Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee hosted his semiannual press conference on Nov. 2, hoping to address major university changes and answer student concerns. The event was a part of The Department of Communication’s Public Relations (PR) week, with Waynesburg Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) President Annabelle Bagley introducing President Lee. 

“We really enjoy incorporating President Lee’s press conference into PR Week because it’s so great for our department,” Bagley said. “It gives students the chance to hear from President Lee himself and shut down rumors or gain information.” 

Lee noted five main points in his speech before taking comments from students in attendance. First on Lee’s agenda was AI and its evolving relationship with the university. He spoke about the partnership Waynesburg University has made with Google, where the company will offer programs and certificates for students to learn more about how to navigate AI. The university hopes for these resources to be out within the next few weeks. 

“The important message for all of you is not to have AI replace what you are great at: critical thinking, analytical analysis, communication, problem solving skills,” Lee said. “All of that is central to an education. Rather, we want you to learn how to use AI as a tool, enhancing those abilities while exercising key ethical judgment.”  

The second key topic in Lee’s speech was an announcement that Waynesburg University will be hosting the Esports championship for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Esports Association. The event will bring over 200 visitors to campus in mid-May.  

Lee then shifted to overall campus improvements, discussing the now completed renovations to Burns Hall, parking lot construction by East Hall, and classroom improvements scheduled for the nursing department in Stewart Hall. He also gave updates on the new dormitory currently under construction, which he revealed will be called Lee Hall, a suite style building that should be ready by 2028. 

“These are going to be huge rooms with microwaves and a little kitchenette, and we’re also working on it being co-ed,” Lee said.   

President Lee also focused on the town and community surrounding campus. He noted the opening of a Chipotle, Starbucks, and Rutters in Waynesburg next March, plus local initiatives to help grow business in town. 

One student-asked question was about whether the university feels responsible to help local businesses. 

“Our mission is to be a light on the hill,” Lee said. “Put your lamp on a stand for the world to see, not under a bushel. Not only through what you do through service, but what we can do through partnerships and through the strength of leverage, either economic leverage or political leverage.”  

In his final point, Lee discussed the university’s completion rates. Research published by the American Enterprises Institute named Waynesburg University ninth in completion rates based on SAT/ACT scores among small, private colleges. 

“The completion rates we have are 17, 18 points higher than what should be predicted,” Lee said. 

For these results, Lee cites the university’s small community, mission, and intensive advising.  

Lee’s next news conference can be expected sometime in the spring semester.