ALTOONA, Pa. — Jungwoo Ryoo has been named the inaugural interim associate dean for adult education at Penn State Altoona, effective July 1, 2027. Ryoo will continue to serve in his current role as chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State DuBois until assuming his new role in summer 2027.
“Chancellor Ryoo is uniquely qualified to serve as the inaugural interim associate dean for adult education at Altoona,” said Ron Darbeau, chancellor and dean at Penn State Altoona. “JR is an inspiring, seasoned leader with experience in and passion for this work. He has a proven track record of success in the industry-education landscape and is ready to take the helm of this transformational work. The position of associate dean is critical to advancing the breadth of work already underway. Given its scope and urgency, JR will begin to be read into conversations and included in decision-making. I am thrilled to have him return to Penn State Altoona."
In his position as interim associate dean for adult education, Ryoo will be responsible for expanding opportunities for adult learners to engage and re-engage with Penn State campuses — including the World Campus — through market-ready credentials, certificates, industry-relevant associate degrees, degree-completion pathways, and options that recognize prior learning and existing credentials.
Though located at Altoona, across the commonwealth he will help to lead the development of student-centered programs for adult learners, career and technical education students, and others seeking to upskill or reskill for today’s rapidly evolving workforce, with a focus on delivering relevant educational programming in the form learners’ need, when they need it. Ryoo’s role also includes strengthening Penn State campuses’ service to business and industry by helping build a skilled workforce and supporting economic growth across the commonwealth in furtherance of the University’s land-grant mission.
“JR has always been an advocate for adult learners at Penn State,” said Michele Rice, director of prior learning assessment in Penn State Undergraduate Education. “I am looking forward to working with him on new opportunities for our students with credit for prior learning.”
Ryoo currently serves as chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State DuBois. As a professor of information sciences and technology, he also is a graduate and affiliate faculty member of the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University Park. His research interests span information security and assurance, software engineering, computer networking, and data science/AI. In addition, Ryoo investigates innovative learning environments to promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM higher education.
Numerous research projects led by Ryoo have received funding from both state and federal government agencies. Before transitioning to full-time administrative roles 11 years ago, Ryoo garnered more than $1.5 million in external funding. He brings extensive industry expertise as a former software architect and engineer at Sprint and IBM. Additionally, Ryoo values his military service as a combat medic and translator for the U.S. Army.
“Having a dedicated resource focused on adult learners will provide tremendous benefits to Penn State and its Commonwealth Campuses,” said Andrea Tessier, senior director of statewide continuing education and workforce development in the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses. “The adult learner demographic is highly diverse. Nationally, over 37 million working-age adults have completed some college but earned no degree, representing a massive opportunity for re-engagement. Reaching this population requires targeted support, as these students prioritize low cost, scheduling flexibility, and institutional support. Penn State Altoona’s decision to hire JR demonstrates a strong commitment to this vital population and to educating the local community.”
During his tenure as chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State DuBois, Ryoo has advanced adult education through community-centered, workforce-driven initiatives to expand access and address regional needs. His leadership has focused on identifying skills gaps, mobilizing institutional resources, and creating pathways for nontraditional learners.
One example is his work to address the shortage of healthcare workers in the DuBois region. In partnership with the campus continuing education team, Ryoo helped to establish and launch the licensed practical nursing program, an effort that required navigating regulatory requirements, shaping curriculum delivery for adult learners, and building partnerships with healthcare providers to strengthen the workforce pipeline.
Ryoo also has worked to support the revitalization of the tri-county region’s manufacturing sector, including the powder metal industry. Under his leadership, Penn State DuBois developed new pipeline programs aimed at engaging both K–12 students and adult learners. Among those efforts is the Industry 4.0 Academy, launched through the campus’ LaunchBox initiative, which introduces learners to emerging manufacturing technologies such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
His commitment to adult education also is informed by personal experience. Ryoo’s military service as a combat medic shaped his disciplined, mission-focused approach and gave him insight into the challenges veterans often face when transitioning into civilian careers. In addition, having completed his doctoral degree while working full time, he understands the demands adult learners balance as they manage careers, family responsibilities and academic goals.
As he prepares to step into his new role, Ryoo brings a combination of executive leadership experience, a record of regional workforce development, and a strong understanding of the needs of adult learners.
"I am deeply motivated to continue serving the University in this new capacity, building directly on my past leadership experience as a division head at Penn State Altoona and my current role as chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State DuBois,” Ryoo said. “When I assume this new position in July 2027, our primary objective will be expanding our educational ecosystem and creating sustainable institutional growth. We will focus on broadening the definition of the Penn State student to include nontraditional learners. By launching versatile pathways, we will answer critical workforce needs and cultivate vital new avenues for enrollment and resource vitality. This work is about extending our reach and strengthening our financial and academic foundation, fully in furtherance of our land-grant mission.”
“My immediate top priority until officially assuming the new role is right here at Penn State DuBois,” Ryoo continued. “Even as I take on new responsibilities in my current position, my unwavering focus over this remaining year is helping everybody at Penn State DuBois transition. We will remain dedicated to safeguarding the student experience and ensuring our entire campus community is fully supported during this period.”