Chancellor and Dean

Dr. Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry

In May 2005, Dr. Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry began her tenure as Penn State Altoona's first chancellor and dean, taking over the reigns held previously by eight campus directors and deans. Having first joined the Penn State Altoona family as a faculty member in 1985, Bechtel-Wherry served as one of the college's inaugural division heads as well as associate dean for academic affairs before taking on the role of chancellor and dean.

As chancellor and dean, Bechtel-Wherry has focused on the college's mission to cultivate a vibrant learning environment through excellence in teaching, research, creative activities, outreach and the advancement of personal, social, and intellectual growth, and to empower a diverse student body with the knowledge and skills to be critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and civically-engaged global citizens.

We engage, inspire, and prepare students for success.

A Reason to Celebrate

Members of the campus community come together to celebrate and congratulate Dr. Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry, named Chancellor and Dean in May 2005.