Commonwealth University announces faculty promotions and tenure
PA (07/15/2026) — Thirty-four Commonwealth University faculty members have been promoted, effective fall 2026, following an evaluation process that was conducted in compliance with the faculty collective bargaining agreement and the CU promotion policy. Faculty must apply for a promotion and are based on the value of excellence in teaching as well as scholarship and service. In addition, four faculty members have been granted tenure.
"Our faculty play a vital role in shaping the success of Commonwealth University students along their educational journey," said Michelle Kiec, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "I am proud to work alongside these dedicated educators and thank them for their leadership, dedication and support they provide to our students every day."
Promoted to assistant professor:
- Jolene Meisner - Student Success (Mansfield)
- Ondrea Talanca - Athletics (Bloomsburg)
Promoted to associate professor:
- Scott Duncan - Criminal Justice, Sociology, & Social Work (Bloomsburg)
- Ingrid Everett - PK-6 Education (Bloomsburg)
- Brooke Hansen - Psychology (Bloomsburg)
- Kevin Lally - Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, & Social Work (Bloomsburg)
- Amy Long - PK-6 Education (Lock Haven)
- Ali Ozdogan - Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, & Social Work (Bloomsburg)
- Melinda Phillips - Student Success (Mansfield)
- Kellie Pytel - Counseling & Educational Leadership (Lock Haven)
- David Sedlak - Accounting, Economics, Finance and Law (Bloomsburg)
- Luke Semrau - Philosophy and Political Science (Bloomsburg)
- Richa Sharma - Mathematics, Computer Science and Digital Forensics (Lock Haven)
- Lijuan Sun - Accounting, Economics, Finance and Law (Bloomsburg)
- Cara Tolan - Rehabilitation Sciences (Bloomsburg)
- Rebecca Willoughby - Languages, Literatures & Writing (Bloomsburg)
Promoted to full professor:
- Regina Bobak - Technology, Business and Marketing (Bloomsburg)
- Kristie Byrum - Media and Journalism (Bloomsburg)
- Melissa Cheese - Languages, Literatures & Writing (Bloomsburg)
- David Fazzino - Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Sociology & Social Work (Bloomsburg)
- Jason Genovese - Media and Journalism (Bloomsburg)
- Luke Haile - Rehabilitation Sciences (Bloomsburg)
- Seung Jang - Management (Bloomsburg)
- Chulhee Jun - Accounting, Economics, Finance and Law (Bloomsburg)
- Candice Klingerman - Sciences (Bloomsburg)
- Ronald Lambert - Visual art (Bloomsburg)
- Debra Minzola - Nursing-Graduate (Bloomsburg)
- Gregory Moyer - Biological Sciences (Mansfield)
- Jennifer Thorp - K-12, HPE, Middle Level & Secondary Education (Lock Haven)
- Conrad Quintyn - Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Sociology & Social Work (Bloomsburg)
- Mohsin Ahmed Shaikh - Rehabilitation Sciences (Bloomsburg)
- Matthew Slotkin - Music, Theatre and Dance (Bloomsburg)
- Anna Turnage - Communication Studies (Bloomsburg)
- Dong Zhang - Mathematics, Computer Science and Digital Forensics (Bloomsburg)
Tenure:
- Jessica Diehl - Physician Associate Studies (Lock Haven)
- Kevin Lally - Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Social Work (Bloomsburg)
- Michelle Paonessa - Exceptionality Programs (Bloomsburg)
- Leandrea Romero-Lucero - Counseling & Educational Leadership (Lock Haven)