UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Elizabeth Karcher, a Penn State alumna and a professor and undergraduate program coordinator at Purdue University, has been named the new associate dean for undergraduate education in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, effective Sept. 29.
She will succeed Tracy Hoover, who is retiring after more than 25 years at the University, including service as associate dean for undergraduate education since 2011. In that role, Hoover provided leadership, advocacy and support to advance faculty and staff excellence in teaching and advising. Before being named associate dean, she was a faculty member and head of what was then the college’s Department of Agricultural and Extension Education.
“Tracy’s leadership has left an indelible mark on our college, particularly in shaping a culture of excellence in teaching and advising,” said Troy Ott, dean of the college. “We are deeply grateful for her dedication and vision over the years. At the same time, I am pleased to welcome Elizabeth into this role. Her experience, energy and commitment to student success will ensure that our undergraduate programs continue to thrive.”
As associate dean for undergraduate education, Karcher will lead the college’s undergraduate programs, student services and experiential learning initiatives with a focus on excellence and innovation. Her responsibilities include guiding student recruitment and retention, driving curricular revitalization, assessing learning outcomes, managing scholarship programs to promote quality and student success, and strengthening partnerships with alumni, industry leaders and University colleagues.
During her time in the College of Agriculture at Purdue, Karcher led its Department of Animal Sciences through a curricular review and engaged with students both in and out of the classroom. She said the overall goal of her teaching and learning program is to create workforce-ready graduates with the technical knowledge, skills and global mindsets necessary to meet the challenge of feeding a growing population.
She currently serves as president of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA). In 2024, Karcher was a recipient of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Excellence in College and University Teaching in Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Teacher Award. Additional honors include the Purdue University Murphy Award for Undergraduate Teaching, the NACTA Teaching Excellence Award and the Novus International Teaching Award through the Poultry Science Association.
Karcher earned a bachelor’s degree in animal bioscience from the college, a master’s degree in animal science from Purdue University, and a doctorate in nutritional sciences and immunobiology from Iowa State University.
“I am extremely excited to return to Penn State as an associate dean,” she said. “It is an opportunity to return to the current Nittany Lions the inspiration and support that fostered the foundation and shaped my career journey. Together, we will continue to build on the successes of the Office for Undergraduate Education as we work to empower and support every student.”