MEDIA, Pa. — Penn State Brandywine has appointed Stephanie Jones as director of student affairs, effective July 5. Jones, a Penn State alumna, has extensive experience in student engagement and programming, including previous positions as Brandywine and Penn State Lehigh Valley.

She is currently dean of students and Title IX co-coordinator at Neumann University.

Brandywine Chancellor Marilyn J. Wells noted Jones’ experience and expertise in areas important to students and the campus today, including Title IX; health and well-being; diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; social engagement and leadership; strategic partnerships; and financial stewardship and growth.

“She is a values-driven and innovative leader who brings a high level of energy, a focus on people, strong communication skills, and a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement,” Wells said. “With her commitment to leadership development, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community, service learning and impactful programming, Stephanie will be a wonderful addition to our campus. She will also contribute to our success in achieving our ambitious goals and objectives in our Penn State Brandywine Strategic Plan 2020-2025: New Opportunities, New Stories, such as our pursuit of NCAA Division III athletics.” 

As a member of the chancellor’s senior leadership team at Brandywine, Jones will participate in the overall leadership and management of the campus. She will provide direction for all Student Affairs units, which include Student Engagement and Leadership, Residence Life, Counseling and Health Services, and Athletics, as well as student government, student conduct, and allocation of student fees to provide an excellent co-curricular student experience and sense of belonging for all students.

Jones also will lead and support efforts related to diversity, equity and inclusion; behavioral threat management and early intervention; sexual misconduct prevention and response; and collaborating with Student Affairs colleagues and leaders across Penn State and the Commonwealth Campuses to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

Jones said she is eager to return to Brandywine and be part of the growth and new directions the campus has developed in recent years, including the campus’ first residence hall and new student union.

“When I joined Brandywine in 2014, I was immediately attracted to the diverse and vibrant campus community,” she said. “I am excited to return to Brandywine, especially with the addition of the new Student Union and Orchard Hall.

“Some of my goals are to support the development of students through transformative programming and experiences that prepare them to be leaders in their local and global communities. I strive to foster inclusive and diverse learning environments that create a sense of belonging and connection for marginalized populations. I will continue to provide advocacy and resources to improve retention and increase enrollment. I am excited to partner with Dr. Wells and her vision for Brandywine through connection, equity and sustainability.”  

At Neumann, Jones has served as the chief student affairs officer and managed housing and residence life, student health services, student engagement and leadership, the counseling center for wellness, and student conduct. She also chairs the CARE Team and Behavioral Threat Management Team, and she developed a restorative justice process.

Jones served as Brandywine’s associate director of student affairs from 2014 to 2017. She was previously at Penn State Lehigh Valley for seven years, first as student affairs specialist and then as assistant director of student affairs.

Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in crime, law and justice and a master’s degree in training and development at Penn State.

Wells also thanked Dan Murphy, director of Commonwealth Campus support in Penn State Student Affairs, for serving as Brandywine’s interim director of student affairs.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to Dan Murphy for serving as interim director of student affairs for the past several months,” Wells said. “Dan provided steady leadership to the department, and I know he will be a great resource for Stephanie as she transitions back to Penn State.”