MEET THE STAFF

Julie Schumacher Cohen, AVP Community Engagement & Government Affairs
Julie Schumacher Cohen is the Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement & Government Affairs. In this role, Julie helps strengthen relationships between the University and the community, serving as the liaison with neighborhood groups, community organizations and local, state and federal government bodies.
Julie has worked for a variety of non-profit organizations in the area of community and government relations, including most recently as Deputy Director, and earlier Legislative Coordinator, of Churches for Middle East Peace, a coalition of 24 national church bodies in Washington, DC. Previously, she worked in New York City directing cross-cultural programs at U.S. Servas Inc. and as a Community Outreach/Public Policy Associate for Citizens Union Foundation.
Julie serves on the Board of Directors of Metro Action at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Scranton Tomorrow, and First Friday. She was named a Top 25 Woman in Business in 2015 by the Northeast Business Journal and was on their list of the Top 20 under 40 in 2011. Julie was also named a Northeast Woman in 2011 by the Scranton Times Tribune.
Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in political studies and English literature from Gordon College, Wenham, Mass., and a Master's of Public Administration at Villanova University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science at Temple University. Julie lives in Scranton’s Hill Section with her husband, Will, a Professor of Theology at the University, and their three children.
Email Julie at julie.cohen@scranton.edu.

Carolyn M. Bonacci, Community and Civic Engagement Coordinator
Carolyn M. Bonacci is the Community and Civic Engagement Coordinator. In this role Carolyn helps forge connections between the University and the Scranton community and works to engage University of Scranton students and the campus community in civic life.
Carolyn has previously served as the Director of Professional Continuing Education at Marywood University. In this role Carolyn worked closely with professionals, businesses, and organizations the Northeastern Pennsylvania to coordinate programming and workshops. Carolyn also served as an instructor for the Marywood University Philosophy Department teaching courses on general/introduction to philosophy, ethics, aesthetics, and existentialism.
She has worked in various other educational programs including an after school program at the Village Park Apartments in Scranton and as GED instructor for those seeking their high school equivalency. Carolyn was named a Northeast Woman in 2017 by the Scranton Times Tribune.
Carolyn earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Fine Arts with an Art History concentration from Loyola College, now Loyola University Maryland, and a Master's Degree in Philosophy from Boston College.
Email Carolyn at carolyn.bonacci@scranton.edu.