world’s oldest leading supporters of graduate women’s education. Since 1888, it has awarded more than $135 million in fellowships, grants and awards to 13,000 women from 150 countries. For the 2022–23 academic year, AAUW has awarded an unprecedented $6 million through its fellowships and grants programs to 320 scholars and community projects that promote education and equity for women and girls.

“We’re proud to support the work of these outstanding scholars and community leaders,” said Gloria L. Blackwell, AAUW’s Chief Executive Officer. “These exceptional awardees are dedicated to making contributions in a wide range of fields. We’re impressed by their work and can’t wait to see the great things they’ll accomplish throughout their research and careers.”

Educational funding is especially important for women since they are disproportionately burdened by student debt, which is exacerbated by a lifelong pay gap that affects women in nearly every profession. The pay gap widens over time and has broad negative impacts on women’s economic security—from making it difficult to pay college tuition to reducing the ability to save for retirement. AAUW’s awards alleviate financial stress so women can focus on their educational and career aspirations.

Applications for AAUW’s fellowship and grants open August 1 each year. Deadlines vary by program. Learn more about our funding opportunities for the 2023-24 academic year. To find out more about this year’s exceptional class of awardees, visit the online directory.

With the help of the Widener community, the City of Chester and the Chester Education Foundation built a playground!

From September 27 to September 29, “hundreds of faculty, staff and students joined together with community partners from PECO, the Chester Education Foundation, and the city of Chester to build a playground for children in Chester. The project at Sun Village Park happened over Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and was done in collaboration with KABOOM! – a national nonprofit that works to end play space inequities for children through community-designed playgrounds.

Widener was well represented in this effort! About 120 students, particularly from our Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Language Pathology areas of study – joined roughly 30 Widener employees who took advantage of the university’s policy that allows for paid time off to support community service work like this project. In addition to building the playground, they also contributed to park clean-up efforts by weeding and enlivening play spaces with cheerful pavement paintings.

The effort was labor-intensive but great fun because it was accomplished alongside colleagues, classmates, friends and even alumni, in the glorious fall weather. Widener’s commitment to being a good partner and neighbor to our Chester community was on full display and such a source of pride. Congratulations and a hearty well done to everyone who took part!”

– Stacey Robertson, PhD, President of Widener University

Grateful for Our Amazing Student-Volunteers

On September 17, 10 Of Widener’s Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Social Work students left campus at 7 a.m. to travel to St. Mary’s Cathedral in Trenton, N.J. to prepare hot meals for 125 homeless guests. They began with serving a continental breakfast and then, 2 hours later, they served a delicious hot lunch. In addition, they donated blankets, socks, and sweaters. We are grateful for everyone’s amazing compassion and flexibility all day!

Special thank you to Professor Rhonda Hazell, as well as Professor Craig Matsumoto and his wife, for attending and working to support the communities around us.

Fundraising for the CHSS Stayton Fund

The Widener University Center for Human Sexuality Studies is fundraising for the Stayton Fund! This fund, named in honor of the former Director of the Center, provides important and flexible support, including prizes for outstanding students and travel and research funds for students and faculty. We depend on gifts to this fund to help us prepare tomorrow’s therapists and educators. You can make a gift online by visiting https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/ROARWITHPRIDE/team/stayton

Widener’s Integrated Professional Studies Program (IPS)

Widener’s Integrated Professional Studies Program supports students who want to cultivate skills of self-advocacy, independence, and skills and confidence to succeed in a rewarding career. Students enrolled in the Integrated Professional Studies Program will develop these important skills through on-campus coursework, hands-on career opportunities, and campus involvement. https://linktr.ee/widenerips

Watching Learning Happen

In their global health class, the first year OT, PT, & SLP students learned how adverse childhood events (ACE’s) effect brain development while playing the Brain Architecture Game. Using pipe cleaners, straws, and weights, the students had to build brains according to the life experiences the cards dealt. The goal of the game was to keep the brains from toppling over. Students learned that, despite life’s circumstances, people can still learn resiliency if they have the right life supports in place.

Recent Events

Virtual Ngoma Conversations – Monday, October 17^th from 12 -1 PM EDT

Please register now and mark your calendars for Monday, October 17^th from noon to 1 PM EDT for Ngoma Conversations. Attend for Professor Michelle Taylor’s lecture entitled: “How Social Media is Redefining ‘Community’ for Women of the African Diaspora”. Make sure you register in advance for this Ngoma Conversations session by using this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

MSWSO Yoga Night – Monday, October 17^th from 7-7:30pm EDT in Bruce Hall Room 10

Join the MSWSO for a self-care event on Monday, October 17^th from 7-7:30pm EDT in Bruce Hall 10. There will be a yoga session led by Dr. Myrick, followed by pizza. All are welcome! This event will also be presented via Zoom for those who are unable to attend in person. Click here to register.

Welcome to CHHS Amplified