UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Kathryn Brasier has been named faculty director of graduate education in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, bringing more than two decades of experience in graduate education, mentorship and academic leadership at Penn State to the role.
In her new position, Brasier will focus on supporting graduate student success, strengthening graduate programs and advancing the college's leadership in graduate education.
Beth Gugino, associate dean for research operations and graduate education in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, said Brasier has been a dedicated advocate for graduate education throughout her career, and she's delighted to welcome her as faculty director of graduate education.
“Kathy's extensive experience as a scholar, mentor and leader has given her a deep understanding of what students and graduate programs need to thrive,” Gugino said. “I am confident that her commitment to excellence, collaboration and student success will further strengthen our graduate programs and help prepare the next generation of leaders in agriculture, natural resources and related fields.”
As she begins her new role, Brasier said she is committed to enhancing graduate student support, professional development and educational opportunities for students from all backgrounds, and is dedicated to promoting excellence in graduate research, teaching, Penn State Extension and professional preparation across the college.
“Graduate education in the college is critical to a thriving university, driving innovative research, solving the difficult issues our world faces, and training the next generation of researchers and professionals,” she said. “I would seek to support our college’s graduate programs’ pursuit of disciplinary and interdisciplinary excellence in research, teaching and extension. I look forward to providing support for the college's graduate students and graduate education leaders.”
Brasier earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and history at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh before earning a master's degree and a doctorate, both in sociology and rural sociology, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In 2002, she was an associate researcher in rural sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before joining Penn State as an assistant professor of rural sociology. She was promoted to associate professor in 2011 and to full professor in 2018. She also served as the director of graduate studies in rural sociology from 2017 to 2022 and the interim assistant director of programs at Penn State Extension in 2023.
Her research, teaching, extension and outreach programs focus on interactions between the environment and society, collaborative environmental management, and gender and agriculture. Recent projects have examined impacts of energy transitions on local communities and the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement methods for achieving water quality improvements related to agriculture.
Previously, Brasier was elected to represent the college on the Penn State Graduate Council and held multiple leadership roles, including chairing several major committees. She currently serves as chair of the Graduate Council, providing University-wide leadership on graduate education policy, governance and strategic priorities.
In her time at Penn State, Brasier has mentored and advised graduate students across a wide range of disciplines, serving on committees for 65 graduate students, including numerous doctoral, master's and professional master's students.
She has developed broad expertise in graduate education through service on interdisciplinary graduate committees both within and beyond the college, and has been recognized for fostering collaboration among graduate education leaders and building strong partnerships across academic programs, the Graduate Council and the Fox Graduate School.
Brasier has authored or co-authored 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, two books and 14 book chapters. She also has secured millions in research funding.
Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences offers 13 residential graduate programs, participates in eight intercollege graduate programs, and provides nine options for dual-title degrees. Additionally, five online professional degree and certificate programs are available through World Campus.