Old Main on Penn State's University Park campus.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The fall 2024 cohort of the Penn State Emerging Academic Leaders (PSEAL) program have successfully completed their semester-long professional development experience.
Designed for mid-career faculty who are interested in exploring academic leadership roles, PSEAL offers participants the opportunity to develop leadership skills, expand their networks, and deepen their understanding of university structure, strategy, and decision-making. The Fall 2024 cohort demonstrated a strong commitment to personal growth, institutional engagement, and collaborative learning.
“The PSEAL program is rooted in the belief that leadership development begins with reflection, curiosity, and community,” said Ann Clements, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs. “This cohort exemplified those qualities in every session. We are excited to see how they continue to shape the future of academic leadership at Penn State and beyond.”
Members of the Fall 2024 PSEAL cohort included:
- Charles Anderson, professor of biology, associate department head of research and faculty success, Penn State University Park, mentored by Lara Fowler, director, Penn State Sustainability and Chief Sustainability Officer
- Omar Ashour, associate professor of industrial engineering, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, mentored by Greg Dillon, chair and professor of polymer engineering
- Seth Blumsack, professor of energy policy and economics, Penn State University Park, mentored by Lara Fowler, director, Penn State Sustainability and chief sustainability officer
- Danielle Symons Downs, professor of kinesiology, College of Health and Human Development and professor of obstetrics and gynecology, College of Medicine, associate director, Social Science Research Institute, mentored by Andrew Read, senior vice president for Research
- Vikash Gayah, professor of civil and environmental engineering, Penn State University Park, mentored by Thomas La Porta, director, and Evan Pugh Professor and William E. Leonhard Endowed Chair, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Catie Grant, assistant teaching professor of telecommunications, Penn State University Park, mentored by Maura Shea, associate teaching professor, associate head, Department of Film Production and Media Studies
- Patty Aguilera Hermida, associate teaching professor of human development and family studies, Penn State Harrisburg, mentored by Vahid Motevalli, interim vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, Penn State Harrisburg; and Brynn Rousselin, director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
- Carter Hunt, associate professor of recreation, park and tourism management, Penn State University Park, mentored by Craig Newschaffer, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean, College of Health and Human Development
- Jennifer Jewell, teaching professor, Allied Health Division, Penn State Shenango, mentored by Rae Brown, associate dean, Undergraduate Education, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
- Beth Johnson, associate teaching professor, undergraduate students, Penn State University Park, mentored by Jeff Adams, senior associate vice provost and senior associate dean, Undergraduate Education
- Helen Kamens, associate professor of biobehavioral health, Penn State University Park, mentored by Patrick Mather, dean of the Schreyer Honors College
- Agnes Kim, associate professor, science division, Penn State Scranton, mentored by Peter Hopsicker, associate vice provost for Faculty Affairs
- Siela Maximova, research professor of plant science, Penn State University Park, mentored by Erica Smithwick, director, Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and distinguished professor of geography
- J. Andrew Petersen, associate professor of marketing, Penn State University Park, mentored by Vilmos F. Misangyi, Earl P. Strong Professor of Business
- Joseph Ranalli, associate professor of engineering, discipline coordinator for Engineering, University College, Penn State Hazleton, mentored by Elizabeth Wright, regional chancellor and chief academic officer, Penn State Hazleton, Penn State Scranton
- Raghu Sangwan, professor, engineering division, and associate chief academic officer, Penn State Great Valley Graduate Center, mentored by Renata Engel, vice provost, Penn State Online Education
- Heather Shoenberger, associate professor of advertising and public relations, Penn State University Park, mentored by Marie Hardin, dean, Bellisario College of Communications
- Derrick Taff, associate professor of recreation, park and tourism management, Penn State University Park, mentored by Nicole Webster, associate dean for faculty affairs, College of Health and Human Development
- Heather Zimmerman, professor of learning performance systems, Penn State University Park, mentored by Rayne Sperling, associate dean, undergraduate and graduate studies, College of Education
- Shomir Wilson, associate professor of information sciences and technology, Penn State University Park, mentored by Andrea Tapia, dean, College of Information Sciences and Technology
- Vineeta Yadav, associate professor of political science, Penn State University Park, mentored by Sabine Klahr, interim vice provost, Penn State Global
- Amie Yenser, associate teaching professor, science division, Penn State Hazleton, mentored by Elizabeth Wright, regional chancellor and chief academic officer, Penn State Hazleton, Penn State Scranton
- Hong Wu, associate professor of landscape architecture, Penn State University Park, mentored by Mallika Bose, associate dean of research, creative activity and graduate studies, College of Arts and Architecture
Throughout the program, participants engaged in workshops, discussions and collaborative activities focused on academic leadership, inclusive decision-making, strategic planning, and professional development. In doing so, they built lasting connections and expanded their capacity to lead in a complex and evolving higher education landscape.
Visit the Office of Faculty Affairs website for more information about the Penn State Emerging Academic Leaders program and future opportunities.
