Academics
King’s College today held a special welcome ceremony at its new Student Success Center, which for the first time allows students to take advantage of one state-of-the-art facility for all of their mentoring, tutoring, and academic advisement needs.
The Student Success Center sits at the first floor of the D. Leonard Corgan Library, which has undergone extensive renovations over the last year. This more than $4 million project officially kicked off in July 2024 with much of the substantial work completed by the end of the Spring 2025 semester.
This semester will be the first in which the new facility serves as a modernized hub for The Rev. Charles J. Kociolek, C.S.C., Office of Academic Advisement; The Schwingen Tutoring Center; The Feinstein Writing Center; and the Lambert Learning Lounge. The Student Success Center is also the new home for KC Pathways, which offers specialized services for first-generation and international students and supports several multicultural initiatives throughout the year. Most of these offices were previously located in separate older buildings throughout campus.
“Father Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, taught that quality education demands academic excellence, creative pedagogy, engaged mentorship, co-curricular participation, and a collaborative spirit,” said Kelly M. Lettieri, associate vice president for academic success. “Having this dedicated space allows us to provide comprehensive holistic support to students, helping them develop their skills and strategies for academic success to reach their full potential.”
“I think we’ve created a wonderful resource and learning environment right in the heart of campus,” said Adam Balcziunas, director of the D. Leonard Corgan Library. “Co-locating these services highlights the idea that, even though the work we do in our various departments is different, we all share a mission to support academic success and student well-being in spaces that are welcoming and safe.”
Bryanna Nelson, a senior majoring in exercise science and enrolled in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, shared her experience as both a beneficiary of these services and a mentor who is encouraging other students to take advantage of them. She serves as a student ministry team leader, vice president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association, orientation team leader, and co-vice president of the College’s Go Baby Go chapter.
“I wouldn’t have the success I do now without the help of these offices,” said Nelson. “They taught me how to study, how to better my soft skills, and ultimately that having a support system is vital for everyone. I encourage you all to use the Student Success Center as a supportive resource, regardless of if you are doing well or not. This new center is dedicated to bettering us, not only as students but as future graduates of King’s College who will go out and make a true difference.”
Significant upgrades include new furniture, expanded open space, floor to ceiling windows, and upgraded tutoring spaces, employee offices, and conference rooms. The second floor of the library was also renovated to include improved lighting, individual study spaces, and group workstations.
The project also includes transforming the outdoor courtyard space located between the library and the Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, including new walkways, landscaping, lighting, and outdoor furniture for seasonal and recreational use. The courtyard phase of the project has a tentative completion date of Summer 2026.
King’s College today recognized the many government and community leaders for their invaluable support, including Governor Josh Shapiro, former Governor Tom Wolf, State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, State Senator Marty Flynn, Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown, and the Wilkes-Barre City Council. The College also thanks the generous donors and community members for their ongoing support. For related philanthropy opportunities, visit www.kings.edu/waystogive.
