As your primary point of contact with the Office of Admissions, your Penn State Altoona admissions counselor can help you successfully navigate the application and admissions process and answer any questions that may arise. Find the admissions counselor for your school or geographic area—they are happy to share their experiences, take some of the stress out of the application process, and schedule a one-on-one virtual visit with you to answer all your questions.

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Sheri Harper

Your Admissions Counselor is Sheri Harper

Director of Admissions
[email protected] | 814-949-5467
Schedule a virtual admission appointment with Sheri.

About Sheri

  • Shippensburg University, Bachelor of Arts in Communications

I have spent the past 19 years as part of the Penn State family through my role in undergraduate admissions with the last fifteen of those years at Penn State Altoona. I am originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and hold my B.A. in Communications from Shippensburg University. I now live in the local area with my husband and daughter. My favorite thing to do is to spend time with family and friends. I enjoy traveling and have been to 23 different states. And I love playing card games and board games and appreciate a good book.

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the time I get to spend assisting students and families from the application process through the admission process and watching those students become Penn Staters!

I love the beauty of Penn State Altoona. From the pond and ducks to our beautiful landscaping whose colors change with the seasons, Penn State Altoona is a great place to spend much of my time each week.

Kayla Mikesell

Your Admissions Counselor is Kayla Mikesell

Assistant Director of Admissions
E108 Smith Building
[email protected]
814-949-5542
Schedule a virtual admissions visit with Kayla.

About Kayla

  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science in Marketing
  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education

I am originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania, and attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where I became heavily involved with the Undergraduate Admissions Office as a student worker and discovered my passion for working with students making the transition to college. Joining the admissions team here at Penn State Altoona has allowed me to continue that passion.

Finding the right college fit is so important, and I love having the opportunity to help guide students through this process as they discover their next steps toward success.

I’ve found so many qualities that I love about Penn State Altoona, from its beautiful scenery to its welcoming community of faculty, staff, and students (and you can’t forget the ducks!), that I feel so lucky to be a part of. When I’m not at work, I love spending time outdoors, going to concerts and musicals, and curling up with a good book.

Jenna Rankinen

Your Admissions Counselor is Jenna Gibson

Associate Director of Admissions
[email protected]
814-949-5560
Schedule a virtual admission appointment with Jenna.

About Jenna

  • Juniata College, Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management
  • Juniata College, Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership

I am originally from Williamsport, PA, and attended Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA, where I held leadership positions in the dance ensemble and played in many instrumental groups. Before joining the team here, I was a college adviser for a high school in southern Pennsylvania. When I am not at work, I love hanging out with my cat Noodle, reading the latest book, cooking, and watching way too many TikToks.

I love helping students find their perfect fit, and Penn State Altoona is the right fit for so many. I’m excited to help them through the process and make the transition to college as easy as possible. My territories include Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as many central PA high schools.

I have found many of the qualities I love about small colleges on Penn State Altoona’s campus—from the natural beauty and wildlife (yes, the ducks are always around to greet you!) to the kindness of staff and faculty. Looking forward to getting to know you and helping you through this process!

Kayla Mikesell

Your Admissions Counselor is Kayla Mikesell

Assistant Director of Admissions
E108 Smith Building
[email protected]
814-949-5542
Schedule a virtual admissions visit with Kayla.

About Kayla

  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Science in Marketing
  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education

I am originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania, and attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where I became heavily involved with the Undergraduate Admissions Office as a student worker and discovered my passion for working with students making the transition to college. Joining the admissions team here at Penn State Altoona has allowed me to continue that passion.

Finding the right college fit is so important, and I love having the opportunity to help guide students through this process as they discover their next steps toward success.

I’ve found so many qualities that I love about Penn State Altoona, from its beautiful scenery to its welcoming community of faculty, staff, and students (and you can’t forget the ducks!), that I feel so lucky to be a part of. When I’m not at work, I love spending time outdoors, going to concerts and musicals, and curling up with a good book.