The Penn State Smeal MBA Programs Team is comprised of faculty and staff members who have a broad range of experiences within academic institutions and corporations. This diversity of experience enables the team to effectively meet student needs while stewarding the Penn State Smeal MBA Programs. Individual biographical sketches on each member of our full-time team are provided below.

Dean, Smeal College of Business
In July 2006, Dean James Thomas joined the Smeal College of Business. Dr. Thomas was dean of the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State since its inception in 1999. He is a specialist in strategic management, organizational decision-making, and information technology. Previously, Dr. Thomas served on Smeal's faculty for twelve years, culminating in appointments as senior associate dean and professor of management and organization. He is the author/co-author of more than 100 articles, book chapters, reviews and numerous presentations on information sciences education before scholarly, industry, and government groups including the U.S. Congress.

Associate Dean, MBA Programs
Professor Sheehan was appointed Associate Dean of MBA Programs in May 2005. He joined the Smeal College faculty in 1992 as the Louis and Virgnia Benzak Professor of Finance. He previously taught at Purdue University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Rochester. Professor Sheehan is a graduate of Georgetown University and received his Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley. His research and teaching interests are in finance and statistics. In addition to his administrative role of Associate Dean, Professor Sheehan teaches Finance in both the on-campus and Executive MBA Programs.

Assistant Dean, Diversity Enhancement
Vernis has been key in developing ethnic diversity in the Smeal MBA Program during his tenure. He has led recruitment, retention, and alumni relations programs that have benefited hundreds of minority MBAs—and contributed to the Smeal College's national reputation in these efforts. Moreover, Vernis has also undertaken similar work as part of university-wide recruiting efforts. In addition to these activities, Vernis is a popular teacher of international business and has been honored for his outstanding student advising. Vernis holds a B.A. degree from Temple University, an M.A. degree from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary studies from Penn State.

Director, MBA Student Services
Robin coordinates the development and implementation of student services and programs for resident MBA students. She also provides academic advising and counseling to current students and graduate student organizations. Prior to her current position, Robin has held various positions within the Smeal College of Business and has worked in a range of capacities since joining the MBA Program in 1980.

Director, Career Development
Paul is responsible for the facilitation of personal, professional, and career development for resident students. Prior to joining the Smeal MBA Program, Paul worked in Penn State's Career Services Office and as an independent consultant providing career and executive coaching to business professionals. Paul holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in community psychology from Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pennsylvania. He holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Penn State. Prior to returning to school, Paul was in independent business for thirteen years.

Administrative Assistant and Office Manager
Melissa is the assistant to Dr. Sheehan and oversees a broad range of the MBA Programs' administrative activities including: office management, budgetary responsibilities, administrative policies and procedures, internal/external Web updating, etc. Melissa has worked in the college for over ten years, most of that time in the Dean's Office.

Receptionist
Susan is the front line staff person for the MBA Programs Office. Her duties include: answering the phones, greeting visitors and providing general staff support. In 2000, Susan earned her bachelor's degree in communications from Clarion University. Originally from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Susan moved to State College in 2002. Susan joined Penn State in 2004 where she worked as the office and staff coordinator for the Center for Innovative Sintered Products. Prior to that, she worked for a television station in Johnstown and as a reporter for the New England Construction News.

Assistant to the Director, MBA Student Services
Deanna is responsible for assisting with the coordination and organization of various program activities and special events in the student services arena. Since joining Smeal over fifteen years ago, Deanna has held various positions including serving as business manager of the Financial Office and as staff assistant for the Executive MBA Program.

Senior Associate Director, MBA Admissions
Dave is responsible for working with the admissions team on the marketing, recruiting, admission, and enrollment of the MBA Program. Prior to joining the Smeal MBA team, Dave served as chief operating officer at the Friedman Real Estate Group. His experience also includes corporate positions at Global Crossing and Xerox and five years of independent consulting. Dave earned both his MBA and undergraduate degrees at Penn State.

Manager, Corporate and Career Services
Carol directs all MBA internship and permanent recruiting events for companies and students. She is a member of the MBA Career Services Council and is involved in several career consortia across the country. Her prior work experience includes retail management and commercial banking. Carol holds a B.A. degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Director, MBA Admissions
As director of admissions, Carrie oversees the total admissions operation for the Smeal MBA Program. Carrie has a bachelor's degree from Dickinson College and a master's degree from University of Pennsylvania. She has fifteen years of experience in project management, client management, and sales and marketing.

Staff Assistant, Executive MBA Program
Sherri assists with all aspects of the Executive MBA Program, including working with students on admission processes, registration and financial aid, assisting with the coordination and organization of various program activities and special events, updating the Web site, managing the budget, etc. Sherri also coordinates the global immersion trips for both the on-campus and Executive MBA Programs. She received her B.A. degree from Penn State in 1996. Sherri has held a variety of human service positions within the State College area prior to joining the MBA Programs team.

Admissions Representative, MBA Program
Melissa is the first point of contact in the admissions office. She handles all incoming admissions-related questions including: eligibility, application guidelines and processes, financial aid, and standardized tests. She also works with the admissions team on coordinating recruiting events and on-campus visitations. Melissa received her B.A. degree in Business Management and Marketing from Penn State in 2005.

Executive Director, MBA Career Management and Corporate Relations
Paul assumed the role of executive director of MBA Career Management and Corporate Relations in January 2003. His principal role as executive director is to provide the Smeal MBA Program with a single voice in working with its student and corporate customers. Paul holds MBA (Marketing) and BS (Business Logistics) degrees from Penn State and has worked for the college since 1991. Prior to 1991, he worked in customer service, distribution, and supply management for the Quaker Oats Company (now a part of Pepsi) and The Franklin Mint Corporation. From 1994 through 2000, Paul served as the director of the Smeal MBA program's Career Services and Corporate Relations unit, as well as holding a faculty appointment in the Supply Chain and Information Systems department.

Director of Business Development, Executive MBA Program
Jake works to engage with EMBA students, sponsors and potential business partners on growing and developing the EMBA Program located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jake has spent the last eleven years in positions of increasing responsibility in sales & marketing for Pyramid Mouldings a division of the $4 billion Thyssen-Bornemisza Group and most recently leading a hands on turnaround of an underperforming manufacturing operation for a holding of Eastport Operating Partners, a $100 million fund formed to purchase privately held basic industries companies in the United States. Jake holds a B.S. in Sociology (PSU 1995) and an MBA (2004 Smeal College of Business, Penn State).