NIRSA HBCU spotlight on Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and Taylor Dampeer

Originally established as The Ashmun Institute, Lincoln University received its charter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on April 29, 1854, making it the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Lincoln University is a state-related public institution with a 422 acre rural campus near Oxford, Pennsylvania.

The university provides undergraduate and graduate coursework to more than 2,000 students.While the majority of students are Black, the university has a long history of educating students of other races and nationalities.

The department of Athletics & Recreational Services oversees the Health and Wellness Center, pool, fitness areas, gym, and bowling alley. Opened in September 2012, The Health and Wellness Center quickly became one of the most visited buildings on campus by students, staff, and faculty. The 110,000 square foot facility is home to five departments: Health Services, Health Science (formerly HPER), Counseling Services, Recreation Services, Vice President of Student Success.

The Health and Wellness Center has six classrooms, two labs, a lecture hall, a conference room, commuter atrium, dance studio, aerobic room, strength and conditioning equipment, gymnasium, locker room, health clinic, a track, bouldering and a rock climbing wall, and a healthy eating café. The Lincoln Food Court officially opened in fall of 2018, offering students healthier food choices.

On average, three professional staff and 25 student staff work together to deliver outstanding recreational opportunities to the Lincoln University community.

About Taylor Dampeer

One of the Recreational Services Staff professionals at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania is NIRSA member Taylor Dampeer, Director and current HBCU Committee member. Taylor got her start in campus recreation as an intramural student worker at Delaware State University, her alma mater. She is now responsible for running The Wellness Center, its component areas, and the Lion Pantry, which addresses food insecurities on her campus. She is also a First-Year Experience professor.

When asked what Taylor enjoys most about working at an HBCU, she says, “I love the impact I am able to make on my students. I can relate to them and they are able to confide in me while still upholding the boundaries as their supervisor.”

When asked why Taylor volunteers for NIRSA and the HBCU Committee, she adds, “HBCUs are the foundation of this organization, and it is important that we as NIRSA members never lose sight of that or its value. I attended HBCUS for my undergraduate and graduate work, so it’s important to be a part of telling the profession’s history while adding to it!”