Christopher Fiorentino inducted into Chester County Hall of Fame
PHOENIXVILLE — Christopher Fiorentino, president of West Chester University, is the newest inductee in the Chester County Hall of Fame.
Fiorentino was inducted on May 15 by the Chester County Economic Development Council at its annual event held at the Phoenixville Foundry. He is the 26th inductee into the Hall of Fame, and the honor came just weeks ahead of his retirement from West Chester University.
“President Fiorentino has always understood that success can — and should — be mutual for West Chester University and its surrounding communities, and his commitment to this goal is perhaps his most lasting legacy here in Chester County,” Mike Grigalonis, Chester County Economic Development Council president and chief operating officer, said in a statement.
Fiorentino was recognized for his more than 41 years of service to the university, the last seven as president. He is the university’s 15th president and has led the school through changing demographics and a worldwide pandemic. Under his leadership, West Chester University’s enrollment has grown to more than 17,000 students, and in 2023 he welcomed the largest incoming first-year class, according to a press release.
In accepting the award, Fiorentino said he was “deeply honored and humbled.”
“This is truly shared recognition because we have worked together to provide opportunities to so many, to unite people through meaningful and intentional partnerships, as well as to strengthen the communities where we live. It’s a difference that we have made together,” he said. “I have been fortunate that my career has involved getting up every day to do what I have loved the most in my professional life: serving students, our region and our Commonwealth. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so.”
Throughout his career, Fiorentino and West Chester University have collaborated with the Chester County Economic Development Council on more than 24 initiatives.
Among some of the key initiatives, according to the council, are the Business Resource Center in Coatesville; post-secondary education opportunities through the economic development council’s Project RECONNECT initiative; industry partnership advancement through the Innovation Technology Action Group (ITAG); entrepreneurship through the Chester County Economic Development Council Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) and ongoing participation in the council’s Pennsylvania Global Business Advisors.
In 2006, the university achieved international AACSB accreditation for its College of Business and Public Affairs (now the College of Business and Public Management), while Fiorentino was dean of the college, according to the release.
He added that the accreditation has been a “game changer for recruiting students and faculty, as well as taking the university in a different direction.”
“Under President Florentino’s leadership, West Chester University has become a portal of excellence, bringing great pride to West Chester University alumni and distinguishing Chester County with an internationally acclaimed state university,” Gary Smith, Chester County Economic Development Council’s chief executive officer, said in a statement.
Fiorentino grew up in Langhorne and Levittown, Bucks County. In 1983, at the age of 29, he accepted a one-year position teaching economics at West Chester University — a move that ultimately grew into a 41-year career.
He said he loved teaching and didn’t think he would be an administrator, but “took that leap” when asked, to put the university’s business school “on the map.”
“I knew it was a high-profile risk, with a lot of sleepless nights. But I have a sign in my office that says ‘take some risks,’ and it’s something I try to instill in my leadership team and students,” he said in a statement.
The Chester County Hall of Fame Award was created in 1996 by the Chester County Economic Development Council and recognizes business and community leaders who have made “immeasurable contributions” to Chester County’s economic health, according to information on the economic development council’s website. The award recognizes not only an individual’s leadership, business acumen, and outstanding achievements within and beyond the Chester County business community — it also honors community impact, versatility and “willingness to go the extra mile.”
Recent Chester County Hall of Fame inductees include Patti Brennan of Key Financial Inc. (2023); Chris Annas of Meridian Bank (2022); James E. McErlane of Lamb McErlane PC (2021); Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet of Victory Brewing Company (2020); Michael L. Pia of South Mill Champs (2019); Claudia P. Hellebush of United Way of Chester County (2018); Dr. Jerry Parker of Delaware County Community College (2017); W. Thomas Musser of The Tri-M Group LLC (2016).
View more on Mainline Media News