Western New England University is pleased to congratulate Professor Sheralee Tershner for being recognized as one of 10 Fearless Women at the Springfield Symphony Orchestra's music celebration on Saturday, March 11.
Dr. Tershner earned her doctorate at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the UCSF Center for Integrative Neurosciences. She joined Western New England University in 1998 and created a research-rich undergraduate neuroscience curriculum, where undergraduate students were able to conduct independent research and attend scientific conferences. Dr. Tershner served as the founding Chair of the Department of Neuroscience for over 10 years and now serves as the Director of Neuroscience. In this role, she advocated for the program to be repositioned within the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. In the new College, she has worked to create quality programming by combining the neuroscience degree with established graduate programs. Dr. Tershner is a fierce advocate for encouraging women, underrepresented minorities, and first-generation college students to fall in love with the sciences.
In addition to Dr. Tershner's recognition, Western New England University would also like to extend its congratulations to two WNE alumnae who were also awarded at the event: Amanda Spear-Purchase and Marjorie J. Hurst.
Spear-Purchase is the Venue & Events Director for Springfield Symphony Hall. She was born and raised in the Springfield area graduated with a degree in Marketing/Communication.
Marjorie J. Hurst is an attorney and the editor and co-founder of the community news magazine, An African-American Point of View. She is a Howard University graduate with a B.A. in Speech Pathology and Audiology, a M.Ed in Urban Education from the University of Massachusetts, and a J.D. from Western New England University School of Law.
"I am thrilled to congratulate all three of the amazing WNE leaders," said Dr. Robert E. Johnson, President of Western New England University. "They continue to inspire us by the work they do in their advocacy fields for the Greater Springfield community. I am proud to offer my sincere congratulations on behalf of the entire Golden Bear Nation."
