Administration

Penn State Fayette honors faculty and staff at annual recognition celebration

Pictured from left to right are Mike Romeo, Brandy Burke, Alison Hawk, Melissa Miner and Samantha Swetz. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus recognized its faculty and staff at the 2024 Retirement and Recognition Celebration on Dec 6.

Regional Chancellor Megan Nagel honored 19 individuals for their sustained dedication to the Fayette campus.

Celebrating five years of full-time service

  • Emma Beaver, head librarian
  • Wendy Edgar, assistant teaching professor of nursing
  • Alison Hawk, assistant teaching professor of nursing
  • Barry Pawloski, assistant director of Student Affairs
  • Ronette Poorbaugh, campus nurse
  • Karen Prettyman, campus registrar
  • Adam Russell, University Police and Public Safety

Celebrating 10 years of full-time service

  • Stephen Oberly, director of athletics

Celebrating 15 years of full-time service

  • Collette Ridgeway, administrative support assistant of Academic Affairs
  • Lindsey Simon-Jones, interim chancellor and chief academic officer

Celebrating 20 years of full-time service

  • Nathaniel Bohna, teaching professor of engineering
  • Fred Botti, campus maintenance worker
  • Vincent Gall, campus maintenance worker
  • Jo Ann Jankoski, associate professor of human development and family studies
  • Sherry Scully, administrative support assistant of Admissions and Student Aid
  • Billie Jo Yuhaniak, chancellor’s assistant

Celebrating 25 years of full-time service

  • Nicole Hill, associate professor of mathematics
  • Kevin Maxwell, associate professor of mathematics

Celebrating 30 years of full-time service

  • Melissa Miner, director for Undergraduate Nursing Education

Interim Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Lindsey Simon-Jones presented the 2024 Excellence Awards, which are supported by the Fayette Campus Endowment Fund.

2024 Excellence Awards

The Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Alison Hawk, assistant teaching professor of nursing.

From the nominator, “Alison takes the time to understand her students as individuals — their strengths, challenges and goals — creating an environment where they feel seen and valued.”

The Faculty Excellence in Service Award was presented to Melissa Miner, director for Undergraduate Nursing.

From the nominator, “Melissa has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the core values of our University through her tireless involvement in various campus, college, and community committees and organizations.”

The Staff Excellence Award was presented to Mike Romeo, admissions counselor.

From the nominator, “Mike’s ability to connect with prospective students and their families — whether during campus visits, college fairs or high school events — is truly remarkable.”

The Ellen M. Laun Advising Excellence Award was presented to Stacy Sekely, program coordinator and teaching professor of physical therapist assistant.

From the nominator, “She is knowledgeable and conscientious, and always willing to assist students. Throughout all interactions, Stacy is earnest, helpful, patient and enthusiastic.”

The Barbara B. Solesky Support Staff Excellence Award was presented to Samantha Swetz, assistant director of Athletics.

From the nominator, “Sam’s ability to foster connections across campus units and the wider community enhances the University’s mission. She is, quite simply, a Penn State jewel.”

The Rose Ann Williams Staff Mentoring Excellence Award was presented to Brandy Burke, administrative support assistant of nursing.

From the nominator, “Brandy is incredibly passionate and tirelessly seeks answers and resources for students, faculty and staff. Brandy is always ready to listen and share a laugh, thanks to her positive and humorous spirit.”

Departing Faculty and Staff

This year, the campus bid farewell to several faculty and staff members who have retired or moved on to new opportunities. Their dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact on the Fayette campus.

  • Jason Bush, director of Finance and Business
  • Michelle Henrish, administrative support assistant of nursing
  • Earla Knoyer, campus bursar
  • Lori Omatick, director of Development
  • Charles Patrick, chancellor and chief academic officer
  • Charles “Gib” Prettyman, associate professor of English
  • Sharon Rendine, financial associate of Athletics
  • Scott Williams, University Police and Public Safety
Last Updated December 12, 2024