Current Members
Appointed members have voting responsibilities and serve a three-year term beginning on August 1. They attend monthly Council meetings for approximately two hours which typically occur during normal University hours and are considered University business. USAC members also serve on at least one sub-committee within the larger Council to focus on specific goals and tasks.
 |
Elizabeth Fegert As a Business Consultant for the Penn State SBDC, Elizabeth Fegert uses her experience in marketing and program design to provide educational programming and consulting that helps clients achieve their small business goals. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from The Pennsylvania State University, where she serves as adjunct professor in the Smeal College of Business. With a passion for serving aspiring entrepreneurs, she also coaches students in various entrepreneurship programs hosted by university and ecosystem partners. |
 |
Rachel Galloway Rachel Galloway is the Director of MyResource, an AI-powered virtual assistant that leverages the latest generative AI technology to help students navigate and succeed in college by connecting them with resources. She is serving her sixth year on the Council and has previously served as a co-chair of the Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Committee and the Secretary of USAC. She has been a Penn State Student Affairs employee since August 2012 and previously worked for the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, the Office for Student Leadership and Involvement, and the Office of Residence Life at Penn State. Rachel has a bachelor of arts degree in music from Lebanon Valley College and a master of science degree in clinical and counseling psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She advises student acapella group Blue in the FACE at Penn State and is also the president of a local town and gown chamber choir, the Orpheus Singers. |
 |
Matthew Heller Matt Heller is an IT Project Manager in Penn State IT and takes an active role across the University and within the local community. Besides being an IT Project Manager and supporting enterprise IT projects at Penn State, he also supports our students as an adjunct instructor in The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST). When he's not wearing a University hat, Matt shares his time in the local community as a Ferguson Township Supervisor and serves on multiple committees within the Centre Region Council of Governments. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, sailing, motorcycling and spending time with his family. He holds a B.S. in Earth Sciences and a M.P.S. in Enterprise Architecture from Penn State. He is also a retired member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. |
 |
Crystal Barna Crystal Barna is a Subaward Grants Officer in the Office of Research Affairs at the College of Medicine. She has been with Penn State since 2009. Crystal received her Honorable Discharge from the Army in 2007 and began her commission as a Notary Public in 2015. She has completed the Administrative Professional Series 1 and 2 certification programs, the Project Management certification program, the Penn State Commission for Women Mentoring program, and the Penn State ACOR Certification & Education Series (ACES). Crystal currently serves as the Committee Chair for the Office of the Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Staff Advisory Council. This is her fourth year on USAC, where she will serve as Co-Secretary for the council. |
 |
Erin Loy Erin Loy is a Research Engineer at the Applied Research Laboratory. She has been at Penn State since 2009 and holds a BA in Environmental Geosciences and a Masters degree in Civil Engineering/Environmental Fluid Mechanics. This is her fifth year on USAC, where she will serve as Co-Secretary for the council. |
 |
Alice Puzarowski Alice Puzarowski is a pre-award research administrator at Penn State Behrend. She has been with the University since 2015 and previously worked for the School of Business, focusing on course scheduling, curriculum, and master support. She is a proud Behrend Alumna pursuing a Master of Project Management through World Campus. She joined USAC in August 2022 and is the Secretary-Elect for 2024-2025. |
 |
Amy Bockis Amy Bockis is excited to be entering her third year with the USAC team has served as the Outreach & Engagement Committee Chair & Co-Chair and is now thrilled to support the other USAC committees as the Logistics Chair. She is an enthusiastic member of the Public Health Sciences team at the College of Medicine in Hershey. She has been a part of the Penn State family since graduate school in 2003. Amy has a BS in Anthropology and an M.Ed. in College Student Affairs: College Counseling. Her professional interests include understanding and enhancing advising relationships, evaluation & performance feedback, and the improvement of institutional structures in higher education. Her interests include any activity that is in the great outdoors, specifically kayaking and hiking, latin music (viva la salsa), and raising three kids and four cats. |
 |
Chris Adams Chris (she/her) is the Associate Director with Prospect Management and Analytics within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DDAR). Chris leads a team of six that provides strategic support and data analysis to frontline fundraisers and related DDAR staff for the management and identification of prospects to assist with the cultivation and solicitation of donors. Chris has a BS degree in Finance from Penn State University and an MBA degree from Temple University. Chris joined USAC in August 2022 and serves as the Awards Chair. |
 |
Leah Carraway-Justice Leah is the Director of Operations for the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine. Leah is a 2x graduate of Penn State World Campus holding a B.A. in Labor and Employment Relations and Organizational Leadership and M.P.S. in Organization Development (OD) & Change. Leah sees staff as the glue to our organization and is excited to bring her background in OD & CM to USAC where she will continue to encourage the strategic separation of "the people" from "the process" as she believes this is when we truly get the biggest return on any investment - both people and process focused. |
 |
Paul Smith Paul Smith is a Senior Academic Coordinator in the College of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education. He holds a B.S. in Earth Sciences from Penn State. This is his first year serving on USAC and prior to joining he served as the chair of the College of Education’s SAC. |
 |
Ashley Stauffer Ashley Stauffer is a business analyst in the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS), and is the project manager for the Research Support Transformation Project (RSTP). Ashley also founded the Research Professionals Network (Research Pros), a community of practice that aims to enhance inclusion and share best practices for those that enable research at Penn State. Ashley has over a decade of experience working on assessment and evaluation projects focusing on improving the human condition. For more information about Ashley or to connect, see her LinkedIn profile. |
 |
Patrick Dunne Patrick Dunne is the Director of Strategic Communications and Community Engagement at Penn State Abington. He and his team lead marketing and public relations efforts that help Abington's campus achieve it's strategic goals. He and his team work with faculty, staff, and students to tell Abington’s story through engaging and insightful content. Prior to his work at Penn State, he led communications, marketing, and member engagement at national associations around Washington, D.C. Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State. |
 |
Teresa McCloskey Teresa is Unit Coordinator overseeing the student auxiliary officers who support University Police and Public Safety. This is her first year serving on USAC, and she just completed her first year as chair of the UPPS Employee Engagement Team. She has participated in the Finance & Business Mentorship program since 2019, and she's part of both the Gender Equity Center's Ambassador program and the Safer People Safer Places program to support the LGTBQ+ community. Teresa also participates with the Student Engagement Network, has joined the Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance, and has been a member of Strategies for Justice. She is passionate about being of service to others and never hesitates to speak up. She's also very passionate about advocacy for persons with invisible disabilities. |
 |
Nathaniel Reed Geyer Nathaniel Reed Geyer, DrPH, CPH, GISP, has over fifteen years of experience in public health research in the areas of cancer, obesity, HIV, epilepsy, public health workforce, transplantation, and nutritional genetics. Advanced knowledge of statistical software and analysis, and spatial analysis. Committed to public health research, education, and community service. He holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with two master's degrees in Epidemiology and Geographical Information Systems, with Certified in Public Health (CPH) and Geographical Information Systems Professional (GISP) credentials. Published 30+ articles and presented at national conferences. He currently serves on the Autism Society of Greater Harrisburg Board of Directors and is President of Capital Region Civitan Club. This is his second year in the University Staff Advisory Council.
|
 |
Patrick Campbell Patrick Campbell serves as Marketing Coordinator and strategist for the College of Agricultural Sciences. He has a B.A. in Communication Arts and Sciences from Penn State and an M.S. in Communication Studies from Shippensburg University. He is also an active member of the Centre County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, an Advocate Penn State member, Levi Lamb Fund (Nittany Lion Club) member, and 2024 participant of Centre County United Way's Over the Edge. Patrick is a champion of career and personal development, a physical and mental health advocate, and believes in community engagement through volunteerism and activism. In addition to serving Penn State organizations, he is also a monthly patron of the American Red Cross, blood donor, and serves as Vice President for the State College Young Professionals. Lastly, on behalf of USAC, Patrick serves on Penn State's Office of Ethics and Compliance's Center for Excellence on Values, Ethics, and Communication and Training Committee. |
 |
Caitlyn Catalfu Caitlyn Catalfu (she/they) is an Academic Adviser at Penn State Behrend. She started as an Administrative Support Assistant in the School of Engineering at Penn State, where they were responsible to course scheduling, curriculum updates, and student support. Caitlyn has a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and a M.Ed. in Higher Education from Penn State World Campus. Caitlyn is enthusiastic about supporting the student population and guiding them through their educational career. She serves as co-adviser for the Alpha Eta Chapter of Lambda Sigma Honor Society at Behrend. In Caitlyn’s spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her nephew and niece, as well as traveling, attending concerts, and being creative. This is Caitlyn’s first year on USAC. |
 |
Yu Tai Chung As IT Director for the Bellisario College, Yu Tai Chung provides leadership, strategic direction and daily oversight of IT operations. Responsibilities also include the development and interpretation of policies and procedures in support of College and unit goals. |
 |
Lisa DeGregorio Lisa joined Penn State Mont Alto in July 2017 in Student Affairs and serves as the campus's primary Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official. Her primary focus is the student veteran population, serving as the department's budget coordinator, and assisting student clubs with their financial endeavors. She currently represents Penn State Mont Alto as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard Association Education Action Council. Being married to a veteran who served 30 years in the Army Reserves and National Guard attracted her to the current position which she thoroughly embraces. She also enjoys time with family, her children, and her new granddaughter, Kennedy! Lisa is excited for her second year serving and contributing to the USAC organization! |
 |
Jackie Dillon-Fast A lifelong lover of libraries, Jackie Dillon-Fast (she/her) received her Master of Library Science from the University of Arizona and has been employed in the Penn State Libraries for over 18 years, currently as supervisor for the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Global News Center in the Paterno Library on the University Park campus. Jackie has been active in the Pennsylvania State Library Association in a number of leadership roles and has served as Co-chair of the University Libraries Diversity Community of Advocacy. In her first year on USAC, Jackie served on the Bylaws Committee, the Ad Hoc Restructuring Committee, and the Awards and Recognition Committee. This is Jackie's second year serving on USAC. |
 |
Kalene Faircloth Kalene Faircloth is the Assistant Director of Student Services at Dickinson Law. Kalene started at Penn State in 2009 in Harrisburg's Admissions Office and joined the law school community in 2022. She holds a both a B.Hum. in English and a M.Ed. in Higher Education from Penn State. This is her first year serving on USAC. |
 |
Cheryl Knobloch Cheryl Knobloch is the Senior Director of the Women in Engineering Program (WEP) in the College of Engineering. She also teaches two first-year mechanical engineering courses and advises the Society of Women Engineers student chapter. Cheryl actively champions equity, inclusion and allyship for engineering students and alumnae since 2002, and her career impact was recognized with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) awarded by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation in 2022. Cheryl earned a B.S. in ceramic engineering from Alfred University and a M.Ed. in higher education from Penn State. |
 |
Ilhan Kucukaydin Ilhan Kucukaydin is the web manager with Marketing and Strategic Communications at Penn State Harrisburg. Ilhan has been with the University since 2002, serving in various web and digital media roles. He has been an active member of the Harrisburg Campus’ diversity committees including Outreach and Programming and Training. Ilhan has a doctoral degree in adult education from Penn State. |
 |
Jody McCullough Jody is a business analyst at University Park. Her tenure with the University spans more than 25 years and she is excited to share her experience with USAC and the Penn State Community. Throughout her career, she has been proactive in advocating for staff and is eager to connect with colleagues across the University, letting them know that they are supported and heard. Jody is a proactive change-maker and will use her time on USAC to continue championing staff. |
 |
Melissa Meyer Melissa Meyer is the executive assistant and lead for business operations in the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research. Melissa started at Penn State in 1999 and has experience in various offices across the University; She’s worked with students, faculty, administrators, and executives in her roles. She is excited to join the University Staff Advisory Council in support of all University community members. |
 |
Jack Rumery Jack is an education specialist at Penn State Sustainability where he manages the university's Sustainable Labs program and focuses on fostering education and collaboration among PSU staff; he is also the founder and co-lead of the SustainaLions Employee Resource Group (ERG). Jack grew up in Michigan, developing a deep connection to the natural world that has guided his professional journey. He earned his B.S. in Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resource Education from Michigan State University, he also holds an M.Ed in Science Education from the University of Washington, including a year with Islandwood’s Education for Community and Environment program. A former mentor for the Gonzaga Climate Resilience Project and a dedicated multi-time AmeriCorps member, Jack is committed to integrating sustainability into education and community initiatives. This is Jack’s first year serving on USAC. |
 |
Jen Sholtis Jen Sholtis is a Lead Academic Adviser in the College of the Liberal Arts. She has experience advising in a wide variety of subject areas in Liberal Arts to include majors in languages, humanities, and social sciences. Jen holds a B.A. German and a M.Ed. in Higher Education. She is an advocate for staff through her committee work in Liberal Arts, her supervisory role, and being part of the advising leadership team. This is her first year serving on USAC. |
 |
Benita Smith Benita Smith is the Executive Assistant of the Dean at Dickinson Law. She's been employed at Dickinson Law since 2020, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration majoring in Business Management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, she earned her Paralegal Certificate from Penn State University. Benita is a seasoned legal professional in civil, criminal, and corporate law. Currently, she is serving her second year on USAC. |
 |
Tiffany Valdes-Madera Tiffany is a distinguished alumna of City University of New York (CUNY) City College, holding a Bachelor's degree in Communications complemented by a minor in Cultural Studies. Her journey with the esteemed Penn State family started in June 2021, when she assumed the pivotal role of Faculty Affairs Coordinator at the Lehigh Valley Campus. Demonstrating exceptional acumen and dedication, Tiffany swiftly ascended within the organization, achieving a notable promotion in August 2023 to the position of Business Development Coordinator for the Lehigh Valley LaunchBox program. Notably, Tiffany's contributions extend beyond her core responsibilities, as she proudly embarks on her second year as a valuable member of USAC, while also displaying leadership as co-chair of the USAC DEIB committee. |
 |
Tina Weidele Tina Weidele is the Assistant Financial Officer at Penn State Lehigh Valley. She has worked for Penn State for over 12 years, the first ten as the Office Manager at Lehigh County Extension. She served two years as a Co-Chair of the Penn State Extension Staff Advisory Council and participated with several projects with Extension Leadership including the development of an All-In-One financial communication form and process. Tina’s personal interests include riding her e-bike, gardening and tending to her huge collection of house plants. |
 |
Rachel Zughaib Rachel Zughaib is the Campus Registrar at Penn State Beaver. She was hired as an admissions counselor in 2012 and served as Assistant Director of Admissions from 2013-2017 before accepting the registrar position. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising/Public Relations from Penn State. Rachel's hobbies include spending time with family, cooking, hiking, and playing piano and clarinet. |