UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Michael Doncheski, chief academic officer and director of academic affairs at Penn State Mont Alto, has been appointed interim special assistant in the Office of the Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses (OVPCC). In this role, Doncheski will work closely with campus chancellors, leadership teams and University partners to help guide and coordinate the academic and operational activities associated with campus transitions and closures.
“Mike’s more than 25 years of service to Penn State Mont Alto reflect his deep commitment to our Commonwealth Campuses and to their students, faculty and staff,” said Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. “His experience, perspective and energy will be instrumental as we continue to guide both the transitions underway and the development of strategies that will position our continuing campuses for future success.”
Reporting to Engel, Doncheski will collaborate with colleagues across OVPCC and the University to anticipate curricular and co-curricular needs and implement solutions that support the University’s transition efforts. His initial areas of focus will include fostering collaboration and resource sharing among campuses, supporting budget projections associated with faculty transitions and academic program moves, and helping to coordinate course scheduling and faculty reassignment planning.
“As we move through this year and next, consistency, cohesion and clarity in our approach will be essential,” Doncheski said. “I am honored to take on this role, helping to connect dots across the institution and advance solutions that will make a meaningful difference.”
Doncheski joined Penn State Mont Alto in 1996 as an assistant professor of physics. After earning tenure, he held a series of academic leadership roles before being appointed chief academic officer in 2011. He holds baccalaureate and doctoral degrees in theoretical physics from Penn State and completed postdoctoral appointments at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Carleton University.
Succeeding Doncheski at Penn State Mont Alto will be Professor of Chemistry Linghao Zhong, who has been named interim director of academic affairs.