INFORMATION FOR
Every month during the academic year, we will spotlight a different member of the WP faculty or staff who plays a powerful role in student success.
Name: Nicole Bartolotta
Title: Director, Accessibility Resource Center
Years at WP: 3
Tell us about yourself: I am a New Jersey native, growing up in Bergen County with wonderful parents and a younger brother. I am a first-generation college student and the daughter of an immigrant father who came to this country from Sicily, Italy. I am also a proud West Virginia University alum, where I earned my bachelor’s in sport and exercise psychology and my master’s in rehabilitation counseling. I found a passion for higher education while a graduate assistant at WVU, and now here I am over a decade later. Beyond work, I have a beautiful 2-year-old daughter, Mia, who keeps me busy running around playgrounds or going for walks. I also love fitness, sports (go Giants and Yankees!) and the beach.
Describe your role on campus: In the Accessibility Resource Center, I work with students across campus who need disability-related support ranging from learning, ADHD, and mental health conditions to physical, sensory, or medical needs. This often involves providing accommodations such as assistive technology, extended time on exams, or accessible classroom materials to ensure all students can fully participate and remove barriers. My role extends beyond student services — I collaborate closely with faculty, administration, and departments to ensure that inclusiveness is not just a value, but a daily practice. Whether it’s implementing accommodations, raising awareness, or fostering partnerships, my focus is on promoting equity and creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
A defining moment at WP: The Welcome Day Gauntlet for first-year students! In all my years, this was something I had never seen or been a part of at other schools. From the matching shirts for staff and administration, to watching the students walk through and experience the celebration of what is the beginning of an exciting new journey for them, I think it truly speaks to the way we show up for students from the moment they arrive on campus.
Favorite part about your job: The opportunity to witness growth — both in students and in the faculty and staff who support them. Seeing students thrive when they feel understood and supported is powerful. Equally rewarding is watching faculty gain new tools that transform their teaching and foster inclusivity. Every day, I’m reminded that this work has a ripple effect: Small changes can create lasting impact.
Fun fact: I wear hearing aids! I think this is something that not too many know and it is a bit unconventional given the norms.
Finish this sentence: "WP is a powerhouse of community." At its core, this campus thrives because of the connections between students, faculty, and staff who genuinely care about one another.
