Dr. Renata Engel is responsible for online education at Penn State including Penn State World Campus, which encompasses more than 175 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs, minors, and certificates. Her office supports all aspects of the operation of Penn State World Campus such as academic affairs, academic advising, faculty development, and the development, piloting, and evaluation of online curricular innovations and enhancements at Penn State. As part of Penn State’s strategic plan framework, she co-chairs the Transforming Education Steering Committee which conceptualized the One Penn State 2025 vision.

A member of the Penn State faculty since 1990, Dr. Engel is professor of engineering design and engineering science and mechanics and served as the associate dean for academic programs in the College of Engineering from 2006 to 2014 and as the executive director of the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence from 2000 to 2006. She earned a B.S. in engineering science from Penn State and a Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from the University of South Florida.

Dr. Karen I. Pollack 

Karen Pollack

Associate Vice Provost for Online Education
The Pennsylvania State University
405 Old Main
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-6347
Email: kiw1@psu.edu

Dr. Karen Pollack is responsible for the expansion, development, delivery, and revision of more than 175 degree and certificate programs offered through World Campus. 

She leads the combined World Campus Academic and Student Affairs functions that include Academic Advising and Student Disability Services, Academic Development Services, Student Affairs, Learning Design and Faculty Development, Program Planning and Management, and Continuing Education at Penn State University Park. Serving as project director for Penn State’s Blended Learning Initiative, she facilitated multi-campus use of instructional materials and courses to provide high-quality, flexible learning opportunities for students. Dr. Pollack has been with World Campus since its launch in 1998. She received her B.A. in journalism, her M.A. in telecommunication studies, and her Ph.D. in instructional systems from Penn State. She is an affiliate faculty member of learning performance systems.

Dr. Clayton Steen 

Clayton Steen

Associate Vice President, Online Education Enrollment Strategy
The Pennsylvania State University
315H Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-867-3154
Email: cas7331@psu.edu 

Dr. Clayton Steen is responsible for providing the strategic direction and leadership to enrollment management and support services which consists of the admissions, financial aid, transfer credit, registrar, and bursar offices. He works collaboratively with the University's central administrative offices and various academic and support units to oversee the development of the World Campus Central one-stop shop unit. In addition, he monitors progress and evaluates results, in alignment with the Penn State World Campus strategic plan through specific metrics such as increased retention and graduation rates. Clayton has been with Penn State World Campus since January 2020. He received his B.A. in social sciences from the State University of New York at Buffalo, his M.S. in Education Curriculum & Instruction from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY, and his Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Penn State World Campus Leadership

  • Communications — Dave Aneckstein, senior director, dxa141@psu.edu
  • Development and Alumni Relations — Susan Kukic, senior director, sik2@psu.edu
  • Finance — Charlie Reese, financial officer, ccr11@psu.edu
  • Human Resources — Lindsey Harter, HR strategic partner, lap225@psu.edu
  • Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity — Karen Armstrong, director, kra19@psu.edu
  • Marketing Technology and Operations — Shelby Thayer, executive director, slt115@psu.edu
  • Online Education Strategy and Business Development — Clarabelle Lin, executive director, ccl108@psu.edu
  • Organizational Effectiveness and Technology — Fred Haberberger, executive director, fxh121@psu.edu