Board Member Spotlight: William Rothenbach

William Rothenbach, a 1976 Edinboro graduate and 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, has remained deeply connected to Edinboro through the Foundation board, campus speaking engagements, and the creation of the William Rothenbach Psychology Scholarship. With a distinguished career in human resources leadership, a background in psychology, and recognition as an award-winning abstract expressionist artist, William brings a unique and well-rounded perspective to the Foundation team.

Q: What inspired you to come to Edinboro as a student?

A: Since I was the first from my family to attend college, it was not necessarily a well-researched decision. The older brother of one of my high school friends suggested Edinboro. Once I researched their psychology department, I decided it was the place I wanted to attend. Its location and Scottish heritage were also major determinants.

Q: Do you have family with Edinboro connections?

A: My oldest daughter, Gretchen (class of 2002), also graduated from Edinboro and graduated with a degree in fine arts.

Q: What were your favorite experiences at Edinboro?

A: My favorite experiences at Edinboro were my psychology classes, writing for the college newspaper, the various clubs, the intramural sports, serving on the College Judicial Board, and dorm life.

Q: What advice would you give to a current student?

A: My advice to a current student would be: 1) cherish the time in college as it's an important time of self-discovery; 2) learn to develop social and working relationships in college - these skills will serve you well once you graduate; 3) develop your communication skills (i.e., verbal, written, presentation, and listening skills) in college - it is the one skill that will either enhance or derail your career and life; and 4) learn to appreciate differing points of view - sometimes you might just learn something!

Q: Who was your favorite professor, and how did they influence your career?

A: My two favorite professors were Dr. Jack Culbertson and Dr. James Kennedy. Dr. Culbertson was chairman of the psychology department, and he taught me to question things, to ask “why,” and to approach research in a methodical and scientific fashion. Dr. Kennedy was my advisor, and he taught me to set a goal, develop a plan to achieve it, and seek and be open to input and advice from others.

Q: What do you like about being on the EU Foundation Board?

A: I enjoy being on the Edinboro University Foundation Board because it keeps me in touch with the university, I can see tangible progress being made, and it is an opportunity to clearly help improve the lives of current students attending Edinboro and to build a lasting legacy for future generations of students.

Q: How has your time with the EU Foundation impacted your personal and professional life?

A: My time on the EUF Board is consistent with my dedication and service to higher education and lifelong learning, and is part of my desire to “give back” to the university that prepared me so well and has given me so much over the years. I would not be the person I am today, not for the time I spent at Edinboro 50 years ago.

Other relevant facts:

— Have served on the Alumni Board, the College of Sciences and Health Professions Advisory Board, the Edinboro University Foundation Board.
— Established the annual William Rothenbach Researching Psychology Scholarship
— Named a Distinguished Alumni Award winner (2020), and have spoken on campus on numerous occasions (e.g., "Celebrate Psychology” and Homecoming 2016). —— — Retired Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer from J.J. Haines and recently retired as President & Founder of Harbor Lights Human Resources Consulting, LLC.  
— Holds a B.A. in Psychology from Edinboro University and an M.A. in Organizational Psychology from The University of Akron.
— Established the annual William Rothenbach Scholarship at my high school - North Allegheny Senior High School (Wexford, PA).
— Author of numerous professional human resources publications.
— Taught in the graduate school at Towson University and also at Central Piedmont Community College, and I have received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the North Allegheny Foundation.  
— Also serve on the Mecklenburg County (NC) Human Resources Advisory Board, the North Allegheny Foundation Board, and have served on the Harford County (MD) Cultural Arts Board, the UMBC I/O Psychology Advisory Board, and the Chesapeake Human Resources Foundation Board.
— Internationally-recognized, award-winning abstract expressionist artist.

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Stay tuned for future board member spotlights.