UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of Health and Human Development has appointed Amy Lorek as interim director of the college’s Women’s Leadership Initiative.
The Health and Human Development Women’s Leadership Initiative provides opportunities for emerging women leaders to develop the core values, attitudes and competencies that are the foundation of quality leadership.
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The appointment, which became effective in July, will last throughout the 2020-21 academic year. Lorek will teach HHD 401, Women’s Leadership Initiative: Concepts and Competencies, and oversee the various activities of the year-long leadership development program.
Lorek currently serves as assistant research professor in the Center for Healthy Aging where she blends research, teaching, and outreach for promote healthy lifestyles across the lifespan. She also teaches human development and family studies courses about personal growth and communication.
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Student and Outreach Dennis Shea stated "Dr. Lorek brings a wealth of academic experience, leadership abilities and success as an educator and able administrator. We look forward to an extraordinary year ahead.”
“It is an honor to join the leadership team of the Women’s Leadership Initiative,” said Lorek. “I look forward to working with the diverse women students, faculty and staff to continue the program’s strong foundation of fostering leaders. Emerging women leaders inspire me and I am eager to work collaboratively to advance the WLI.”
In addition to her roles in the Center for Healthy Aging and Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Lorek was recently appointed to the Student Engagement Network Faculty Academy to develop resources for including older adults’ expertise to enhance student learning.
Lorek earned her a doctorate in leisure behavior from Indiana University in 2009 and came to Penn State that same year. Her interests include experiential learning, intergenerational connection, community engagement and mentorship.