Commonwealth University Announces Academic Leadership Updates
PA (09/25/2025) — Commonwealth University has announced academic leadership changes. Ahead of the 2025-26 academic year, Dr. Christopher Podeschi was named the interim dean of the Eileen G. Jones Honors College, Dr. Priya Poehner was named interim associate dean for the College of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences and Dr. Amy Way was named the interim associate dean of Health Professions in the College of Health, Science and Technology.
Podeschi has served as an honors course leader, interdisciplinary learning advocate, department chair and sociology professor at the Bloomsburg campus. In the sociology program, he taught the mass lecture introductory sociology course for many years. He also enjoyed teaching courses on sociological theory, quantitative and qualitative research, race and ethnicity and the environment. His research has primarily focused on environmental issues in American culture and recently he's examined the social impacts of the energy industry in Pennsylvania. He enjoys applied research, like when he collaborated on a parking study for the Town of Bloomsburg. In the role as interim honors dean, he will lead honors and interdisciplinary programming on all campuses.
Poehner is a professor in the Department of K-12, HPE, Middle Level and Secondary Education. Since her hire in 2008, she has taught a variety of education courses on the Lock Haven campus that connect to her PA teaching certifications in elementary education (K-6), special education, reading specialist, English language arts (4-8 and 7-12) and English as a second language. Poehner's project-based courses focus on marginalized learners and often require students to apply theories presented to practice in a variety of K-12 classroom contexts.
Way is a professor of biological and health sciences. During her tenure, she has served the university in many capacities, including academic program development in the health professions, administrative responsibilities at the Clearfield location and most recently as the co-chair of the Middle States Steering Committee. Her collaborative work with the Office of Workforce Development has led to the establishment of agreements with career and technology centers and the development of educational pathways for students who hold credentials in healthcare through the credit for prior learning process.
"We are thrilled to announce the appointment of three exceptional interim academic leaders at Commonwealth University," said Michelle Kiec, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "These individuals bring a wealth of experience, vision and a commitment to academic excellence that will continue to drive the growth of our university and elevate the student experience."
Media Attachments
Dr. Priya Poehner
Dr. Amy Way
Dr. Christopher Podeschi
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
Julie Stellfox, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications, jms833@commonwealthu.edu, 570-484-2280Share this Story
Recent News
- CU-Mansfield to present Cantar! Songs of Spain and Latin America
- CU-Mansfield to Host Piano Festival March 1
- The Haven Cupboard at CU-Lock Haven receives overwhelming support during fall events
- Michael 'Woody' Woodring '74 Scholarship established to support Mountaineer track & field and cross country student-athletes
- Business majors discover potential and passion in latest Keystone Sales Competition
- Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg to host performance of Step Afrika!
- Media Advisory: Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg Police to Host Active Shooter Training
- Research on rural volunteerism and belonging earns MSW student top honors at state conference
- CU-Lock Haven graduate student gains experience in the athletic training field through semester-long internship at St. Lawrence University
- Dettwiler commits portion of estate to support CU-Mansfield choral music