ALTOONA, Pa. — Leigh Ann Haefner has been named vice chancellor for academic affairs at Penn State Altoona, effective March 1.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Leigh Ann Haefner as Penn State Altoona’s vice chancellor for academic affairs,” said Ron Darbeau, chancellor and dean at Penn State Altoona. “Dr. Haefner brings a strong record of academic leadership and a deep commitment to student success. Her experience and vision will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our academic programs and expand opportunities for our students while serving the needs of employers and communities across the commonwealth.”
In her role as vice chancellor, Haefner provides leadership and assumes responsibility for overall academic support, planning and curriculum; associated budgetary support; academic program evaluation; shared governance; faculty recruitment, evaluation and retention; and the broad range of administration of academic policies and procedures.
Haefner provides supervision and oversight for the college’s two division heads as well as the Registrar’s office and Instructional Design. Her office also directly supports the college’s study away/study abroad program, the college’s honors program, and the Robert E. Eiche Library.
As vice chancellor, Haefner plays a key role in shaping academic strategy, policy and practice, as well as all academic budgetary matters to ensure high-quality academic standards and continued success for programs with accreditation requirements. She also represents the college in discussions on University-wide curricular and policy issues as a member of the University Academic Council on Undergraduate Education and on other Penn State committees.
Haefner earned her doctorate in curriculum and instruction (science education) from Penn State in 2001. She was the program coordinator for the Elementary and Early Childhood Education Program from 2011 to 2019, head of the Division Education, Human Development and Social Sciences from 2019 to 2025, head of the Division of Arts and Humanities from 2023 to 2025, and has served as interim vice chancellor since 2025.
“I am grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me and even more grateful for the dedicated people I get to work alongside every day,” said Haefner. “It is a privilege to be appointed vice chancellor and I am committed to listening, learning and collaborating with colleagues across the college and University as we continue to support our students and strengthen the foundation and work of our college.”
