Kathryn Callahan has successfully defended her dissertation at West Chester University and earned her doctorate. Callahan’s dissertation is a qualitative phenomenological study that explores the lived experiences of college students who have been placed on academic probation. Her research reveals that academic probation is not solely the result of academic deficiencies but is deeply shaped by personal, relational, and structural factors such as prior educational experiences, family dynamics, financial pressures, and trauma. The study highlights how relational support from faculty and staff can transform academic probation into a pivotal turning point that fosters self-understanding, confidence, and persistence.
Guilherme Lopes successfully defended his dissertation at Catholic Theological Union and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree. His dissertation explores how Catholic Social Teaching is experienced and integrated within student leadership formation in Catholic higher education, particularly through campus ministry and leadership programs. Using interviews, surveys, and institutional document analysis, the research found that Catholic Social Teaching often shapes students through service, community engagement, and institutional values, even when it is not explicitly named or taught as a formal framework. The study highlights the importance of intentionally connecting leadership development with the Church’s social vision to help students better understand themes such as human dignity, solidarity, participation, and the common good. Lopes now also shares something in common with Pope Leo XIV — both are graduates of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Congratulations to William Pezzotti, program coordinator of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, and Judy Neubauer, associate dean, whose graduates passed national certification exams. AACN Certification Corporation confirmed that all three of Neumann University’s December 2025 graduates of the program passed the national certification, a 100% pass rate for this graduating class.
Andrea Lobacz attended her first NATA Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., meeting with congressional office staff to advocate for key issues impacting the athletic training profession. A primary focus was advancing credentialing and privileging of athletic trainers in the Defense Health Agency to ensure appropriate recognition and utilization in military healthcare settings and beyond. The group also advocated for continued appropriations for the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act to address mental health needs among healthcare providers.
Abby Leibrand presented at a national conference with student-led research. The peer-reviewed and accepted poster was titled "Relationship of Pointe Readiness Test Scores to Dance Instructor Assessment." She also had an article published in APTA magazine on the STOLE ceremony.
Jenelle Abnett reports that 14 students completed the Eagles Autism Foundation 5K Challenge, raising over $5,000. In the first five years, Neumann’s Eagles Autism Foundation College Program has raised more than $28,000 for autism research, successfully hosted two Neuroinclusive Resource Fairs with the PA state police, and organized over 30 volunteer opportunities at Lincoln Financial Field.
Richard F. Klineburger III, a member of the university’s board of trustees, was sworn in as treasurer of the New Jersey State Bar Association at its Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlantic City. He is on track to become president of the association in 2030. Klineburger is the founding partner at the firm Klineburger Law, with offices in South Jersey and Pennsylvania. A native of West Philadelphia, he graduated magna cum laude as a member of the Honors Program in 1992.