Gina Whalen, Ed.D.

Gina Whalen started her career in education at Penn State University as a teaching assistant for the Dean of the Smeal College of Business Administration at University Park. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Logistics and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management. During her graduate studies, she was selected to participate in a cross-cultural business program in Guyana, South America. She has also earned a Doctorate of Education in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning from Penn State University. With over 25 years in educational roles, her career path has been varied and rich in experiences. 

She comes to Penn State Schuylkill after being the Director of Education for the region’s manufacturers association where she spent more than 13 years creating and executing professional development programs in the areas of organizational behavior, management, global diversity, communication, team building, and leadership.  She has had the privileged opportunity to work with leadership teams at hundreds of companies by providing consulting services as well as executive coaching.  In addition to her traditional instructor-led training, her strong interest in developing innovative programs that incorporate new technologies in order to expand learning possibilities lead her to be an experienced facilitator of both synchronous and asynchronous virtual training. 

During her career, she has been the recipient of several awards.  She was recognized by the Northeastern PA Business Journal as one of the “Top 20 Under 40” business professionals. She was also the recipient of the YWCA’s PEARL Award for professionalism, excellence, achievement, role model/responsibility and leadership.

Gina’s passion for education coupled with her educational, professional, and personal experiences creates a synergistic combination that has primed her for her current role as a business faculty member.  She is grateful to be able to apply her decades of business experience for both Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State World Campus.  She is also the Division Coordinator for Schuylkill Campus’ Business programs which consist of Bachelor of Science (BSB), Project and Supply Chain Management (PSCM), Corporate Communication, and Health Policy and Administration programs.  She also acts as the internship coordinator for the Schuylkill Campus BSB program and the World Campus BSBIC program.  Her service on campus includes being the faculty advisor for Alpha Sigma Lambda which is the adult honor society as well as a member of the College to Career committee.  She also performs professional development workshops for the campus’ LionLaunch program.

She is an energetic, highly adaptable professional who provides sound advice and bottom-line results. Her passion is helping individuals reach their fullest potential through education. Gina’s admiration for Penn State is deeply rooted as her father, brother, and son are also graduates of Penn State University.  She is honored to be part of the Penn State family.