Joy Frank, MA, NCC, LPC
[email protected] | 814-949-5084
- B.A. Psychology - Minor in Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
- M.A. Counselor Education/Community Counseling Focus, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Teaching Experience: FYS, BBH 101
- Committees: Care and Concern Committee
- Previously: Board at Family Services of Blair County Domestic Abuse Project & Health and Wellness Committee
Joy has substantial experience at Penn State where she completed her bachelor’s degree as an adult learner. She has been in her role as a DUS adviser at Penn State Altoona for many years. Joy advises first- and second-year students who enter the University undecided on a major/path. She also conscientiously handles DUS re-enrollments, which provides her the opportunity to review students’ academic goals and plans to achieve them. Joy has been a major contributor to New Student Orientation (NSO) for more than two decades. She is also the DUS liaison to the Division of Business, Engineering, and Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State Altoona.
Harriett Gaston
[email protected] | 814-949-5084
- B.A. Political Science, Davidson College
- M. ED., Student Services, Vanderbilt University
- Teaching Experience: EDPSY 297A, PSU 3
- Committees: African American Read-in, Internationalization, MOSAIC
- WISE Women of Blair County, African American Heritage Project of Blair County, Leadership Blair County Alumni, Booker T. Washington Revitalization Committee, Hollidaysburg Heritage Group Tour
- Areas of Focus: Preparation of Underprepared Students, Study Skill Development, Undergraduate Research
Harriett has worked in residence life and at Penn State Altoona in the academic advising field with first- and second-year students who are exploring majors. She is the DUS liaison for the Division of Arts and Humanities and works with Transfer Student Orientation. Harriett enjoys researching local African American history and sharing that information with interested groups.
Suzanne McCusker
[email protected] | 814-949-5084
- B.A. History, University of California, Riverside
- M.S. Academic Advising, Kansas State University
- M.A. World War II Studies, Arizona State University
- Areas of Focus/Interests: First-generation students, Military Students, Lifelong/ Adult Learning, Technology in Advising
Suzanne has extensive experience as an academic adviser and has worked at flagship state universities for many years, serving a diverse population of students in a wide variety of majors. She completed both master’s degrees as an adult learner. One of her primary duties is New Student Orientation. Suzanne enjoys reading World War II history books, listening to music, and spending time with her family.
Diana Ramos
[email protected] | 814-949-5084
- B.S., College of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
- M.Ed., College of Agricultural Economics, Social, and Education, Penn State
- Teaching Experience: Biobehavioral Health 119, Disease Prevention; Health Policy and Administration 101; Biobehavioral Health Special Topics Independent Studies 497
- Committees: National American College Health Association, National Association for Adult Development and Aging, Regional LGBTA Support Network, Advising Council, Advising Task Force
Diana has worked with program assessment/evaluation and intervention as well as online teaching (2016, Certificate for Online Teaching). She has conducted training or various areas of programming including HIV testing/counseling, smoking cessation counseling, brief alcohol intervention for college students train the trainer, peer intervention counselors, and leadership training. She serves as the DUS liaison to the Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences at Penn State Altoona. Diana likes gardening, reading books that teach, creative projects (such as interior design), and cooking.
Erin M. Shumac
[email protected] | 814-949-5084
- B.S., Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
- M.A., Adult and Community Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Committees: Commission for Adult Learners (previously), Hendrick Conference Planning Committee, Staff Advisory Council, Faculty Senate Representative for Staff Advisory Council at Penn State Altoona
- Teaching Experience: PSU 003
- Areas of Focus/Interests: Learning Communities, New Majority Learners, First-generation Students, Military Students, Co-curricular Learning, Equity and Inclusion, Peer Mentors, Student Development, Student Leadership, Lifelong Learning
Erin is a DUS adviser, working mostly with students exploring majors and serves as the DUS liaison to the Division of Math and Natural Sciences. She started her Penn State career as a DUS student and eventually interned at Penn State in various student-focused capacities, such as academic and health and wellness interventions and disability services. After working for many years in human services, Erin went back to school as an adult learner to earn her master’s degree. She served in student affairs at Penn State Altoona and then began academic advising at Penn State World Campus. Erin loves music, creativity, animals, and spending time with her family.
Jen Slusser
[email protected] | 814-949-5084
- B.A. Psychology - Minors in Business / Liberal Arts and Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State
- M. Ed., Counselor Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Committees: Starfish Advising Advisory Group, Strategic Enrollment Group, Communications Subcommittee
- Areas of Focus/Interests: Technology in Advising, Program Coordinator for the Associate of Arts Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies
Jen has been an adviser in DUS for many years working mostly with first- and second-year students exploring majors. She is also the program coordinator for the associate degree in multidisciplinary studies, advising prospective students and those enrolled in the major. Jen was a student in DUS, a student-worker for DUS, and a staff assistant in DUS before becoming an adviser. She is interested in technology as it relates to advising and its uses in the DUS Advising Center. Jen is an active volunteer for 4-H clubs and enjoys reading, cooking, and genealogy.
Amanda J. Lynch
[email protected] | 814-949-5084
- Greets and assists all visitors and guests to Wilbur K. Kraybill Academic Advising Center
- Coordinates appointments and maintains the calendar of the senior DUS program coordinator
- Builds and maintains events for New Student Orientation in the VisualZen Orientation System
- Schedules and assists students in scheduling advising appointments in Starfish
- Enters and maintains academic adviser assignments in LionPATH
Amanda is the administrative support assistant for Wilbur K. Kraybill Academic Advising Center. She joined the Center in December 2019. Amanda has served Penn State for over twelve years, having previous outside customer service and administrative experience. When she is not working, she is serving her community as a volunteer firefighter and spending time with her husband.
