Penn State Scranton Announces Leadership Essentials Workshop Series

A Leadership Workshop for Professionals Seeking Advanced Skills

Professionals, managers, and supervisors can strengthen their leadership abilities and enhance their roles within today’s evolving work environment through this comprehensive program.

The workshops are highly interactive and led by Penn State professionals with real-world experience who understand the demands and challenges of modern workplaces.

Participants from a wide range of occupations will have the opportunity to share their own experiences while exploring supervisory topics designed to support success in the workplace, career development, and personal growth. This four-week program offers practical tools and strategies that empower professionals to become valued leaders within their organizations.

Dates: Wednesdays, 9 am – Noon at Penn State Scranton
10/29; 11/5; 11/12 & 11/19
Cost $300

Click here for more information

Penn State Scranton Announces Staff Updates

Penn State Scranton has announced several staff updates, including new titles and responsibilities across various departments. These changes reflect the University’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership and support structures to enhance its academic and administrative operations.

Admissions Office

Alex Ellsworth

  • Alex Ellsworth has been named the regional associate director of enrollment management at Penn State Scranton.
  • Ellsworth earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Scranton in 2015 and completed a master’s degree in higher education through Penn State World Campus in 2024.
  • Previously serving as the interim director of enrollment management at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, he now takes on expanded responsibilities overseeing daily operations for the admissions departments at both the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre campuses.
  • In addition to his new role, Ellsworth will serve as a regional leader for the three northeast campuses further supporting recruitment and enrollment efforts across the region.

Aaron Mattern

  • Aaron Mattern has been appointed senior regional director of enrollment management for Penn State Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre.
  • Mattern holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marywood University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Valley Forge.
  • Previously serving as the director of enrollment management at Penn State Hazleton, Mattern now leads the regional enrollment management team across all three campuses.
  • His responsibilities include overseeing admissions and financial aid efforts by implementing strategic recruitment and yield initiatives tailored to each campus while adopting a unified regional approach where appropriate.

Alyssa Russel

  • Alyssa Russel has been appointed student aid coordinator and VA school certifying official at the campus.
  • In this role, she oversees student aid processes, serves on the Scholarship Committee and helps award institutional scholarships.
  • Russel also provides counseling to students and families about financial aid options and assists with the FAFSA and awarding stages.
  • Starting March 1, Russel’s title will change to VA Point of Contact, though her responsibilities are expected to remain the same.

Bursar’s Office

Tina Weidele

  • Tina Weidele has been named regional financial officer for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton.
  • A graduate of Kutztown University with a degree in secondary mathematics and a minor in music, Weidele previously served as assistant financial officer at Penn State Lehigh Valley.
  • In her new role, she oversees budgeting and financial operations to ensure alignment with University policies and regional planning initiatives.

Center for Business Development and Community Outreach (CBDCO) Office

Jo Ann Durdan

  • Jo Ann Durdan has been appointed interim regional lead of Continuing Education for Penn State Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre.
  • In this role, she is responsible for developing and overseeing continuing education programs, including workforce development, youth programs and budget forecasting.
  • Durdan works closely with campus leadership to address the needs of the campuses and the surrounding community while providing project-based learning opportunities for students.
  • Durdan holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication and a master of education from Penn State

Development Office

Desiree Voitek

  • Desiree Voitek has been appointed senior director of campus development, northeast region.
  • Previously serving as director of campus Development and Alumni Relations, Voitek will now oversee the development and alumni relations programs at the Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre campuses as well as manage the advancement program at Scranton.
  • In her expanded role, she will focus on cultivating and strengthening relationships with alumni and donors to secure philanthropic gifts that support the campuses’ growth and initiatives.
  • Voitek holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State and a master’s degree in health care administration from King’s College.

Facilities Office

Michael Chura

  • Michael Chura has been promoted to regional facilities manager for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton.
  • With 40 years of experience at Penn State, Chura now oversees the maintenance, operations and strategic planning for over 200 acres and 27 buildings across the three campuses.
  • His expanded role includes managing safety, emergency preparedness and collective bargaining for the facilities teams at each location.

Information Technology Office

Connor Haggerty

  • Connor Haggerty has joined as the new IT support specialist in Penn State IT.
  • Haggerty has three years of experience in help-desk operations from his time at both Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Scranton.
  • In his previous role, he worked as a student worker at the help desk.
  • In his new position, he will support both the Hazleton and Scranton campuses while also assisting Wilkes-Barre as needed.Haggerty is working towards completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Penn State Hazleton and is expected to graduate in the Spring of 2026.

Rob Notari

  • Rob Notari has been named interim IT leader for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton.
  • A 1999 graduate of Wilkes University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Notari previously served as a systems administrator at Penn State Scranton, focusing on the campus’ technical environment, security and updates.
  • In his new role, Notari takes on expanded responsibilities overseeing IT operations across the three northeast campuses, transitioning from a primarily technical role to a more managerial position that emphasizes leadership and strategic direction.

Office of Human Resources

Aurora Brunovsky

  • Aurora Brunovsky continues as a human resources consultant, expanding her portfolio to now support five campuses: Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Schuylkill and Lehigh Valley.
  • With a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology from Penn State and a master’s degree in community counseling from the University of Scranton, Brunovsky brings over eight years of HR experience across multiple campuses to her role.
  • She focuses on providing strategic HR support and fostering collaborative efforts across her assigned campuses.

Maureen Carr

  • Maureen Carr has been appointed HR consultant for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Schuylkill and Lehigh Valley campuses following an HR reorganization.
  • Carr, who joined Penn State in 2010 and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Beaver College (now Arcadia University), brings years of experience from her work at Penn State Berks and other campuses.
  • Her responsibilities include supporting staff and faculty with human resource needs across her expanded portfolio of campuses.

Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business

Jonathan Kutka

  • Jonathan Kutka has assumed a dual role as senior director of regional campus relations and director of strategic initiatives at Penn State.
  • In these positions, he provides operational support for six campuses, including Scranton, and oversees strategic planning, administration, and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives for over 7,300 employees.
  • A Penn State alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and an MBA from Alvernia University, Kutka has over 20 years of leadership experience and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the University and community.

Matthew Nied

  • Matthew Nied,  director of student services and engagement at Penn State Scranton was appointed interim northeast regional director of Athletics.
  • In this expanded role, Nied will oversee and support athletic functions across the Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre campuses.
  • Nied holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in communications from Alvernia University, earned in 2007, and a master’s degree in organizational and strategic leadership from Neumann University, completed in 2009.
  • Previously, he served as assistant director of student services and engagement and began his career as assistant director of Unions, Programs and Student Activities.

Carrie Orlofski

  • Carrie Orlofski recently joined Penn State Scranton as the administrative assistant to Student Services and Engagement. Orlofski obtained an associate’s degree in general studies with a focus on accounting from Luzerne County Community College in 2019.
  • Prior to this role, Orlofski worked at Penn State Wilkes-Barre as the administrative assistant for the TRIO Student Support Services program. There, she supported first-generation students, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities—helping to ensure they had the tools and resources needed to thrive academically.
  • In her new role at Scranton, Orlofski will be assisting with student engagement initiatives, supporting career services, and health and wellness programs for students.

Nikki Paolicelli

  • Nikki Paolicelli has been named assistant director of student services and engagement and coordinator of student activities at Penn State Scranton. A 2019 Penn State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Paolicelli is also pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communications through Penn State World Campus.
  • In her new role, she continues to assist students with campus transitions, advises the Student Government Association (SGA) and manages key events such as the Summer Leadership Training Week and various academic recognition celebrations.
  • Paolicelli also coordinates campus-wide student activities, oversees clubs and organizations, serves as an adviser for THON and leads diversity, equity and inclusion programming to foster community engagement.

Penn State Scranton Announces Community Fall Fest

Penn State Scranton is inviting the local community to celebrate the autumn season at its first-ever Community Fall Festival, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the campus’ soccer fields.

The festival is free and open to the public and will offer a variety of fun, family-friendly activities for kids and adults of all ages.

Organized by the campus’ Student Services Office, the festival promises an evening of seasonal fun for families, students and residents of the Greater Scranton area. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of activities designed to capture the spirit of fall, including a pumpkin patch, free apple cider and donuts, live music and interactive games for all ages.

Fall fun for all!

Among the featured attractions are pumpkin bowling, oversized tic-tac-toe and checkers tables, a knock-down-the-bottles game and a tactile play table.

Additional yard games and stations will be set up throughout the event space, including a photo station, fire pit lounge area, petting zoo, candy corn guessing jar and more!

Local historian Julie Esty will present “True Scranton Story” sessions and lead storytelling of the historic Dunmore Cemetery. In addition, children attending the festival can look forward to engaging in Halloween-themed tales told by Penn State Student Engagement and Outreach Libarian Molly Abdalla.

Guests can also participate in a guided Fall Foliage Walk around campus and also visit a petting zoo, courtesy of Buttinhead Farms.

Food will be available for purchase from a variety of local food trucks.

For those with a sweet tooth, complimentary treats will include apple cider, donuts and a S’mores station.

Penn State Scranton encourages individuals of all abilities to attend and participate. Anyone requiring accommodations or with questions about accessibility is asked to contact Matthew Nied, director of student services and engagement, at mdn11@psu.edu prior to the event.

For additional information or inquiries, contact the Student Services Office at Penn State Scranton.

Penn State Scranton Announces Open House

Prospective students and their families are invited to visit Penn State Scranton for its Penn State Day Open House on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 9:30 a.m. or Saturday, November 15

During their visit, guests will learn about the campus’ 13 bachelor degrees and four associate degrees; Penn State’s unique 2+2 Plan, which allows students to start their degree at Scranton and complete it at University Park or another PSU campus; and Penn State’s 275+ degrees. They will also meet current students, staff and faculty, and tour the campus, including its cutting-edge labs, Mechanical Engineering Building and new Library and Nursing Building.

Any prospective student who attends before applying as an undergraduate is also eligible for an application fee waiver.

“We cordially invite families exploring college options to join us for Penn State Day,” Interim Regional Chancellor Durell Johnson said. “This open house is an opportunity to explore our campus, learn about the excellent educational experience we offer, and get a glimpse of the exciting experiences awaiting you at Penn State Hazleton.”

“Whether you’re a high school student, transfer student, adult learner, or are thinking of resuming your education after taking some time off, Penn State Day is a convenient all-in-one opportunity to discover how a Penn State education can set you up for success,” Regional Senior Director of Enrollment Management Aaron Mattern said. “We encourage prospective students to come see our campus, ask questions, and experience first-hand what it’s like to be a Penn Stater.”

Attendees can register online. Prospective students may explore other admissions events at Penn State Scranton or schedule a personal appointment by contacting the Admissions Office at 570-963-2500 or scranton.psu.edu/admission. 

Penn State Scranton Appoints Durell Johnson as Interim Chancellor

Durell Johnson, Ph.D., chief academic officer at Penn State Scranton, has been named interim regional chancellor for Penn State’s Hazleton, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre campuses.

Johnson has been with the University for over 25 years, starting at Penn State Scranton in 1999 as an assistant professor of human development and family studies. After earning tenure, he was promoted in 2005 to assistant director of academic affairs, served as discipline coordinator for the Division of Health and Human Development in the University College from 2008-09, and was named associate director of academic affairs in 2009 before being promoted to chief academic officer in 2016.

“I’m honored to have been selected for the role of interim chancellor,” Johnson said. “I look forward to supporting our students, faculty and staff at all three campuses and maintaining the academic excellence and positive community impact for which Penn State is known.”

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Johnson holds a baccalaureate degree in psychology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, a master’s degree in experimental child psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a doctoral degree in developmental psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He resides in Clarks Summit.

Penn State Scranton to Host Upcoming ‘Spend A Summer Day’ Open House

Spend A Summer Day

Prospective students are invited to learn about the numerous educational opportunities at Penn State Scranton during its upcoming “Spend A Summer Day” open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, August 8.

During their visit, guests will learn about the campus’ degree programs; its unique 2+2 Plan, which allows students to start their degree at Scranton and complete it at University Park or another PSU campus; and Penn State’s 275+ degrees. They will also meet current students, staff and faculty, and tour the campus, including its cutting-edge labs and new Library and Nursing Building.

Register at https://scranton.psu.edu/summer-event

Penn State Scranton to Conduct Babysitter American Red Cross Training Course

Babysitter American Red Cross Training

Babysitter’s Amercian Red CrossTraining and Pediatric First Aid/CPR
Discover the rewarding world of childcare and learn what to do when you are in charge!
Learn about child safety, how to “play it safe” and the basics of caring for children while developing your leadership skills.

Find out how to prevent and recognize emergency situations, as well as how to provide basic first aid and CPR for infants and children until an emergency medical team arrives.

Ages: 11-16
Dates: July 22, 2025 & July 23, 2025
Times: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fee: $259
Instructor: Karen Stylianides
Maximum Seating: 15

https://scranton.psu.edu/business-development-community-outreach/options/youth-programs/nittany-cub-summer-camps/baby-sitter-training

Penn State Scranton To Hold Nittany Cub Camp – Myths Legends & Folklore

Nittany Cub Camp – Myths, Legends, & Folklore Camp

Myths, Legends, and Folklore Camp (Ages 9-13)

Dive into a new and fascinating world at summer camp!
Join us on an exciting journey through myths, legends, and folklore from around the world! Campers will uncover the fascinating histories behind these traditions while engaging in hands-on crafts and immersive cultural experiences. They’ll also have the chance to create and share their own stories.

Explore the rich Celtic heritage of Ireland and Scotland, step into the world of King Arthur’s Court, and sail with the Vikings. Discover the legend of the Blarney Stone, build your own Viking ship, and castle construction.

https://scranton.psu.edu/business-development-community-outreach/options/youth-programs/nittany-cub-summer-camps/folklore

Penn State Scranton’s Mechanical Engineering Students Set to Complete Innovation Challenges

We are inviting local companies, community organizations, and civic leaders to collaborate with Penn State Scranton’s Mechanical Engineering students through and innovative educational initiative supported by the Leonhard Center.

As part of the ME-340 Design Methodology course in Fall 2025, students will participate in Innovation Challenges – semester-long, team-based projects that tackle real world problems faced by local communities. These challenges encourage students to develop practical, value-driven solutions in areas such as energy efficiency, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and public health. We are seeking community partners with challenges relevant to their needs.

ME-340 Community-Focused Project Briefs
 Project TitleChallengeStudent Task
1Affordable Heating Retrofit for Senior HomesMany older residents in the region live in drafty, poorly insulated homes.Design a low-cost, modular heating improvement system (e.g., window inserts, radiator reflectors, smart vents) that can be installed with minimal tools.
2Smart Water Usage System for Local Gardens or ParksWater conservation and maintenance in public spaces.Develop a low-tech, IoT-based irrigation controller that optimizes watering schedules based on soil moisture or weather.
3Accessibility Aid for Public Buildings or Local EventsTemporary ramps, guides, or tools are often lacking at local venues.Design portable, collapsible accessibility tools (e.g., ramps, signage, mobile seating supports).
4Community Composting SystemFood waste is high; composting infrastructure is minimal.Develop a modular composting bin system with odor control and usability in urban or semi-urban settings.
5Snow & Ice Removal Assistive ToolElderly and disabled residents have difficulty clearing driveways and sidewalks.Design a manually operated or low-powered snow/ice removal aid that is lightweight, safe, and easy to use.
6Mobile Market Cart for Local VendorsLocal vendors struggle with transporting and displaying goods at pop-up events or farmers’ markets.Design a durable, weather-resistant, foldable cart that serves as transport and display unit.
7Emergency Power Backup System for Rural Clinics or ResidencesPower outages can disrupt critical equipment use in homes and small clinics.Design a basic, solar-powered or hand-crank backup system for low-wattage medical or communication devices.
8Ergonomic Workstation for Remote WorkersMany rural residents have shifted to remote work but lack ergonomic setups.Design a low-cost, adjustable desk system that supports health and productivity in small home spaces.
9Community Tool Library Inventory & Checkout SystemShared tools often go missing or untracked in community lending libraries.Develop a simple mechanical or digital system for tracking tool checkouts and returns.
10Low-Tech Air Quality Monitor for Classrooms or Elderly HomesAwareness of indoor air quality is limited in community spaces.Design an easy-to-use air monitor using color-changing indicators or basic sensors.
11Affordable Leaf Collection Machine for Small BackyardsDuring the fall season, residents with small backyards often struggle with managing large volumes of fallen leaves. Commercial leaf collection machines are often too expensive or too large for personal use.Design a simple, affordable, and easy-to-store leaf collection device or machine suitable for small residential backyards. The design should consider ease of use, storage space, noise levels, and cost-effectiveness.

Penn State Scranton Holds Information Session: Sustainability Coordinator Certificate

Did you know that the Securities and Exchange Commission have adopted new rules for publicly traded companies to disclose climate-related information in annual reports? Did you know that businesses that invest in sustainability outperform their peers?

The sustainability coordinator’s primary responsibilities include identifying gaps or inefficiencies in a company, developing projects to create more sustainable processes/environments, and implementing the plans created to help their company’s positive impact grow. This role requires honed critical thinking- and communication skills, as well as the ability to oversee multiple projects at once. 

In order for businesses in all industries to be successful today, they will need Sustainability Coordinators to help assess, recommend, and implement plans to ensure the processes and policies are efficient and responsible for the three pillars of the triple bottom line: People, Prosperity, and Planet!

The online, non-credit Sustainability Certificate at Penn State helps business professionals turn rigorous knowledge into meaningful action. 

An Information session on our Sustainability Coordinator Certificate will be held August 8th from Noon to 1 pm. Those attending will be provided a discount when they register. 

For more details visit: https://scranton.psu.edu/business-development-community-outreach/options/certificate-programs/sustainability or email scrantonoutreach@psu.edu