UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Michael J. Pennington, senior associate director of Penn State Career Services, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA), a national organization dedicated to supporting higher education leaders across a range of institutional types and administrative roles.
Pennington's appointment was unanimously approved by the organization's executive board and will begin July 1, 2026. He will serve a two-year term through June 30, 2028.
The AAUA supports higher education professionals across the administrative spectrum, from department chairs and directors to senior institutional leaders and presidents. The organization provides professional development, networking and leadership opportunities for administrators working at public, private, two-year and four-year institutions.
At Penn State, Pennington helps lead Career Services' efforts to prepare students for lifelong career success through career education, employer engagement and experiential learning opportunities. Career Services, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, supports students as they explore career pathways, gain professional experience and develop the skills needed to navigate an evolving workforce.
Pennington's appointment reflects his longstanding commitment to student success, leadership development and the advancement of higher education.
"Michael has dedicated his career to helping students identify and achieve their goals while advancing innovative approaches to career development and student success," said Bob Orndorff, senior director of Career Services. "His appointment to the AAUA board of directors recognizes both his leadership within the profession and the nearly two decades worth of expertise he brings to conversations about the future of higher education. We are excited to see him contribute to the organization and represent Penn State at the national level."
Pennington said he looks forward to engaging with colleagues from across the country and contributing to discussions that support higher education leadership and student success.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the AAUA board of directors with administrators from across the country," Pennington said. "Higher education continues to face unprecedented challenges. I look forward to meaningfully contributing to conversations that support effective leadership, professional development, and student success across institutions."
Pennington earned his doctorate in higher education leadership from Widener University.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.