A Future of Opportunity

The College of Agricultural Sciences Office of Development announced the addition of Kelly Praskovich as the new associate director of alumni relations. She began her tenure in the role on June 1.

"I am excited to join the Development and Alumni Relations Office within the College of Agricultural Sciences," said Praskovich. "To be able to continue working with alumni through events and volunteer opportunities is ultimately how I envisioned expanding my career at Penn State. The opportunities and networking this position provides offer a new perspective from which I can learn and grow."

Since 2002, Praskovich has served in various roles at Penn State, most recently as the director of admissions and enrollment in the College of Arts and Architecture. During her tenure, she managed enrollment across seven academic units, increasing student numbers to their highest level over five years and leading the college in meeting its goals, with growth totaling 30 percent. She also routinely collaborated with the college's development office and with alumni for campus visits, recruiting, and more.

In her new role, Praskovich will be responsible for fostering the connection between the college and its 34,000-plus alumni in the Ag Alumni Society, as well as with current students and the community.

"I'm really looking forward to establishing connections with alumni, building new relationships, fostering existing ones, and setting internal goals," said Praskovich. "Engaging with alumni was one of the key reasons I applied to this position, and I am excited to get more involved with the Ag Alumni Society and its affiliate groups."

As Praskovich settles into her position with the college, her goals include learning as much as possible early on, developing an understanding of how things already run, as well as how she can work with the various teams of people within and outside of the college moving forward.

"I want to meet as many people as I can in Ag Sciences and those with similar roles at Penn State and elsewhere to develop relationships and collaborate," she said. "I'm looking forward to being part of all the activities planned in the coming months and then afterward reassessing and exploring how we can engage with our alumni, community, and students differently or more strategically."

Prior to her time in the College of Arts and Architecture, Praskovich was the assistant director of marketing and recruitment in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

"While I come from a different angle in admissions, I hope to work with the executive board and affiliate groups to engage with alumni in ways that create new opportunities," said Praskovich. "Admissions comes through strongly in my professional background, but working with alumni has always been a part of my career at Penn State. I hope people will have trust in me to help and grow our programs."

Praskovich earned both her bachelor's degree in administration of justice and her master's degree in adult education at Penn State.

"We are so happy to have Kelly on our team leading alumni engagement for the College of Agricultural Sciences community," said Lauren Steinberg, senior director of development. "She is a thoughtful and established higher education professional with excellent previous experience working with and leading alumni volunteers."

--Susan Warner