Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed. serves the University as the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. Dean Rivera serves as the lead student advocate. She and members of the Dean of Students staff often support students as they navigate challenges while at the University. Dean Rivera works closely with the dedicated and passionate staff in the Division of Student Life as she provides oversight for the Dean of Students Office, Career Development Center, Center for Health Education & Wellness, Student Health Services, Counseling Center, Center for Student Engagement,  Cultural Centers (Jane Kopas Women’s Center & Multicultural Center), Office of Residence Life, and Office of Student Conduct. She also remains connected with Student Government given their role as an advocacy body on campus.

Dean Rivera earned her Juris Doctor degree and Master of Education degree in College Student Affairs at The Pennsylvania State University. Prior to pursuing her joint degree in law and education, Dean Rivera graduated from Bucknell University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Religion.

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Follow her on Instagram@scrantondeanofstudents

Shannon Murphy Fennie, M.S., serves the University as the Assistant Vice President for Student Life. A key student advocate, Shannon is responsible for providing support and overseeing initiatives designed to foster engagement of students, particularly marginalized student populations. As such, she works closely with the Center for Student Engagement and the Cultural Centers (Jane Kopas Women’s Center and Multicultural Center) as they provide programs and services to support a vibrant campus community. Additionally, Shannon coordinates leadership development initiatives within the Division of Student Life.

 Shannon received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton and went on to received her Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College. Shannon returned to the University of Scranton community after serving as the Assistant Director of Student Activities at both Canisius College and Saint Joseph’s University.

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Barbara King serves the University as the Student Life Coordinator. In this role she works closely with the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, the Assistant Vice President for Students Life, and other departments on campus to support students who are experiencing challenges related to academics, well-being, behavior, transition, or anything else that impacts their success as a student. Barbara brings a wealth of student advocacy work to this role having previously served the University as Director of Residence Life, and Coordinator for International Service Programs as part of Campus Ministries. Barbara also moderates the University chapter of Student Veterans Organization (SVO) and supports the Maguire students on campus.

Barbara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from West Virginia University.  Prior to working at the University of Scranton, Barbara served in a variety of Residence Life positions at Texas Christian University, Lehigh University and Eastern CT State University.

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Pauline Palko serves as the office manager in the Student Life Suite. She provides administrative support for the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, Assistant Vice President for Student Life, Student Life Coordinator, and Office of Student Conduct. In addition, Pauline hires, schedules and supervises student workers in the Student Life Suite (DeNaples Center 201).

Pauline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The University of Scranton. 

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