Mary Anne Wood
Administrative Assistant
Hometown: Boothwyn, PA
Joined the Pride: October 2007
I like to collect: pottery from local artisans – functional/pretty pieces for cooking/baking
Favorite Food: steak, especially filet mignon
Favorite Quote: Stick with the people who pull the magic out of you and not the madness.
You may not know this about me: Like to take motorcycle rides with my hubby.
Pets: No longer have any pets of our own, but have 5 “grandpets”: Izzy and Kennedy (dogs), Ellie (cat), Jack, Brio and Bella (horses)
Student Accessibility Services
Rebecca Ross
Director of Accessibility Services
Hometown: Broomall, PA
Joined the Pride August 2015
I like to collect: Books! I hope to live in a house that looks more like a library someday.
I am most proud of: My students. They overcome great barriers with grace every single day.
You may not know this about me: I love getting lost. Every time I walk my pups – we go in a different direction and try to find our way back (I’ve only needed to resort to GoogleMaps twice). But I like getting lost in the car or in a book or online. It’s like a new discovery.
Pets: I have 2 dogs, Ellie and Harper. Both are around 2 year old rescues.
Nicole Beaty
Assistant Director of Accessibility Services
Hometown: Yeadon, PA
Joined the Pride August 2021
I like to collect: If a shoe collection counts, then shoes! I also love to read and will start with the “100 Books Everyone Should Read.”
I am most proud of: My service to the community both as a local elected official and as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pets: None at the present time however, I love dogs and looking to adopt a pup soon!
Exploratory Studies
Amy Yarlett
Director of Advising and Retention Systems
Hometown: Carlisle, PA
Joined the Pride: July 2004
Fun Fact: I have traveled to 41 states and 3 countries.
I am most proud of: I am most proud of my graduate education being that I was a first-generation college student who didn’t know if college would even be possible!
Favorite part of my job: The favorite part of my job is seeing a student who is unsure of their major when entering Widener and then declaring a major and being very excited about classes and what they are learning.
Office of Student Success
Kimberly Robinson
Executive Director of Student Success
Hometown: Toms River, NJ, and live in Aston, PA
Joined the Pride: 2015
I am most proud of: My 4 children
Favorite part of the job: Talking with students and faculty, but I also really enjoy uplifting and celebrating parents/guardians during this special time in their college student’s lives.
Pets: 2 rescue dogs; Greata and Leah
Karen Daly
Associate Director of Student Success
Hometown: Aston, PA
Joined the Pride: August 2011
I am most proud of: My five (5) beautiful daughters
Favorite part of the job: Working with our students and contributing to their overall academic success
Favorite Quote: “People will forget what you say, people will forget what you do, but people never forget how you make them feel.” Mayo Angelou
You may not know this about me: I am a big sports enthusiast.
Rhonda Bates
Director of Strategic Retention Initiatives
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Joined Widener Pride: January 2019
Fun Fact: I was the 5th African American Homecoming Queen of Penn State
Favorite part of my job: Being apart of students journey of personal and professional development
Favorite Book: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
You may not know this about me: For self-care, I watch original Disney movies and eat double stuffed oreos 🙂
I am afraid of: Anything that crawls
Jill Gilbert
Associate Director of Student Success
Hometown: Media, PA
Joined the Pride: October 2014
I am most proud of: My husband and our amazing son
Favorite part of the job: Being a trusted information resource for all student populations and providing a positive student experience; but, my all-time favorite is cheering students on when the cross the finish line on graduation day!
Favorite Quote: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body. But rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming…WOW what a ride.” ~Mark Frost
Favorite Book: Little Bee by Chris Cleave
You may not know this about me: I’m a huge Eagles Fan!
Erica Brunner
Assistant Director of Student Success
Hometown: Sharon Hill, PA
Joined the Pride: October 2018
Fun Fact: I was a cheerleader starting at the age of 3 all the way up to college
Favorite part of the job: Interacting with the students and acting as their supporter and advocate
Favorite Book: Flowers in the Attic by V.C Andrews (love the movie as well)
You may not know this about me: I am a skincare fanatic and I make my own facial soaps/scrubs
I am afraid of: Surprisingly, butterflies
