West Chester University, situated in and around West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a public research university with a "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" classification from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. As the largest state-owned university within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), it accommodates 17,719 undergraduate and graduate students (as of 2019), making it the sixth largest university in Pennsylvania. WCU also operates a satellite campus in Center City Philadelphia on Market Street.
1913: A Pivotal Transition: From Private to Public
Marking a significant shift in its history, West Chester Normal School transitioned from private ownership to become the first institution of its kind to be fully owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1913. This change signified the state's growing commitment to public education.
1927: West Chester Embraces Teacher Education
Responding to the evolving educational landscape, West Chester State Normal School was renamed West Chester State Teachers College in 1927. This coincided with the introduction of a new four-year program specifically designed for aspiring educators in Pennsylvania.
1950: Men's Soccer Earns National Recognition
Before the NCAA tournament era, West Chester University's men's soccer team garnered national acclaim in 1950 when they were honored as National Soccer Champions by the Intercollegiate Soccer Football Association, affirming their prowess in the sport.
1959: NCAA Introduces Tournament Format
A pivotal year for college athletics, 1959 witnessed the NCAA's implementation of a tournament format for determining national champions, replacing the previous system of selecting champions through votes. This change significantly impacted the landscape of college sports.
1960: Expanding Horizons: Embracing Liberal Arts
In 1960, West Chester State College broadened its academic offerings by introducing a liberal arts program, signaling its transformation into a comprehensive institution of higher education. This move reflected the changing academic landscape and provided students with a wider range of study options.
1961: Men's Soccer Clinches NCAA Division I Championship
In a defining moment for the university's athletic program, the men's soccer team at West Chester University emerged victorious in the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship in 1961, showcasing exceptional skill and teamwork on a national stage.
1969: Pioneering Victory: Women's Basketball Claims First National Championship
West Chester University's women's basketball team made history in 1969 by becoming the inaugural winners of the women's basketball national championship, showcasing their exceptional talent and marking a significant moment in the sport's history.
1972: Women's Swimming Makes History
The women's swimming team at West Chester University achieved a historic milestone in 1972 by clinching the DGWS national championship title, showcasing their exceptional skills and athleticism.
1975: Women's Field Hockey Begins Dominant Run
The year 1975 marked the beginning of a four-year winning streak for West Chester University's women's field hockey team, securing four consecutive AIAW titles and solidifying their dominance in the sport.
1976: Individual Success in Collegiate Boxing
West Chester University boxers Edward Skalamera and Joe Gery brought home national titles in their respective weight classes at the 1976 National Collegiate Boxing Association championships, demonstrating exceptional skill and athleticism. Skalamera dominated the 147-pound weight class, while Gery triumphed in the 180-pound division.
1977: Boxing Team Claims National Championship Title
West Chester University's boxing team demonstrated their dominance in the ring by securing the National Collegiate Boxing Association national championship in 1977, marking a significant achievement for the university's athletic program.
1978: Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
In 1978, the women's field hockey team at West Chester University etched their name in history once again by winning their fourth consecutive AIAW title, cementing their place as a powerhouse in the sport.
1979: Boxing Team Continues Winning Streak
Continuing their winning ways, the West Chester University boxing team once again claimed the National Collegiate Boxing Association national championship in 1979, solidifying their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate boxing.
1982: Boxing Team Achieves Third National Title
In 1982, West Chester University's boxing team celebrated another momentous victory by clinching their third National Collegiate Boxing Association national championship, cementing their legacy as a dominant force in the sport.
July 1, 1983: A New Era: Joining the State System
On July 1, 1983, West Chester was formally integrated into the newly established Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), becoming one of its 14 constituent universities. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the institution, now known as West Chester University of Pennsylvania, as it embraced new governance structures and expanded its degree program offerings.
1995: Celebrating Formal Poetry
West Chester University established its annual conference on form and narrative in poetry in 1995, demonstrating a commitment to the New Formalism movement. The university's dedication to poetry is further evidenced by its poetry center, which hosts readings, sponsors an annual book competition focused on formal poetry, and presents the Iris N. Spencer Poetry Awards to recognize undergraduate excellence in this genre.
2008: Women's Lacrosse Secures Second National Title
In a thrilling victory, the West Chester University women's lacrosse team defeated C.W. Post College with a score of 13-12, capturing their second national championship title and adding another chapter to their program's history of success.
2010: Women's Lacrosse Earns Second Place in NCAA Tournament
The West Chester University women's lacrosse team continued their impressive performance on the national stage in 2010, securing a commendable second-place finish in the NCAA tournament, showcasing their skill and competitiveness.
2011: Women's Field Hockey Continues Championship Legacy
Adding to their illustrious history, the West Chester University Women's Field Hockey team secured the NCAA Division II championship title in 2011, demonstrating their enduring commitment to excellence in the sport.
2011: Women's Lacrosse Achieves Fourth Place in NCAA Tournament
West Chester University's women's lacrosse team demonstrated their consistent excellence by achieving a fourth-place finish in the 2011 NCAA tournament, highlighting their ability to compete at the highest level of collegiate lacrosse.
2012: Women's Field Hockey Secures Back-to-Back Championship Wins
In a display of remarkable consistency, the West Chester University Women's Field Hockey team clinched the NCAA Division II championship for the second consecutive year in 2012, solidifying their status as a dominant force in collegiate field hockey.
2012: Historic Win: Men's Baseball Team Claims National Championship
In a historic achievement for the university, West Chester University's men's baseball team clinched the NCAA Division II College Baseball National Championship in 2012 with a decisive 9-0 victory over Delta State in Cary, North Carolina. This marked the first time a team from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) achieved this feat and only the third time a northern school claimed the national title.
2012: Women's Lacrosse Secures Second Place Finish in NCAA Tournament
The West Chester University women's lacrosse team continued to demonstrate their prowess on the national stage in 2012, achieving a second-place finish in the NCAA tournament and reaffirming their position as a top contender in women's lacrosse.
2013: Women's Lacrosse Crowned PSAC Champions
The West Chester University women's lacrosse team showcased their dominance within their conference in 2013, earning the title of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Champions and solidifying their position as a regional powerhouse.
2013: Club Sports Achieve National Recognition
West Chester University celebrated victories in club sports as the Women's Ice Hockey Club and the Men's Lacrosse Club both secured Division II national championship titles in 2013, demonstrating the university's commitment to athletic excellence across various disciplines.
2015: Men's Lacrosse Club Claims Second National Title
The West Chester University Men's Lacrosse Club added to their list of accomplishments by winning the Division II national championship in 2015, showcasing their continued dominance in the sport.
2019: Student Enrollment Reaches New Heights
In 2019, West Chester University achieved a record-breaking enrollment of 17,719 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs, solidifying its position as the largest institution within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
2019: Dual Victories: Women's Field Hockey and Rugby Teams Claim National Titles
The year 2019 marked a historic moment for West Chester University athletics, with both the Women's Field Hockey team and the varsity Women's Rugby program achieving national championship victories. The field hockey team secured the NCAA Division II championship, while the rugby team triumphed in the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) championships.
2020: West Chester University Earns National Recognition
In 2020, West Chester University received recognition for its academic excellence by securing the 50th position in the "Regional Universities North" category according to U.S. News & World Report's rankings.