July 6, 2001
University Park, Pa.— Sharon Mortensen, associate director of unions and student activities at Penn State, has been named interim director of the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs (CERA), effective August 1.

Mortensen, who came to the University in 1990 as assistant director of campus life, will serve until July 31, 2002, or until a permanent director is named. Mortensen will replace Reverend Kenneth I. Clarke, who will become director of Cornell United Religious Work.

A search and screen committee will be appointed to review potential candidates to serve as the next permanent director. “I am pleased that Sharon has agreed to this important assignment, and feel confident in her administrative skills to lead and manage the CERA over the course of the next year,” said Bill Asbury, vice president for student affairs at Penn State.

As associate director of unions and student activities, Mortensen is 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; Billiards; Network Event Theatre; Joint Office Initiative to Network (JOIN); 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.

Mortensen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Valley City State University, Valley City, ND with majors in math, library science, and physical education.  She received a master’s degree in higher education/student personnel from Colorado State University.

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For more information, contact Sharon Mortensen at 863-3786.