Penn State alumna combines education and military service to lead in emergencies

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State alumna Jenny Brunson has forged a meaningful path combining her military service, leadership in emergency operations and educational achievements. Brunson graduated from the College of the Liberal Arts this past December with a master of human resources and employment relations degree.

Originally from Corry, Pennsylvania, the first-generation student had aspired to attend Penn State after high school but ultimately joined the U.S. Navy instead. In 2020, with a family and full-time career, she returned to achieve her educational aspirations through Penn State World Campus.

Drawing on the skills she gained through her Penn State education and time in the Navy, Brunson previously worked as an emergency operations center manager for Deployed Services, a veteran-owned business that provides strategic partnership to federal, state and local governments. She is now a seasonal tax preparer, continuing to apply her expertise in new ways.

“I have learned a lot of intricacies of human resources,” Brunson said about her time in the master’s program. “Graduating with my master's is really cool. I'm the first in my family to graduate college, let alone get a master’s degree.”

This wasn’t Brunson’s first Penn State degree. She graduated in May 2023 with a bachelor of arts degree in organizational leadership. She was recognized as the major’s student marshal at the College of the Liberal Arts commencement ceremony. Student marshals are chosen for outstanding academic achievement and contributions to Liberal Arts student life.

“It was very humbling to have that awarded to me,” Brunson said. “I'm impressed my professors recognized the skills I gained and that I was a team player — that’s what leadership looks like.”

While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Brunson was a member of a program that is now called the Leadership Readiness Initiative in the School of Labor and Employment Relations. Through this program, Brunson learned how to translate her military leadership skills into the civilian sector.

Brunson credits the learning plan she developed with Kim Trahan, associate teaching professor of organizational leadership, for setting her up for success. This plan included presentations, counseling, feedback and more to prepare Brunson for her leadership endeavors.

“What I've noticed in the civilian sectors, there's a lot of fluidity and interpretation of policies,” Brunson said. “Understanding how people perceive or receive information really helped in that leadership symposium skill set.”

Brunson served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years before retiring in 2022. While in the Navy, she volunteered in education and food insecurity programs, experiences that shaped her leadership style. Volunteering helped Brunson stay connected to the communities around her without feeling insulated from the civilian world.

For her commitment to servitude, Brunson was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. The medal is awarded to those who perform outstanding volunteer community service while in the military. Brunson believes that servitude is how you look at leadership — being a good follower makes you a good leader.

“I think everybody should have an opportunity and access, and I want to be able to help the next person move up,” said Brunson. “You know, we all move together. We don't leave anybody behind.”

After the U.S. Navy, Brunson began as an emergency operations center manager for Deployed Services, where she oversaw 1,500 staff and 800 youth at an influx care facility. Her role demanded effective communication across departments and leadership amongst the facility. Brunson’s military background aided her transition into the position as she had developed a keen understanding of the programs and how things should run.

Brunson's academic journey through both her undergraduate and graduate studies shaped her role as an emergency operations center manager. Her focus on organizational leadership allowed her to drive positive change through education and research initiatives. Additionally, she prioritized fostering strong, supportive relationships with her employees, ensuring a collaborative and harmonious work environment.

“If you have a good working relationship with the different departments, and build a rapport with them, things go a lot smoother,” Brunson said. “People appreciate that trust, and they believe that what you're saying is what needs to happen.”

Brunson encourages anyone considering adult learning to take the leap, emphasizing that the rewards are worth the effort. She advises setting clear personal goals and surrounding yourself with a strong support system to guide and motivate you along the way.

“It’s well worth it,” she said.