New Women Leaders for Two Regional Campuses of Pennsylvania State University

Elizabeth J. Wright, associate dean of academic affairs in Penn State’s Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses and director of academic affairs at Penn State Hazleton, has been named chancellor at Penn State Hazleton. Dr. Wright will officially assume her new role on July 1.

“Student success and engagement have been at the forefront of my career. I am so proud and happy to keep working with our students to meet them where they are and provide them with the best possible Penn State experience,” Dr. Wright said. “I look forward to working with stakeholders on the campus, within the university and in the community who are dedicated to continuing the proud tradition and education Penn State Hazleton has provided to thousands of students and alumni.”

Dr. Wright began her career at Penn State Hazleton in 2000 as an instructor in English. She was promoted to assistant professor of English and later to the tenured position of associate professor of English in 2009. She moved to her current role as director of academic affairs in 2012. In 2019, she joined the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses as associate dean of academic affairs.

Dr. Wright holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of New Hampshire. She earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in English language and literature from the University of New Mexico.

Megan Nagel, associate chief academic officer and associate professor of chemistry at Penn State Greater Allegheny in McKeesport, has been named the campus’ interim chancellor and chief academic officer for the coming academic year.

“Penn State Greater Allegheny is an exceptional and diverse community of motivated students, faculty scholars and dedicated staff,” said Dr. Nagel. “I am honored to serve the campus in this interim role. We will continue to provide access to a world-class education in a highly personalized and supportive environment. I look forward to growing campus relationships with the communities we serve and extending invitations to learn more about Penn State and the role Greater Allegheny plays in fulfilling the university’s land-grant mission.”

Dr. Nagel joined Penn State Greater Allegheny in 2010 as an assistant professor of chemistry. She received the George W. Atherton Award for Teaching Excellence in 2016 and earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor of chemistry in 2018. Since July 2020, she has served as the campus’ associate chief academic officer.

Dr. Nagel earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and her doctorate In chemistry from Pennsylvania State University