Leadership and Scholars

Lawrence M. Stratton, J.D., Ph.D.

Director, Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership
Professor of Ethics and Constitutional Law

The Stover Center is led by Lawrence M. Stratton, who has taught courses relating to law and ethics at Georgetown University Law Center, Villanova University, Drew University, Pepperdine University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Princeton Theological Seminary and has written articles and co-authored two books on constitutional law and ethics.

Dr. Stratton holds a Ph.D. and M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.S. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He is a former clerk to U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and is a member of the bar in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Dr. Stratton is an ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) minister, past president of the Rotary Club of Waynesburg, a member of the Board of Directors of the Imani Christian Academy of Pittsburgh, a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh, a member of the Waynesburg Borough Council, and secretary of the Greene County Planning Commission.

In Their Words...

"The Stover Program at Waynesburg University has provided me with the tools necessary to excel in the professional world due to many different experiences."

Alexander Canestraro

"The Stover Scholar program has provided me with invaluable connections and experiences that I couldn't get from anywhere else."

Sydney Kratsas

"The fact that the program isn't exclusive to future law students is what makes it so special. You can be any major who is interested in the constitution and Christ."

John Scott

"I love the Stover program because I get to connect on a personal level with leaders who are actively changing the polis who most people never get to meet. "

Emma Shashura

Profile of Scholars

Rachel Arhin

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Political Science

I am a sophomore from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I am pursuing a major in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law. As a former student at Plum Senior High School, I was a member of the National Honor Society, a participant in musical productions, and the founder and student representative of my school's first Poetry Club. Looking towards the future, I hope to go to law school and become an attorney.

I am so thankful to be part of the Stover Program as constitutional law, moral leadership and Christian values are all topics of great interest to me; I can’t wait to see what I will learn and accomplish here! Overall, I hope to make a significant impact, both on the Waynesburg University campus and within this program.

Emily Barker

Mt. Sterling, Ohio
Criminal Justice

I am a senior criminal justice student at Waynesburg University, and I plan to attend law school after graduating with my bachelor’s degree. I wish to pursue a career in criminal law. I am involved in the Student Senate, the Criminal Justice Club and Upper Room on campus.

Being a Stover Scholar is a highlight of my experience at Waynesburg University. I have learned so much through this program, had so many unforgettable experiences, and made lifelong friends. With its focus on constitutional studies and moral leadership, the Stover Program allows me to hear from some of the top political, economic and theological minds in America. The opportunities, experiences and connections the Stover Program has to offer are unmatched. The Stover Program is truly something special, and I am blessed to be a Stover Scholar.

Joel Baily

Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Political Science

I am a freshman Political Science major this year at Waynesburg University. Because I live in Waynesburg, I have already seen the effects that the University has in the community, and I am looking forward to growing in my understanding of our nation. I enjoy reading, playing the piano and playing mediocre tennis. I am immensely proud and grateful to be a Stover Scholar, and I hope to be just as much of a positive impact to Waynesburg as it has been to me.

Joshua Baily

Alexander Canestraro

Wheeling, West Virginia
Political Science

My name is Alex Canestraro and I am a political science major with a minor in environmental studies from Wheeling, West Virginia. I also serve as president of the Waynesburg University Student Senate.

The Stover Program's commitment to constitutional studies has equipped me with valuable tools that I will use later in my career, as I have the ambition of attending law school. The Stover Program has also helped me progress in my faith journey. All in all, the program has proved to be an extremely valuable piece of my life, academically, spiritually, and professionally.

Carolyn Clarkson

Kathryn Cottis

Wintersville, Ohio
Political Science

My name is Kathryn Cottis, I am from a small town in Ohio. I graduated from Indian Creek High School, where I was a part of many clubs and the volleyball team. I chose Waynesburg because of the amazing academics they have to offer. I will also be continuing my volleyball career at Waynesburg!

Jonathan Davis

Gainesville, Virginia
Finance

I’m Jonathan Davis, a finance major from Northern Virginia and a member of the Stover Scholars Program at Waynesburg University. I have an interest in constitutional law and the legal field more broadly, and I’m looking forward to deepening my understanding through both academic and practical experiences. Outside the classroom, I’m also a member of the men’s soccer team, which I am blessed to be a part of and represent the school in.

Theresa Eggleston

Jefferson, Pennsylvania
Education

My name is Tessa Eggleston, and I am from Jefferson, Pennsylvania. I am a sophomore early childhood and special education major. My activities include the Stover Program as well as the cheerleading squad here at Waynesburg. I am looking forward to the upcoming year and making many more memories in the Stover Program!

Tyler Gordon

Sydney Kratsas

Makai'o Nihipali-Sanchez

Ronin Poliquin

Avery Rape

Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
Marketing

I am a freshman this year at Waynesburg University and I plan to pursue Marketing. Before Waynesburg, I was a student at Seneca Valley High School. During high school, I was on the slow-pitch softball team for seven years. I was also in the Seneca Valley marching band as band captain. I’ve learned to love leadership throughout my years in high school and I’m honored to be a part of the Stover Program to grow in my education. I am very exited to grow in my faith and friendship through Waynesburg and this program.

Gracie Rape

Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
Psychology

I am a sophomore at Waynesburg University pursuing a major in Psychology. I am very thankful to be a part of the Stover Program and learn through many unique experiences along with the other scholars.

I am blessed to be a part of clubs and organizations at Waynesburg. I am on the Student Senate, a Campus Ministry Assistant, a Resident Life Mentor, the vice president of the pro-life club, and the treasurer and social media/outreach leader for Delight Ministries. But, above all I am an ambassador for Christ and I want to honor Him through everything that I do.

Jackson Sauders

New Castle, Pennsylvania
Political Science

I am a freshman majoring in political science and minoring in business. During my time at Laurel High School, I was a three-sport athlete for the Football, Basketball, and Track and Field teams. I was also the Vice President of the National Honor Society and a member of the Conservation Club and Youth Alive.

I am truly blessed to be part of the Stover Program and grateful for this opportunity. I am excited to learn and grow in my leadership skills while strengthening my faith. The Constitution is the cornerstone of our country's government, and I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of this critical document. While at Waynesburg University, I plan to be involved in multiple activities and step outside my comfort zone.

Josiah Shimizu

Renton, Washington
Forensic Accounting

I have been interested in the law and how it coexists with my Christian beliefs for over six years. I have an AB and plan to work towards a bachelor's in forensic accounting and a master's in business administration. After my time at Waynesburg, my goal is to work for the FBI as a special agent, where I can use all the tools learned at Waynesburg. The most important thing for me is that I put my future self in a place to change lives day to day and spread the gospel of Christ.

John Scott

Ellsworth, Pennsylvania
Digital Design

I am a Digital Design student here at Waynesburg, and I aim to acquire a bachelor’s degree. I am very into sports of mostly all kinds; I played baseball and soccer throughout high school. I love learning new things and becoming proficient in them. I am grateful to the Stover Scholarship Program for giving me these wonderful opportunities to get to know better the government, the people that decide the law, and for the friends I have made through all this. I look forward to years to come!

Emma Shashura

Fredericktown, Pennsylvania
Accounting

I am a sophomore at Waynesburg this year where I am pursuing an accounting major. Before attending Waynesburg, I received my high school education from Calvary Chapel Christian School and Bethlehem Center High School. This year on campus I serve as a Waynesburg University Influencer, Knox Learning Center Tutor, member of the Honors Program and the Secretary of the Business Club. I love attending Waynesburg and being a part of the Stover Program that prepares me for my post-grad life in many ways that other colleges could not replicate.

Alex Solomon

Morgantown, West Virginia
Political Science

I am Alex Solomon, a political science major and art minor from Morgantown, West Virginia. I am also the captain of the “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” Esports Team, the Chief Art Editor of the “Muse&Stone” Publication, and am on the Executive Board of the Student Senate.

Today, politics is in the forefront of our lives and the battles between factions seem to be more and more focused upon moral issues. This trend strengthens Aristotle’s idea that politics, being the most authoritative pursuit, is the most equipt to seek what is truly good. I hope that this program of Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership may continue to guide me and others towards that “chief good,” and to better equip us to Transform the Polis!

Emily Stutzman

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Criminal Justice and Political Science

I am a senior this year and pursuing a double major consisting of Political Science and Criminal Justice Administration, while also being a captain on the women’s volleyball team from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. I am extremely honored to be a part of the Stover Scholars Program, which allows me to grow while also helping others grow in their passion and studies of moral leadership and learning about the Constitution.

Within the program, we are given many opportunities to meet extremely important and fascinating people of all fields that teach us the importance of morals, which helps us as students to become better people overall. This year, I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and broadening my personal goals, but also becoming more involved in the community and seeking out new opportunities everywhere. I am very blessed by the Stover Program and all the benefits and opportunities it has provided me with this far.

Olivia Toth

Carmichaels, Pennsylvania
Education and Political Science

Olivia is a junior at Waynesburg University, and is pursuing a dual major in political science and middle level education (social studies) as well as a minor in history. She serves as Executive Vice-President of the Student Senate and is an active member of the Waynesburg University Honors Program. Additionally, Olivia promotes Waynesburg University through social media as a part of the WU Influencer program.

Olivia has studied various forms of dance for the past 18 years. Since beginning college, she has chosen to continue her dance education by being a ballet teacher and choreographer.

"Being a Stover Scholar allows me to apply moral leadership experiences to my education major while focusing the constitutional studies aspect to my minor. This year I am looking to expand my knowledge in and outside of my field of study by becoming more involved on campus and seeking new opportunities to enhance my education. I am thankful to be a part of the Stover program and its legacy of exemplary leaders."

Stover Scholars Speak

Hear what our Stover Scholars have to say about the program, what they've learned and more from the videos below.