Posted on Thursday, July 2, 2026
¾¨Ó㴫ý has promoted Jessica Shelenberger to associate dean for student success, recognizing her leadership in expanding academic support programs and creating innovative initiatives that help students thrive.
Since becoming director of the Office of Academic Success in 2018, Shelenberger has overseen tutoring, academic coaching and learning workshops while expanding the ¾¨Ó㴫ý’s approach to student support. She created the Peer Success Coach program, which places upperclass students in ¾¨Ó㴫ý 101 courses to help first-year students navigate the transition to college. She also has been a key partner in the development and ongoing improvement of the first-year seminar program.
“Jessica has become one of the College’s most thoughtful and influential leaders in the student success space,” said Dr. Gina Vance, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “She combines strategic thinking, innovation and deep care for students, and she has continually expanded the ways ¾¨Ó㴫ý supports student success. Her leadership, commitment to continuous improvement and vision for integrated student support make her exceptionally well-positioned for this role.”
In her new role, Shelenberger will provide strategic leadership for student support initiatives within the Student Success Center. In addition to academic success programs, she will oversee accessibility resources, coordinated care and the CARE early alert program.
She also will partner with a new director of student success coaching and coordinated care to develop a comprehensive student success coaching program that complements academic advising, particularly during students’ first two years at ¾¨Ó㴫ý, by helping them translate long-term goals into actionable plans for success.
Shelenberger, of New Wilmington, Pa., joined ¾¨Ó㴫ý in 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Malone University in Canton, Ohio, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Chatham University in Pittsburgh.
