WEST CHESTER, PA — Dr. Tori Nuccio, deputy director of financial aid at West Chester University, has been recognized with the Keepers of the Flame Award by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) for her leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus.
Established in 2022, the award honors one individual from each of PASSHE’s 14 universities whose work fosters belonging and equitable opportunities for all members of the campus community. Recipients are chosen for inspiring collaboration, promoting inclusion, and driving measurable change.
Dr. Nuccio has served in WCU’s financial aid office for 13 years, dedicating her career to expanding access to higher education. A founding member of the WCU Resource Pantry, she has helped secure funding to address student food and housing insecurity through initiatives such as the WCU Promise Program and emergency aid for students facing hardship. As part of the university’s Moon Shot for Equity team, she has worked to remove barriers that can prevent students from registering or completing their studies.
Her commitment has earned her multiple honors, including the WCU Civility Award (2018–2019) and the 2017 Alumni Recognition Award. Reflecting on the recognition, Nuccio credited her colleagues and students for inspiring her work, noting that “so many of the good ideas we carry on today came from their bravery and honesty in sharing what they need to be successful.”
PASSHE Assistant Vice Chancellor Christa Cobb praised this year’s honorees for “strengthening the State System community” through their dedication to student success and inclusive excellence. The 2025 awards were presented October 29 during the PASSHE Summit at PennWest Clarion.
Dr. Nuccio’s recognition highlights West Chester University’s continued efforts to remove financial and structural barriers to education—ensuring that every student, regardless of circumstance, has a pathway to achievement.
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