Joe Packowski was in the workforce for more than two decades before he decided to return to school to deepen his leadership and change management skills. A 2021 graduate from the Penn State World Campus master’s program in organization development and change, Packowski now leverages his experiences teaching at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University–Bloomington.
Packowski was drawn to a career in higher education to share his experiences with the next generation of professionals. His passion to empower others through learning environments is what ultimately motivated him to earn a master’s degree. The degree became a bridge that helped him translate his industry experience into purpose-driven teaching.
Read more about Packowski in the Q&A below.
Why did you choose to pursue your master’s degree online through Penn State World Campus?
After more than 20 years in the workforce, I wanted to further develop my skill set while maintaining flexibility to balance professional responsibilities and overall work-life harmony.
World Campus offered a challenging, nationally recognized organization development and change program that allowed me to pursue this goal while still working full-time. The program’s impressive reputation and applied focus fit perfectly with both my professional and personal aspirations.
What were some highlights of your experience in the organization development and change program?
One of the most valuable aspects of the program was learning alongside graduate students from diverse backgrounds and industries across the globe. Those perspectives helped translate research and theory into practical application.
The capstone project was especially impactful, as it allowed me to integrate my course work into a real-world scenario with long-term application. My first foundational course with Dr. William Rothwell also played a major role in shaping my experience and solidifying my commitment to completing the program. He went the extra mile, hosting optional Zoom sessions, and recognizing the diverse experiences and challenges of an asynchronous course. His expertise and support guided me with care, understanding, and empowerment.
How has your Penn State education been a launchpad in shaping your career?
In my current role as a lecturer at the Kelley School of Business, I focus on creating experiential learning environments that connect organizational theory to real-world practice.
My Penn State education provided a strong foundation in research, leadership, and change management, which I now apply to support student growth and success inside and beyond the classroom.
How did earning your degree help you make a difference?
My experience with Penn State helped prepare me for continued graduate study and strengthened my commitment to supporting student success. It also shaped how I approach teaching, research, and course design.
I was inspired by the World Campus mission of delivering high-quality, flexible education. I focus on creating learning environments that prioritize growth, empowerment, and long-term impact.
That mindset has influenced my work in researching innovative grading strategies, rethinking how learning is assessed, and contributing to scholarship that supports students both inside the classroom and beyond as they transition into the workforce.
This Q&A spotlight 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.