Pennsylvania College of Technology has hired the director for its newly formed LEAP (Learning, Evolving, Adapting, Preparing) Center, a dedicated first-year advising center modeled on current best practices in undergraduate retention.
Christie Bing Kracker, who has more than 25 years of experience in postsecondary education, most recently as dean of students at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, officially began her duties on June 23.
Kracker holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and fitness management and a master’s degree in leadership and policy studies, both from the University of Memphis.
“The creation of the LEAP Center is an affirmation of Penn College’s continued commitment to student success,” said Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost. “We expect this new approach to services for incoming students to transform the way we help them navigate the transition to college life and their first year. We are extremely excited to have Christie at the helm, with the backing of her previous experiences in student life, with case management and direct student contact, and as a demonstrated leader within the higher-education community. We look forward to the impact she will make on bringing the new center online and positively impacting Penn College student retention.”
With a nine-member staff, the LEAP Center – which officially opened July 1 in the Student & Administrative Services Center – will offer a network of support services for first-year and transfer students enrolled at Penn College. The LEAP Center will be relationship-focused and include collaboration from LEAP advisers, academic advisers, Student Engagement and academic school offices. Student retention is the main focus, but recruitment is expected to benefit, as well.
Activities planned include student outreach, participation in Visit Days and other Admissions events, first-semester scheduling and advising, small-group and individual meetings at several semester intervals, monitoring of early alert referrals, and study skills workshops.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and a special mission affiliate of Penn State, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
Christie Bing Kracker, who has more than 25 years of experience in postsecondary education, most recently as dean of students at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, officially began her duties on June 23.
Kracker holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and fitness management and a master’s degree in leadership and policy studies, both from the University of Memphis.“The creation of the LEAP Center is an affirmation of Penn College’s continued commitment to student success,” said Carolyn R. Strickland, vice president for enrollment management and associate provost. “We expect this new approach to services for incoming students to transform the way we help them navigate the transition to college life and their first year. We are extremely excited to have Christie at the helm, with the backing of her previous experiences in student life, with case management and direct student contact, and as a demonstrated leader within the higher-education community. We look forward to the impact she will make on bringing the new center online and positively impacting Penn College student retention.”
With a nine-member staff, the LEAP Center – which officially opened July 1 in the Student & Administrative Services Center – will offer a network of support services for first-year and transfer students enrolled at Penn College. The LEAP Center will be relationship-focused and include collaboration from LEAP advisers, academic advisers, Student Engagement and academic school offices. Student retention is the main focus, but recruitment is expected to benefit, as well.
Activities planned include student outreach, participation in Visit Days and other Admissions events, first-semester scheduling and advising, small-group and individual meetings at several semester intervals, monitoring of early alert referrals, and study skills workshops.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and a special mission affiliate of Penn State, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.