Karen Cole: From Penn State Mont Alto to University Park to Public Service

Name: Karen Cole

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her

Hometown & Current Town: Mt. Pocono, PA/New Hope, PA

Graduation Year: BS 1989

Major(s) & Minor(s): BS Environmental Resource Management (ERM)

Additional Degree(s) & Institution(s): Master of Environmental Studies and Master of Public Administration, University of Pennsylvania

Current Professional Title: Bureau Chief

Name of Employer: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Brief Description of Your Role/Profession: The mission of our organization is to provide low-cost financing to municipalities seeking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.

Why did you choose Penn State?

Spending a lot of time enjoying the outdoors while growing up in the Pocono Mountains sparked my life-long curiosity of the natural environment. Penn State has a strong environmental program, along with a robust forestry program, both of which were of great interest to me when I was choosing colleges. I started at the Mont Alto campus, where my initial focus on biology evolved into environmental resource management.

Can you talk about your experience at the Penn State Mont Alto campus?

The Mont Alto campus is surrounded by several Pennsylvania State Parks, making it an ideal place for anyone passionate about the outdoors, conservation, and environmental issues. Living in the very environment you aim to protect is incredibly fulfilling. The campus was small, allowing us to form strong life-long connections. The hands-on experience and one-on-one interactions with professors were invaluable.

What clubs, organizations, or leadership roles were you involved in as a student?

During the summers, I worked on plant pathology research led by Dr. Eva Pell, Senior Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School, Emerita. The research focused on the impact of pollutants like acid rain and ozone on agricultural crops. I worked on this project from 1987 to 1990, collaborating with graduate students in soil science and plant pathology, as well as the farm crew at Rock Springs. The USDA provided grants for these projects, and I gained experience in translating field and lab experiments to address real world issues. This job perfectly complemented my curriculum and allowed me to make numerous professional connections.

What is a favorite Penn State memory?

More recently, I had the opportunity to meet President Neeli Bendapudi. I was deeply impressed by her warmth and generosity. She instantly makes you feel welcome and takes a genuine interest in you. It's been 36 years since I attended Penn State, and meeting Neeli reinforced the University's mission for student success. I'm excited to see how she'll continue this forward momentum.

How has your Penn State education influenced your career or life?

As an environmental resource management student, I chose water quality as my minor and had civil engineering courses focused on water and wastewater technology, as well as environmental impact assessment and environmental law courses. This coursework directly shaped my role as a water quality specialist, and while treatment technologies evolve, I still refer to those textbooks. Dr. Rob Shannon, who recently retired, has invited me back to guest lecture in the ERM careers course. In a time where most course content is available online; I encourage students to build their own physical research library for future reference. My Penn State education and experience provided the science and collaboration skills to work as part of a team, which is key to problem-solving. 

What are one or two of your proudest accomplishments in which your Penn State education played a role?

Helping people solve water quality problems is a privilege. I assist in connecting municipalities to financing and resources needed to improve water quality and lives, a position of public service, Penn State prepared me for. Additionally, the sense of community and family I gained from Penn State is invaluable. I know I can reach out to any Penn Stater for support, reflecting the collaborative network that defines us.

Penn State also provided a strong foundation for furthering my graduate studies in Environmental Studies and Public Administration at the University of Pennsylvania. I was able to build upon my undergraduate studies along with my professional experience in environmental sciences to meet the challenges of obtaining a dual master's degree as a returning adult student.

What has been the best advice you've ever received?

Be flexible and keep an open mind. People often say something isn't for them or are quick to say no. Instead, say yes more often, take risks that take you out of your comfort zone, and remain open. This mindset keeps you receptive, which is crucial to success.

What inspired you to create a scholarship in the College of Agricultural Sciences for students at Penn State Mont Alto?

It's about giving back and paying it forward. Both my husband, Kevin, and I attended Mont Alto, a special place for students to build a solid foundation before moving to University Park. We need environmental scientists more than ever to tackle global challenges, and this scholarship is an opportunity to support the next generation.

Why are you proud to be a Penn State Ag Sciences alum?

Graduates of Penn State's ERM program are well-equipped to take on today's environmental issues. From the College of Agricultural Sciences' origins as part of a land-grant institution to its status as a world-renowned research institution, Penn State continues to contribute solutions to global challenges. It's a source of great pride to be part of such a legacy.