Lynette Kuhn knows what it’s like to want an education but not have a realistic path back to school. When she found she could earn her bachelor’s degree online, it was the beginning of a transformation.
Kuhn’s path to that moment started in cosmetology. She built a career in the trade and found a new passion for teaching it to others. The compliance and regulatory work that came with her role reignited a previous interest in law. She began her return to higher education at a community college, attending classes on campus and earning her associate degree. While that experience gave her an important foundation, she needed a more flexible path to continue her education while balancing work and other responsibilities. She found that flexibility through Penn State World Campus, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society in 2016, followed by a Master of Education in Higher Education in 2018.
Today, she also holds a doctorate. She joined the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2016, the same year she earned her bachelor’s degree, and spent the next several years climbing through progressively senior roles — including five years as Division Chief of Higher Education, Access, and Equity — before being named deputy secretary and commissioner for Postsecondary Education and Higher Education in December 2024. In that role, she leads the development and implementation of statewide policy, programs, and regulatory oversight for postsecondary education across the Commonwealth.
Kuhn shared more about her journey in the Q&A below.
Your path ran from cosmetology to a classroom to statewide education policy. What connected those steps?
From a young age, I had a passion for cosmetology and loved everything related to hair, skin, and nails. During high school, I developed a growing curiosity about the law, and after graduating, I had planned to attend Kutztown University to begin studying it. I just wasn’t ready for the college experience, so I pursued my first passion instead. While working in cosmetology, I was exposed to the teaching side of the profession and discovered a new passion for education.
Compliance and regulatory requirements became a regular part of my role at the trade school where I taught, and that reignited my interest in law and policy. I wanted to explore how those experiences could influence education more broadly, which, in 2016, led me to join the Pennsylvania Department of Education, where I combined more than a decade of experience in career education with policy development.
As a nontraditional learner working full-time, I needed a program that could fit around my professional responsibilities. At the time, I also traveled frequently for work, so the flexibility offered through Penn State World Campus made it possible for me to pursue my degree without putting my career on hold. That accessibility allowed me to continue advancing professionally while obtaining a Penn State education, which ultimately motivated me to return for my master’s degree.
What drives your commitment to access, affordability, and quality in higher education, and how has your own education shaped the work you do for Pennsylvania today?
My commitment comes from my own educational journey. As a nontraditional student, I understand that talent and potential are not always matched by opportunity. Many students face barriers related to cost, family responsibilities, work obligations, or uncertainty about navigating higher education. Because I experienced some of those challenges myself, I am passionate about creating policies and programs that expand access and provide multiple pathways to success.
My education has enabled me to contribute to statewide efforts that improve educational attainment, workforce development, and economic opportunity. In my current role, I help develop and implement policies, programs, and partnerships that support students and institutions across the Commonwealth. The flexibility and accessibility that Penn State World Campus provided allowed me to advance my own career while continuing to serve Pennsylvania’s students.
Every Pennsylvanian should have the opportunity to pursue education and training that helps them achieve their goals, regardless of where they start.
The access I found through Penn State World Campus is what drives me — and it’s what I strive to create for others, so they can access education, earn credentials, and build meaningful careers of their own.
Which Penn State faculty members had a lasting impact on your experience?
Dr. Fred Loomis made a lasting impact on my Penn State experience. As one of the first faculty members I connected with at the start of my master’s program, he provided encouragement, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering support. His mentorship helped me navigate graduate school with confidence and reinforced my commitment to higher education. Even today, he continues to take an interest in the success of his students, and I remain grateful for his mentorship.
Dr. Karen Paulson was also instrumental in my academic journey. From the moment I first inquired about the higher education program, she took the time to answer my questions, encouraged me, and helped me determine that pursuing the degree while working full-time was both realistic and achievable. Her support extended far beyond that initial conversation and continued throughout my graduate program and even after graduation. Her mentorship, encouragement, and genuine investment in my success gave me the confidence to persist, and I truly could not have accomplished my educational goals without her guidance.
What would you tell current students who hope to lead in education or public service one day?
Don’t underestimate the value of your unique experiences and perspective. Leadership is not defined by a traditional path but by a willingness to learn, adapt, and serve others. Take advantage of opportunities to build relationships, seek mentorship, and engage in meaningful work that aligns with your values.
Most importantly, remain committed to lifelong learning. The knowledge and skills you gain through your education can open doors you may not have imagined possible.
What did earning your Penn State degrees mean to you?
Earning my Penn State degrees was incredibly meaningful, both personally and professionally. After graduating high school, I did not pursue a four-year degree, and I assumed the opportunity had passed. After completing my associate degree at Luzerne County Community College while working full-time, I still didn’t see a realistic path to continue my education. Penn State World Campus changed that. It provided the flexibility I needed to continue my education as a working professional, and it demonstrated that continued learning and advancement are possible at any stage of life.
One of the lessons I hope others take from my story is that educational journeys don’t have to follow a traditional pathway or timeline. I began my career in cosmetology, became an educator, and ultimately found my way into higher education policy and leadership. Each step provided valuable experiences that shaped who I am today. Penn State World Campus played a pivotal role in helping me continue my education while balancing professional responsibilities, and it showed me that it’s never too late to pursue new goals, expand your skills, and create opportunities for growth.
This profile is part of “40k alumni: 40 stories celebrating 40,000 graduates,” a series marking the milestone of more than 40,000 Penn Staters earning their degrees online through Penn State World Campus.