Graduate student earns Boren Fellowship to study Turkish language

Penn State graduate student Denzell Ivery earned a Boren Fellowship, which will provide him the opportunity to study the Turkish language and eventually travel to Baku, Azerbaijan. Ivery, of Philadelphia, is a veteran Marine enrolled in the Master of Professional of Studies in Community and Economic Development offered online through Penn State World Campus. “Earning…

During National Nurses Week, Penn State recognizes nurse educators

Nurse educators have a critical role in helping to address the country’s nursing shortage by choosing a career path in teaching. For National Nurses Week, May 6–12, Penn State is recognizing several nurse educators who have graduated from its doctoral program and are now on its faculty teaching future nurses. Susan E. Maynard, Megan Murphy,…

Liberal Arts student marshal finds academic success following baseball career

When William Dexter Fowler got drafted to Major League Baseball 20 years ago, he accepted his contract on one condition — he would return to school and complete his education. Fowler is not your typical Penn State student. The organizational and professional communication major was initially accepted to the University of Miami before being drafted…

Mother and daughter share Penn State commencement bond — and date

When 52-year-old Renee Gibson receives her long-awaited Penn State degree on May 4, her 22-year-old daughter Clare will be there — and she’ll be in her own cap and gown. Just a few hours before Renee receives her baccalaureate degree from the College of the Liberal Arts via Penn State World Campus, Clare will graduate…

Penn State launches first Master of Social Work program

Penn State’s first master’s degree in social work will be offered online and welcome its initial group of students in the fall 2024 semester. Students in the new Master of Social Work program can choose between two areas of specialization, one in children and families and another in mental health and substance use. The Master…

Amazon partnership paves career path for alumnus

When the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted Joseph Bourdon’s first year of college, he began working at an Amazon warehouse in his hometown of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to do something different. Bourdon still wanted to continue his education but didn’t want to leave his position at Amazon to go back to school. He chose to get his degree…

Meet the faculty who teach online and are being honored by Penn State this year

Penn State has recognized faculty members who teach online and staff members who support online learners with awards for their work in the 2023–24 academic year. Ten faculty members who teach through Penn State World Campus have received Penn State awards for teaching excellence and service. Two World Campus staff members received awards honoring their…