Lorah, who came to Penn State in 1999 as assistant director of the CWS, will serve until June 30, 2002, or until a permanent director is named. Lorah will replace Sabrina C. Chapman, who plans to retire effective Sept. 5.

Chapman has been with the University for more than 20 years, and has been active in women's advocacy and the women's studies field for a number of years. She has served as director of the CWS and an affiliate assistant professor of sociology and women's studies program, and has taught sections of the introductory women's studies course for over 13 years. Most recently, her teaching has included a graduate-level sociology course on family violence.

A recipient of Penn State's award for outstanding contributions improving equal opportunity and cross-cultural relations, Chapman has provided leadership and worked tirelessly developing a grant proposal regarding violence against women, which resulted in a two-year award of $451,409.  She has held leadership positions in both the National Association for Women and the National Women's Studies Association, and has served as chair and convener for the Committee of Institutional Cooperation Women's Advocacy Network.

A search and screen committee will be appointed to review potential candidates to serve as the next permanent director.  Mr. Asbury said,“I am pleased that Peggy has agreed to this important assignment, and feel confident in her administrative skills to lead and manage the CWS over the course of the next year.”

            As assistant director of the CWS, Lorah oversees its sexual assault awareness/prevention programming, including FTCAP, new fraternity member training, and orientation.  She has also worked with the CWS Peer educators, PHREE (Peers Helping Reaffirm, Educate, and Empower) and served on a number of University committees focusing on the connection between alcohol abuse and sexual assault.

Lorah graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College in 1971, and received a master’s degree in community counseling from Shippensburg University in 1989.  She is currently a D.Ed. candidate in counselor education at Penn State and expects to graduate this December.

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Contacts:
Peggy Lorah at (814) 863-2027 or e-mail mal273@psu.edu
Sabrina C. Chapman at (814) 863-2027 or e-mail scc1@psu.edu