Jonathan Kukta

Jonathan Kukta serves as the Chief Director of Operations, Strategy and Engagement for Finance and Business and the Commonwealth Campuses at Penn State. In this role, he oversees training and development, engagement events, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) programs, special projects, strategic planning, and internal communications for the 7,500 employees within Finance and Business. He also provides operational strategy and planning support for Penn State’s twenty Commonwealth Campuses.  Kukta collaborates closely with campus chancellors on a wide range of initiatives, including strategic and master campus planning, administration, space and facility management, government and community relations, and other operational matters.

Prior to his current position, Kukta served as the Senior Director for Commonwealth Campus Relations and Strategic Initiatives for Finance and Business. From 2021 to 2024, he was the Director of Business Services and Operations at Penn State Schuylkill, where he was responsible for facilities, operations, information technology, telecommunications, risk management, sustainability, emergency management, conference services, real estate, events, community outreach, local government relations, and acted as the liaison to University Police and Public Safety (UPPS), Housing and Food Services (HFS), and the campus bookstore.

Jonathan joined Penn State in 2002 as Assistant Director at Penn State Berks. In 2007, he became the Director of Housing and Food Services for Penn State Hazleton, Schuylkill, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton. In 2017, he assumed the Director of Housing and Food Services position at Penn State Berks, Schuylkill, and Lehigh Valley. In 2021, he was appointed Director of Business Services and Operations at Penn State Schuylkill.

Jonathan has also serves as an adjunct faculty member since 2008, teaching courses in Business, Human Resources, Marketing, and Hospitality Facility Operations and Design. He has also served as a guest writer for On-Campus Hospitality Magazine.

Kukta holds a Master of Business Administration from Alvernia University and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Penn State University. He is also a Certified Auxiliary Service Professional (CASP).

Jonathan has been involved with the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) for over twenty years and currently serves as the President of the East Region on the Board of Directors. In 2020, he was awarded the association's Rising Star Award, which represents 250 colleges and universities across thirteen U.S. states and Canada. At Penn State, Kukta has received several accolades, including the 2011 Finance and Business Quality Service/Quality People Leadership Award, the 2013 Finance and Business Quality Service/Quality People Coaching and Mentoring Award, the 2015 Penn State Hazleton Student Government Association Service to Student Award, the 2017 HFS William H. Reiber Outstanding Management Award, and the 2017 Penn State Schuylkill Outstanding Alumni Award.

In his community, Kukta serves on the Orwigsburg Planning and Zoning Board, the Greater Schuylkill Haven Area Business Association and Schuylkill Haven Unified.

Grants and Awards

• 2020 National Association of College Auxiliary Services Rising Star Award
• 2017 Housing and Food Services William H. Reiber for Outstanding Management Award
• 2017 Penn State Schuylkill Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award
• 2015 Penn State Hazleton Student Government Service to Students Award
• 2013 Penn State Finance and Business Mentoring Award
• 2011 Penn State Finance and Business Leadership Award