UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State’s Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research (OPAIR) has designated its second annual cohort of Assessment Champions for 2025-26. The program awards individuals committed to improving the student learning experience through assessment efforts.
The 2025-26 Assessment Champions are:
- Julie Evak, coordinator for Undergraduate Education, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, University Park
- Dennis Millan, associate director, Chaiken Center for Student Success, Abington
- Deborah Morton, associate teaching professor of linguistics and African studies, College of the Liberal Arts, University Park
- Richard Peng, associate professor of project and supply chain management, chair of strategic priorities and accreditation at the Black School of Business, Behrend
- Megan Van Etten, associate professor of biology, Scranton
- Tara Wyckoff, associate teaching professor, Department of Advertising/Public Relations, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, University Park
“These Assessment Champions exemplify the impact of thoughtful, data-informed assessment on student learning and academic excellence," said Betty Harper, assistant vice provost for assessment. "Their expertise, collaborative spirit, and innovative approaches set a high standard for assessment practices at Penn State and this program provides an opportunity for them to share their approaches.”
Assessment Champions are expected to actively contribute to the sharing and advancement of assessment best practices across the University. They participate in at least one OPAIR-sponsored workshop to showcase their assessment efforts and join periodic virtual meetings with fellow Assessment Champions to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and offer feedback on assessment processes.
Questions about the Assessment Champion program can be directed to assessment@psu.edu.