DALLAS, Pa. — Julia Freund has joined the student affairs team at Penn State Wilkes-Barre as a full-time coordinator of campus activities.
In her role, Freund will be responsible for designing, implementing and evaluating social, educational and service-learning programs and activities focused on specific student engagement goals and learning outcomes. She will also provide guidance to all student organizations, co-advise the Student Government Association (SGA) and more.
Freund’s appointment is for one year. Penn State Wilkes-Barre will remain open through the 2026-27 academic year.
“We are excited to welcome Julia to Penn State Wilkes-Barre — especially during this time of transition for the campus,” said Tracy Garnick, interim director of student services and engagement. “Our top priority is to support current students’ academic and personal goals. Julia’s position is essential in helping students develop their interests, make connections, and build important skills outside the classroom.”
Freund said her philosophy about co-curricular activities is that they are an opportunity for students to connect, de-stress, and know that there is always something to look forward to on the campus calendar of events.
“Through my work, I’m excited to celebrate Penn State Wilkes-Barre,” Freund said. “I want students to remember that we are all here together right now, there are events happening and ways to get involved, and that is something to celebrate.”
Freund holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in higher education with a focus in student affairs from Penn State World Campus.
Freund brings experience to her new role in student activities at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, having served as executive chair of the King’s College Programming Board during her time as a student, where she developed campus-wide programming. She also held leadership roles in the Student Government Association, Commuter Life Association, in residence life on campus, and more.