Campus Cabinet

Dr. Cory Scherer, Interim Chancellor, Director of Academic Affairs

The Chancellor serves as the campus executive officer and spokesperson for the campus and is responsible for assuring the quality of academic programs and campus services including areas such as strategic planning, budgeting, community outreach, philanthropy, marketing, and alumni relations.

Jonathan Kukta, Senior Director, Regional Campus Strategy and Planning

Jonathan Kukta serves in a dual role as the as the Senior Director of Regional Campus Strategy and Planning in the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses, providing operational support to Penn State Berks, DuBois, Hazleton, Schuylkill, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre. In this role, he collaborates with the chancellors on strategic and master campus planning, administration, space management, facility planning, government and community relations and operational initiatives. He also services as the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business/Treasurer. In this capacity, he coordinates training, development, engagement events, DEIB programs, special projects, strategic planning, and communication for the 7,300 employees in Finance and Business. In addition, he also serves on the central Finance and Business Leadership Team.

Before this role, Jonathan served as the Director of Business Services and Operations at Penn State Schuylkill, where he was responsible for facilities, operations, information technology, telecommunications, risk management, sustainability, emergency management, conference services, real estate, events, community outreach, local government relations, and acted as the liaison to University Police and Public Safety (UPPS), Housing and Food Services (HFS), and Barnes & Noble.

Jonathan joined Penn State in 2002 as Assistant Director at Penn State Berks. In 2007, he became the Director of Housing and Food Services for Penn State Hazleton, Schuylkill, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton. In 2017, he assumed the Director of Housing and Food Services position at Penn State Berks, Schuylkill, and Lehigh Valley. In 2021, he was appointed Director of Business Services and Operations at Penn State Schuylkill.

Jonathan has also serves as an adjunct faculty member since 2008, teaching courses in Business, Human Resources, Marketing, and Hospitality Facility Operations and Design. He has also served as a guest writer for On-Campus Hospitality Magazine.

Kukta holds a Master of Business Administration from Alvernia University and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Penn State University. He is also a Certified Auxiliary Service Professional (CASP).

Jonathan has been involved with the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) for over twenty years and currently serves as the President of the East Region on the Board of Directors. In 2020, he was awarded the association's Rising Star Award, which represents 250 colleges and universities across thirteen U.S. states and Canada. At Penn State, Kukta has received several accolades, including the 2011 Finance and Business Quality Service/Quality People Leadership Award, the 2013 Finance and Business Quality Service/Quality People Coaching and Mentoring Award, the 2015 Penn State Hazleton Student Government Association Service to Student Award, the 2017 HFS William H. Reiber Outstanding Management Award, and the 2017 Penn State Schuylkill Outstanding Alumni Award.

In his community, Kukta serves on the Orwigsburg Planning and Zoning Board, the Greater Schuylkill Haven Area Business Association and Schuylkill Haven Unified.

Jen Oshinski, Regional Human Resources Strategic Partner

The Regional Human Resource Strategic Partner is responsible for leading human resources functions for the Berks, Lehigh Valley and Schuylkill campuses. This includes recruitment, job classification, compensation, employee relations, professional development, rewards and recognition, and diversity initiatives. The Regional Director is responsible for aligning and executing HR strategy within the campus strategic plan and leading the implementation of Human Resources programs and services. In addition, the Director serves as a strategic advisor to campus leadership on staffing and organizational plans; provides counsel on policies and practices; investigates and mediates complex human resources issues; and serves as an advocate for employee issues.

Gianna Agnello-Porambo, Director of Admissions

The Director of Admissions is responsible for overseeing the admissions and enrollment functions for the campus, including the development and implementation of recruitment strategy. The assistant director also works with other units on campus to foster a climate of engagement and collaboration within the campus community, as well as the local community.

Dr. Cory Scherer, Interim Director of Academic Affairs

The Director of Academic Affairs is responsible for leadership in shaping academic policy and practice, sustaining academic standards, and overall representation of the campus's academic interests. Responsibilities include overseeing the Learning Center, the Academic Advising Center, and providing liaison with the Ciletti Memorial Library.

Kristen Wynn Stellfox, Director of Campus Development

The Director of Campus Development is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, management, and coordination for all fundraising efforts. The director plays a key role in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major donors to ensure the campus's programs and goals are realized.

Bryan Valentine, Director of Student Affairs and Athletics

The Director of Student Affairs and Athletics oversees Residence Life, Health Services, Counseling and Disability Services, Athletics (including Intramural and Recreation Sports), Career Services, Student Activities, Student Conduct, Campus Police, and co-advises the Student Government Association.

Cynthia Fenstermaker, Financial Officer

The Financial Officer is responsible for overseeing the operating budget of the campus, including forecasting, planning, auditing, and approval of expense documents. Additional oversight includes the collection of tuition and assisting students with their accounts. This role works with the campus chancellor and reports to the Office of the Corporate Controller at University Park.