on
campus

New Academic Structure Implemented

The 2022-23 year introduced a new Wilkes University academic structure that presents both collaborative and budgetary benefits. Wilkes has unified the six schools and colleges to create three distinctive academic units to better serve students in an interdisciplinary fashion. The structure benefits students by emphasizing creativity, collaboration and new hands-on learning opportunities across academic programs.

  • The College of Arts and Sciences consists of programs in the performing arts, humanities, behavioral and social sciences, environmental sciences and natural sciences. It also includes chemistry, math, physics and computer science. The College of Arts and Sciences is led by Paul Riggs, who joined Wilkes in 2015.
  • The College of Business and Engineering consists of the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership and undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, including aerospace studies, bioengineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, environmental engineering and mechanical engineering. The College of Business and Engineering is led by Abel Adekola who has served as the dean of the Sidhu School since 2016.
  • The College of Health and Education, consisting of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, the Passan School of Nursing and the School of Education, is led by Deborah Zbegner. Zbegner has served as the dean of the Passan School of Nursing since 2015. She has 30 years of clinical practice as a nationally board certified women’s health nurse practitioner.

Noting the many benefits of the revised academic structure, Senior Vice President and Provost David M. Ward explained that the daily student experience remains unchanged. “Our students will continue to enjoy the cutting-edge curriculum, academic excellence and faculty mentoring that sets Wilkes apart. No changes to their experience are anticipated; only enhancements. With these moves, we feel we are better preparing our graduates for a more interconnected society.”

In addition, the structure represents approximately $500,000 in savings—a benefit to the University as it continues to adapt to the well-documented demographic changes that continue to impact enrollment at institutions across the country.

“In looking at the higher education space, single discipline colleges are going away to make way for innovative pairings. Wilkes must continue to evolve to address new realities and the changing needs of our students as we prepare them for their future careers and lifelong success,” concluded President Greg Cant.

“Wilkes must continue to evolve to address new realities and the changing needs of our students as we prepare them for their future careers and lifelong success.”
– President Greg Cant
Outdoor view of Wilkes University with tower in the background and students walking through courtyard