Simon-Jones, Nesbitt appointed associate deans in University College

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Lindsey Simon-Jones and Jennifer P. Nesbitt have been appointed associate deans in the University College at Penn State, bringing extensive academic leadership experience at the Commonwealth Campuses to roles responsible for curricular, student and faculty affairs across the college.

Simon-Jones, currently chief academic officer at Penn State Fayette, will begin as associate dean for curricular affairs and student services on Sept. 1. Nesbitt, currently chief academic officer at Penn State Brandywine, will begin as associate dean for faculty affairs on Sept. 15.

The University College serves as the academic and administrative home for 14 Penn State campuses — Beaver, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York.

“Lindsey and Jen bring deep knowledge of the college and our Commonwealth Campuses, along with substantial experience as faculty members and academic leaders,” said University College Dean John Nauright. “As we shape the college for the future, we have an opportunity to further strengthen how our campuses work together, build on their collective academic strengths and position our students, faculty and staff for success. Lindsey and Jen will bring important leadership to that work.”

Lindsey Simon-Jones

As associate dean for curricular affairs and student services, Simon-Jones will provide leadership for academic programs and student academic services across the college, including curricular planning and assessment, academic program collaboration across campuses and oversight of the college’s academic portfolio. Her role also will include work related to academic program transitions at closing campuses.

In her current role at Fayette, Simon-Jones participates in regional collaboration and oversees faculty and academic programming, program and student learning assessment and academic scheduling. She previously served as interim chancellor and chief academic officer at Fayette from July 2024 to January 2025.

An associate professor of English, Simon-Jones joined the Penn State Fayette faculty in 2009. During her Penn State career, in addition to serving as interim chancellor, she has held academic and faculty leadership roles including program coordinator, chair of the Fayette Faculty Senate, chair of the campus Academic and Curricular Affairs Committee and representative to the University College Faculty Council.

Simon-Jones earned her doctorate and master’s degree in English from Penn State and her bachelor’s degree in English from Youngstown State University.

Jennifer P. Nesbitt

As associate dean for faculty affairs, Nesbitt will provide leadership on faculty matters across the college, including promotion and tenure, faculty reviews and searches, and faculty mentoring and development. Her role also will include work related to faculty transitions at closing campuses.

In her current role at Brandywine, Nesbitt provides leadership for faculty and academic staff, student academic success, academic programs and budget planning, administration and development. She has partnered with campus and community stakeholders to advance the campus’ strategic direction and create impact.

A professor of English, Nesbitt joined Penn State in 2003 and spent much of her faculty career at Penn State York. Her leadership experience includes service as a University faculty senator, University College English discipline coordinator and Big Ten Academic Leadership Fellow. She also has served on University and University College committees related to faculty affairs, academic programs and student life. Nesbitt is a 2026 alumna of the HERS Leadership Institute.

She earned her doctorate and master’s degree in English from Emory University and her bachelor’s degree in history and literature from Harvard University.