McDowell Institute

The McDowell Institute at Commonwealth University supports the facilitation of social, emotional, and behavioral wellness of children, youth, and young adults across school and community settings. This mission is accomplished through training, technical assistance, and information dissemination.

Empowering Education: Susan W. McDowell's Legacy

Susan W. McDowell established the McDowell Institute at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg in 2012 with a generous $2 million gift. In 2024, McDowell provided additional support to extend the Institute's reach beyond its Bloomsburg roots to CU's Lock Haven and Mansfield campuses and their surrounding communities. In total, McDowell has contributed more than $3 million to support the program.

The Institute focuses on helping educational professionals develop strong ethical standards and skills to address non-academic barriers to learning. Emphasizing promotion and prevention, it supports healthy development and learning for all children, particularly vulnerable populations.

Susan’s commitment to making positive changes is evident in her support of social and emotional well-being for young children and adolescents. The Institute leverages her ongoing financial contributions alongside other resources, such as grants and donations, to fund outreach and collaborative initiatives.