Program Management Staff

This page provides information on program management staff for the Smeal MBA Program.

A team of faculty and staff with a broad range of experiences within academic institutions and the corporate world oversee the Penn State Smeal MBA Program and work to meet the needs of students within the program. The team includes:

	Dr. James Thomas Dean Dr. Thomas is a specialist in strategic management, organizational decision-making, and information technology. He is the author or 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. Before becoming the dean of Smeal, he was the founding dean of Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology.
	Dr. Vernis Welmon Associate Dean for Diversity and Community During his tenure, Dr. Welmon has led recruitment, retention, and alumni relations programs that have benefited hundreds of minority MBAs. Additionally, he has undertaken similar work as part of University-wide recruiting efforts. Dr. Welmon also teaches international business at the college.
	Carrie Marcinkevage MBA Managing Director Carrie Marcinkevage, Penn State Smeal MBA Managing Director, is responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational leadership of the full-time Penn State Smeal MBA program. Her role comprises admissions, student services, career and corporate services, and alumni involvement. Carrie comes to Smeal from the management consulting and training industry, focusing on organizational leadership of people and projects. She has traversed many organizational roles including marketing brand management, recruiting and training, instructional design, software development, project management, and sales.
	Robin Brouse Director, MBA Student Services Ms. Brouse 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.
	Mike Brown Director, MBA Career Services Mr. Brown is the Director of MBA Career Services at the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University. Prior to joining Penn State, he has been a career consultant for two of the world’s leading outplacement firms. He brings to his work extensive management and team leadership experience in retail store operations and healthcare administration.
	Melissa Casey Administrative Assistant and Office Manager Ms. Casey is the assistant to Ms. Marcinkevage and the office manager. She oversees a broad range of the program’s administrative activities including office management, budgetary responsibilities, and administrative policies and procedures. She also coordinates the global immersion trips and assists with EMBA activities and events. Ms. Casey has worked in the college for over twelve years, having spent nine of those years working in the Dean's Office.
	Stacey Dorang Peeler MBA Admissions Director Ms. Dorang Peeler is responsible for leading the admissions team on the marketing, recruiting, admission, and enrollment of the Penn State Smeal MBA Program. Prior to coming to Smeal she worked for Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions as a Center Director.
	Emily Giacomini Associate Director, MBA Career Services Ms. Giacomini is the Associate Director of MBA Career Services at the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University. Prior to joining Penn State, she served as Adjunct Faculty at Northern Virginia Community College, teaching business and coaching students on job-search skills. Her background includes supply chain management in consumer product goods, as well as learning & development in non-profit and federal government.
	Carol Lockard Manager, Corporate and Career Services Ms. Lockard 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.
	Ann Mallison Senior Admissions and Career Services Adviser Ms. Mallison is part of the admission team responsible recruiting, applications, interviews and enrollment for the MBA Program, as well as alumni outreach pertaining to admissions. She has conducted interviews as an alumni in the past, and graduated from the Smeal MBA Program with the Class of 2002.
	Paul Poissant Director, Corporate and Alumni Relations Mr. Poissant provides the Smeal MBA Program with a single voice in working with its student and corporate customers. Before joining Smeal, he worked in customer service, distribution, and supply management for the Quaker Oats Company (now a part of Pepsi) and The Franklin Mint Corporation.
	Sandy Simler Receptionist Ms. Simler is the front-line staff person. Her duties include answering phones, greeting visitors, processing financial forms, and providing general staff support.
	Scott Sylves Operations Manager, MBA Admissions Mr. Sylves handles all incoming admissions-related questions including eligibility, application guidelines and processes, financial aid, and standardized tests. He also works with the admissions team on coordinating recruiting events and on-campus visitations.
	Susan Winarchick Student Services Representative Ms. Winarchick is responsible for assisting with the coordination and organization of various program activities and special events in the student services arena.