Melanie Hatch, founding dean of the College of Engineering and Business at Gannon University in Erie, Pa., has been named chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State DuBois effective Jan. 28. She follows Anita McDonald, who retired in December after nearly a decade as chancellor. Ping Werner, professor of engineering, has been serving as the campus' interim chancellor and chief academic officer since Jan. 1.

"Dr. Hatch brings broad experience as an academic leader in higher education to Penn State. She has a strong background in program development and applied research," said Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses. "Her accomplished service in senior administrative roles, including her collaborative work with industry and community partners, and her commitment to retaining a diverse student body and workforce, dovetails very well with ongoing efforts at Penn State DuBois. We look forward to her joining us as chancellor to build on the campus' reputation for academic excellence and its strong presence in the region."

Applications and nominations are being accepted for the position of vice president for marketing and communications at Penn State. Doug Anderson, dean of the College of Communications, will chair the search advisory committee, and Heyman Associates will assist in the national search.

The vice president for marketing and communications will develop the University's brand vision, strategy and campaigns to attract the best students, engage with alumni and donors, and recruit world-class faculty and staff.

"Penn State is among the top public research universities in the world. The person in this position will be key to the University's efforts to remain among the most attractive destinations for talented students and faculty, and research partners," said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. "The successful candidate will provide critical strategic direction and leadership for Penn State's marketing and communications efforts in an increasingly competitive marketplace."

Penn State Extension is offering environmentally minded Pennsylvania adults the chance to share their interests with young people in their community.

Extension is seeking volunteers for its 4-H Stream Teams program, which guides youths in learning about local water resources and encourages them to become water stewards and involved citizens, now and in the future. A four-part, Web-based training series for prospective 4-H Stream Teams adult volunteers will begin Jan. 29. Each live, one-hour webinar will be offered at noon and repeated at 7 p.m.