Dr. Stacy Young - MU

06/08/2026

Michelle Pelphrey walked into Manchester three months ago and found something she hadn't expected: home. In her role supporting Academic Affairs, she's discovered that the acceptance and family feeling on campus is genuine and immediate. From the all-campus work day, where staff and faculty came together to strengthen our location, to the everyday moments of collaboration, Michelle has seen MU's mission in action. Her background is as unique as it is impressive: before joining our team, she served in law enforcement as a correctional officer and with the sheriff's department, roles that deepened her commitment to community. Today, she channels that dedication into supporting our students' academic journeys, all while building a beautiful life with her husband Roger, their niece Karla, and their furry family member LuLu. Welcome home, Michelle.

06/04/2026

We welcome Dr. Ron Lewis as the new Dean of the College of Business and Human Services.

Lewis previously served as Assistant Professor and Program Chair for Marketing and Sport Management at the University of Saint Francis, where he has led significant program growth, including developing one of the largest programs in the School of Business. In his leadership roles, he has overseen curriculum design, program assessment, faculty collaboration, and initiatives focused on student retention, progression, and career readiness.

Throughout his career, Lewis has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and access. As a former TRIO Student Support Services Project Director, he managed and implemented programs supporting first-generation and low-income students. His work consistently reflects a focus on removing barriers to student achievement and preparing graduates for meaningful careers.

Lewis is also a recognized leader in experiential learning and community partnership development. He has designed innovative, applied learning models that connect students with real-world projects, employers, and community organizations. His extensive engagement across the Fort Wayne region, combined with his experience as a consultant and founder of a leadership development firm, underscores his ability to build strong external partnerships that enhance both student opportunities and institutional impact.

Manchester thanks Heather Twomey, professor of business and former dean, for her dedicated leadership and service to the University. She will continue to contribute to Manchester in a faculty role.

06/01/2026

Meet Leslee Hill, Director of the Manchester Fund and Donor Relations! Leslee joined the MU family in November 2025.

Leslee's role is all about connection, nurturing relationships across the MU community so students and alumni always feel supported. What won her over? From day one, the mission here wasn't something collecting dust on a wall. Students raved about the faculty and small class sizes, and a colleague welcomed her by introducing her to everyone in the building. She was sold.

When she's not building community at MU, Leslee loves hiking local trails, walking the NM campus, and dancing to hip hop and R&B. She also has a soft spot for Meijer's ultimate chocolate chip cookies, though her 16-year-old son would argue they're his.

05/20/2026

What a truly uplifting campus service day! Many Manchester values were embodied around campus. A heartfelt thank you to our teams who served. Apologies to those who transformed residence halls - I forgot to capture your picture as I was fully focused on bringing you well-deserved treats!💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤

05/18/2026

Meet Kyle Grubbs, Director of Student Involvement in Student Life at Manchester University! Kyle is coming up on 13 years at MU, 11 of them in Admissions before making the move to Student Life in 2024. Her goal? To help students make their college experience MORE. Whether that's helping them find their people during Week of Welcome, petting llamas, getting henna tattoos, taking day trips to Chicago or simply making lifelong memories, Kyle is all in for her students. The relationships she gets to build with faculty, staff and students are her favorite part of the job. Kyle is also a Garber Staff Member of the Year award winner and a multi-instrument musician who played piano, flute, piccolo, xylophone and marimba in high school and even performed with the MU Symphonic Band. Her North Manchester restaurant pick: El Mez, no contest.

05/16/2026

Another great event to celebrate our graduates! 🎓

05/11/2026

Happiness is when your twin, visits campus to present to education majors and you get to have lunch with her!

If you didn’t know, the two of us graduated 30 years ago from Manchester and now our boys are sophomores rooming together just like we did! 💛🖤💛🖤

05/11/2026

Meet Stacy Erickson-Pesetski, Professor of English and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Manchester University! Stacy has been at MU for 18½ years, helping students read, think, empathize and yes, learn how to use commas. Some of her most memorable moments on campus include a field trip to the Shakespeare Behind Bars prison program and the everyday moments where students connect with experiences far outside their own. What she loves most about her students is their deep compassion and desire to make a difference in the world. Outside of campus, Stacy is a passionate advocate for rescue animals, has volunteered at Humane Fort Wayne for eight years, and has run 10 marathons and 50 half marathons (and counting!). Her favorite local spot: Rhinestones and Roses.

05/11/2026

Great FREE opportunity for high school students!

We are looking for tomorrow's leaders. Join us for adventures in learning, living and leading. Limited spots available. Register today: https://applyto.manchester.edu/register/NxtGenCamp2026

05/08/2026

A great day when one of your college roommates visits with her family, including her mom, who was so wonderful to all of us over the years!