MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Penn State Harrisburg has announced leadership for two new initiatives enhancing the college’s commitment to global engagement and creating an inclusive learning experience at the college: the Global Engagement Office and the Inclusive Excellence Center.
These efforts aim to advance the college’s mission of preparing students to thrive in an increasingly global society, while creating a more welcoming, inclusive and interconnected campus community.
Juliette Tolay will lead the college’s Global Engagement Office, serving as assistant dean. Tolay is an associate professor of political science in the college’s School of Public Affairs. She teaches courses on international affairs and has served as the program chair of the political science and public policy program since 2020.
She specializes in international affairs, including migration, forced migration and foreign policy, with a focus on Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals around the globe, co-authored “Turkey and Its Neighbors: Foreign Relations in Transition,” and authored reports on migration, refugees and foreign policy.
Tolay collaborates globally, leads student research initiatives, and engages in intercultural programming. With a doctorate in global governance from the University of Delaware, she has studied and conducted research across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, enriching her teaching and scholarly contributions at Penn State Harrisburg.
The Global Engagement Office, under the leadership of Tolay, will focus on strengthening Penn State Harrisburg's global presence and preparing students for success in an interconnected world. The office will support international students and scholars, providing pathways from admission to employment, while fostering international partnerships that create opportunities for faculty and students. Additionally, the office will offer education abroad programs to broaden students' global perspectives, host international delegations, and design intercultural programming to benefit the campus and surrounding community.
Cynthia Daniels, associate director of multicultural recruitment and community affairs at the college, will serve as director of the Inclusive Excellence Center. Daniels has over 17 years of experience in expanding access to higher education for all students.
Daniels leads student recruitment, admissions, and outreach initiatives, collaborating with schools, churches, and community organizations to prepare pre-college students for success. Her programs have empowered thousands of students in grades 7–12, creating inclusive pathways to education. In 2024, she was recognized as a finalist for the Leadership in Diversity Award at the Conference for Women.
Under the leadership of Daniels, the Inclusive Excellence Center will serve as a key resource for fostering a welcoming and supportive environment at Penn State Harrisburg. The center will focus on building structures that promote a sense of community, support academic success, and enhance accessibility and inclusivity in teaching and learning practices. By providing consultation, resources and strategies, the center aims to strengthen campus connections and collaboration. Partnering with programs, departments and University-wide initiatives, the center will offer support for students, faculty, staff and alumni through professional development, innovative teaching practices and initiatives designed to enhance equitable student outcomes and overall campus engagement.
“At Penn State Harrisburg, we are deeply committed to fostering a community that values global perspectives and champions a sense of belonging for all," Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor David Callejo Pérez said. "The launch of the Global Engagement Office and the Inclusive Excellence Center represents a significant step forward in preparing our students to thrive in an interconnected world while ensuring every member of our community feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Through the leadership of Juliette Tolay and Cynthia Daniels, we are building a stronger campus community that values many perspectives and celebrates the transformative power of education."
Kalisha DeVan