MEDIA, Pa. — Jennifer Nesbitt, professor of English at Penn State York, has been appointed interim director of academic affairs at Penn State Brandywine, effective June 21. Nesbitt, who will serve in the interim role for the 2023-24 academic year, brings 20 years of research, teaching, and service along with extensive experience in administrative and committee leadership roles.

“Jen is focused on diversity and inclusiveness, committed to undergraduate research and classroom innovation, and brings strong communication and program assessment skills,” Brandywine Chancellor Marilyn J. Wells said. “I am confident her experience and expertise at Penn State and across the Commonwealth Campuses will be a wonderful addition to our campus as we continue to welcome new faculty and grow our academic programs.”

Nesbitt earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and literature from Harvard University and a doctorate in English from Emory University. She joined Penn State York in 2003 as assistant professor of English. Among her many contributions to her campus, the University College, and Penn State, she has served as a University Faculty Senator, chair of the Course-Sharing Committee in English for the Commonwealth Campuses, and discipline coordinator in English for the University College.

She also participated in a Big Ten Academic Leadership Fellowship focused on issues in higher education, communication, and COVID/crisis response. At York, she currently serves as editor of the journal The Space Between: Literature and Culture, 1914-1945 and a member of the Honors Subcommittee. 

“I am delighted to join the Penn State Brandywine leadership team as interim director of academic affairs, to collaborate with such an accomplished and caring faculty, and to work alongside the dedicated Academic Affairs staff to support our students’ success,” Nesbitt said. “It will be a privilege to join with the Brandywine community to advance the campus’ strategic vision. I look forward to supporting the diverse passions and commitments of students, faculty and staff who — in continuously renewing Penn State’s vibrancy as a university — ensure that we will thrive into the future.”  

Wiebke Strehl, who served as Brandywine’s director of academic affairs for the past three years, was recently named the inaugural dean of arts, humanities and social sciences at Newberry College in South Carolina.