Meet Dr. Ray Petren: Champion of family studies and student success
Raymond Petren, associate professor of human development and family studies, is a beacon of inspiration in the field of family studies.
Raymond Petren, associate professor of human development and family studies, is a beacon of inspiration in the field of family studies. His work and teaching philosophy exemplify the transformative power of education. His commitment to understanding and improving family dynamics, coupled with his dedication to student success, makes him a true leader in education.
Research interests
Petren’s research explores the intricate dynamics of parenting, co-parenting, and family functioning across various family structures, with a particular emphasis on the roles of men in families. His work is not just academic; it is a mission to understand and improve family relationships during critical transitions such as parental separation and divorce.
Currently, Petren is immersed in two research projects. The first examines the factors that help parents maintain supportive co-parenting relationships during the tumultuous transition to separation and divorce. This research is crucial as it aims to ensure that parents can continue to work together for the benefit of their children, even as family roles and relationships undergo significant changes. The second project is a theoretical exploration of how parental identities evolve during these transitions, influenced by new constraints and opportunities. This work is pivotal in understanding how parents redefine themselves and their parenting roles in the face of change.
Why human development and family studies?
Petren is passionate about educating the public on the value of a human development and family studies degree. The major is not well-known, but it can be a great path for students who want to work with people. He believes that this discipline offers practical, hands-on learning experiences that are invaluable for those looking to work in diverse community and medical contexts.
He encourages students to pursue an HDFS degree, highlighting its broad foundation of knowledge and skills that open doors to a diverse array of careers. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in youth and family services, counseling, social work, human resources, non-profit management, law, and health professions such as behavioral health, occupational therapy, gerontology, and family medicine. The program's emphasis on hands-on experience and leadership development ensures that students are ready for quick advancement in their chosen fields.
Why Penn State Scranton?
Petren’s dedication to teaching at Penn State Scranton stems from his belief in the institution's commitment to providing the best education possible. After applying for multiple jobs across the United States and interviewing at several universities, the supportive environment at Penn State Scranton, where faculty, staff, and administration work collaboratively, convinced him that this was the place where he could grow as a professor and help students thrive both personally and academically.
“There is a sense of community at Penn State Scranton that I haven't seen anywhere else. It's a great place to be!”
Petren has found that the unique atmosphere at Penn State Scranton fosters collaboration and integration across various fields of study. The HDFS program, for instance, is multidisciplinary, incorporating elements of psychology, sociology, and helping professions like counseling and social work. The new developmental science for health professions option further exemplifies this integration by combining human development with biological science, providing a robust foundation for aspiring health professionals.
In Petren’s view, the best students are those who are truly invested in the learning process. Beyond striving for good grades, these students are committed to personal growth through education.
"Good students ask questions! Students are often hesitant to ask curiosity or clarification questions for fear that they will be viewed as ignorant or waste precious time. I want them to know that they are active agents in their own education and their questions are important to their learning.”
Preparing students for success
Petren takes immense pride in the success stories of his students. Witnessing their transformation into confident, competent, and self-directed individuals is a source of great joy for him. His dedication to facilitating this process is evident in the numerous accomplishments of his students, who go on to make significant contributions in their respective fields.
“It's just amazing to see the transformation that our students achieve as they become more confident, competent, and self-directed in just a few years. It is a joy to facilitate and witness this process.”
