Penn State Lehigh Valley announces new faculty and staff members

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley has announced the following new faculty and staff hires:

New faculty and staff

Jonathan Desiderio has joined Penn State Lehigh Valley as a police officer. Desiderio earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Luzerne Community College as well as completing Act 120 training at Lackawanna Junior College. He is a retired sergeant from the City of Bethlehem Police Department. He resides in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Cindy Evans has joined Penn State Lehigh Valley as education program associate. Evans earned a master of science in human resource development from Villanova University as well as a bachelor of science in business administration from Elizabethtown College. She previously served as director of youth initiatives for the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley. Evans resides in Walnutport, Pennsylvania.

Ian Jules Gutgold has joined Penn State Lehigh Valley as lecturer of history. Gutgold earned a master of arts in history from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, a master of arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Mississippi, as well as a bachelor of arts in history from Oberlin College. Gutgold resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Janel Hanna has joined Penn State Lehigh Valley as business development assistant for Lehigh Valley LaunchBox. Hanna earned a bachelor of science in administration of justice from Portland State University. She previously served as a guest teacher, Title 1 reading and math assistant at Parkland School District. Hanna resides in Orefield, Pennsylvania.

Douglas R. Hochstetler was named director of academic affairs at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Hochstetler earned a doctorate of philosophy in kinesiology with an emphasis in sport philosophy from Penn State, as well as a master of science in physical education from West Chester University, and a bachelor of arts in physical education from Northwestern College in Iowa. He had been serving as the interim director of academic affairs since his appointment to the position in November 2017. Hochstetler is also professor of kinesiology at Penn State Lehigh Valley. He resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Pam Kiser was named development associate and stewardship coordinator at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Kiser earned a master of library and information science from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as a bachelor of arts in American history and secondary education from Cedar Crest College. She previously served as business development assistant for Lehigh Valley LaunchBox. Kiser resides in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania.

Greg Mackenzie has joined Penn State Lehigh Valley as facilities manager. Mackenzie has more than 13 years of experience in facilities maintenance with five years of supervisory experience. He resides in Bangor, Pennsylvania.

Mark Milliron has joined Penn State Lehigh Valley as lecturer of health policy and administration. Milliron earned a master of human services in public health preparedness, a master of science in health policy and administration, a master of public administration, as well as a bachelor of science in geography all from Penn State University. He is currently a public health program administrator with the PA Department of Health. Milliron resides in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Sharon Scheirer has joined Penn State Lehigh Valley as lecturer of health policy and administration. Scheirer earned a master of education in counseling from Kutztown University, as well as a bachelor of science in rehabilitation education from Penn State. She is currently at senior coordinator of college relations, internships and onboarding at St. Luke’s. Scheirer resides in Williams Township, Pennsylvania.

Edward P. Sigamani has joined Penn State Lehigh Valley as lecturer of information sciences and technology. Sigamani earned a master in public administration, as well as a bachelor of science in chemistry, both from the University of Madras. He also earned PG Honors Diploma in systems management from the National Institute of Information Technology, as well as multiple other certifications. He currently serves as an information technology project manager at a Fortune 500 company. Sigamani resides in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania.

Sharon Tercha has joined Penn State Lehigh Valley as director of strategic communications. Tercha earned a bachelor of arts in communications from Penn State. She is currently pursuing a master of science in marketing analytics and insights from Penn State. Tercha previously served as assistant vice president of marketing and digital media at Kutztown University. Prior to that role, she was the director of global demand generation at the Center for Creative Leadership in Summerfield, North Carolina. She resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania.