Suzanne McCusker
Interim Advising Manager
[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.
Joy Frank, MA, NCC, LPC
[email protected] | 814-949-5067
- 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 over two decades. She is also the DUS liaison to Penn State Altoona's Division of Engineering, Science, and Technology.
Harriett Gaston
[email protected] | 814-949-5153
- B.A. Political Science, Davidson College
- M. ED., Student Services, Vanderbilt University
- Teaching Experience: EDPSY 297A, PSU 3
- Committees: African American Read-in
- African American Heritage Project of Blair County, Blair County NAACP Branch #2252, 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 Business, Health, Humanities, and Social Sciences and works with Transfer Student Orientation. Harriett enjoys researching local African-American history and sharing that information with interested groups.
Diana Ramos
[email protected] | 814-949-5199
- 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 Business, Health, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Penn State Altoona. Diana likes gardening, reading books that teach, creative projects (such as interior design), and cooking.
Jen Slusser
[email protected] | 814-949-5088
- 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
- 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.
