Breaking Barriers: First Women Appointed Co-Chairs of Business Division- Dr. Jennifer Crull

07/17/2024

Dr. Jennifer Crull, an academic with an impressive background in business and organizational behavior, has made history as being one of the first female division chairs at William Penn University, alongside Dr. Jihna Jenkins.

With a year of teaching under her belt, Dr. Crull brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to her new role. Dr. Crull’s academic journey began at the University of Iowa, where she earned her BA in Mathematics. She continued her education at the same institution, obtaining a Master’s degree in Business with an emphasis on Management Science. Her academic pursuits culminated in a Doctorate in Business Administration from St. Ambrose University, focusing on Organizational Behavior, Human Resources, and Culture.

Prior to joining William Penn, Dr. Crull held several notable leadership positions. At Iowa Wesleyan University, she served as Chair of the Assessment Committee, managing training, data collection, and reporting. She also chaired the Business Division, demonstrating her leadership capabilities early on. Dr. Crull’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish the Belle Center, a non-profit dedicated to supporting small business incubators and collaborative workspaces in Mount Pleasant. Additionally, she served as President of the Mount Pleasant Community School Board for four years.

Reflecting on her career, Dr. Crull recalls the unexpected start of her teaching journey. After obtaining her master’s degree, she began teaching at a local community college and found a passion for education. At William Penn, Dr. Crull is enthusiastic about enhancing the Division through the implementation of sound assessment practices. She believes these efforts will significantly increase the rigor of their programs, fostering a robust academic environment.

Dr. Crull’s appointment as one of the first female division chairs at William Penn University is a significant milestone. She expresses pride in this achievement, acknowledging the historical support of women’s rights by the Quakers, the university’s founders. “I am excited to be leading the change in leadership here at William Penn,” she says. “The founders would be proud to see two women leading the department.”

As Dr. Crull’s embarks on this new chapter, her journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance, community engagement, and the pursuit of academic excellence. Alongside Dr. Jenkins, their leadership promises to usher in a new era of growth and innovation at William Penn University.