University Park, Pa. - Sharon Mortensen, interim director of the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs (CERA) at Penn State, has been named director, effective March 1.
"I am pleased that Sharon has agreed to this important assignment, and feel confident in her administrative skills, her vision and experience to lead and manage the CERA on a permanent basis," said William Asbury, vice president for student affairs at Penn State.
The Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs is a unit of Student Affairs charged with providing a venue and programs for the ethical, spiritual, and character development of the University community. As director, Mortensen will be responsible for both the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center and the Helen Eakin Eisenhower Chapel, programming for both facilities, and for 46 diverse student religious and spiritual groups and the more than 25 professional staff-in-religion representing these groups.
Mortensen came to the University in 1990 as assistant director of campus life and served as associate director of unions and student activities prior to assuming the position of interim director Aug.1, 2001.
As associate director of unions and student activities, Mortensen was responsible for a variety of student activities including HUB Late Night, daily monitoring and training of 467 registered student organizations, the Distinguished Speaker Series, the Arts and Crafts Centers, publishing the Policies and Rules for Student Organizations, and publishing the Student Organization Directory, Student Organization Advisor Handbook, and the Transition Guide for Student Organization Officers.
"Sharon's experience with student organizations, facility management, educational programming and skill in working with ministers and religious representatives from multiple faiths, suggests that Penn State will be at the forefront of student dialogue and learning about spiritual understanding, character development, and values clarification," said Arthur Carter, assistant vice president for Student Affairs.
Mortensen graduated with a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Valley City State University, Valley City, ND with majors in math and physical education and a minor in library science. She received a master's degree in higher education/student personnel from Colorado State University.