Carolyn Jensen honored with USAC Award
The University Staff Advisory Council recognized three outstanding Penn State staff members at a ceremony with University leadership, including Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi, on Friday, May 15 in Old Main’s Alumni Lounge at the University Park campus. These annual awards are funded through a generous endowment established by former Penn State President Eric Barron and his wife, Molly Barron.
Carolyn Jensen, director of the Eberly College of Science Academic Advising Center, received the Staff Leadership Award, alongside two other members of the University who received the Staff Excellence Award and the Staff Morale Award.
Cheryl Knobloch, USAC Awards Committee chair, said that the 2026 award nomination pool increased by 218% over 2025.
“This remarkable growth made deliberations both inspiring and especially rigorous,” Knobloch said. “On behalf of the USAC Awards Committee, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the nominators. Your dedication not only honors your colleagues but also elevates the standard of excellence within our community.”
In her remarks, Bendapudi addressed the award winners and said, “You were selected from among many thoughtful and compelling nominations, and your recognition today is an affirmation of the importance of your work, the impact of your efforts and our gratitude that you are part of the Penn State community.”
The Staff Leadership Award is presented to a staff member who leads by example and focuses on team successes while inspiring those around them. The recipient recognizes natural gifts in team members and works with them to continue their development, while seeking ways to improve the operations of their unit and the University.
Jensen’s nominators highlighted her ability to bring clarity to complicated policy and foster an inclusive, collaborative community. She is viewed as a steadfast advocate for students and a skilled mentor to new advisers. Nominators noted that she readily supports colleagues, engages in career development conversations and shares opportunities demonstrating a sustained commitment to growth, both for herself and for her team.
Letters of support touched on Jensen’s leadership during a period of change in the New Student Orientation process, where she led the first advising meeting for every incoming Eberly student, ensuring they connected with an adviser and could move forward with confidence.
A colleague wrote, “Her efforts helped reduce stress that we advisors were feeling about the changes and kept new student advising running efficiently during the transition. She also made sure our students were getting the best support possible during a major transition in their lives.”