Chris Rizzo has been named director of student affairs at Penn State Beaver. The announcement was made by Chancellor Gary B. Keefer. Rizzo comes to Beaver from Colorado State University, Pueblo, where he was dean of student life and development. Before working in Colorado, Rizzo spent 13 years at Penn State Erie as director of student activities and the Reed Union Building and as coordinator of residence life.

Before joining Penn State, Rizzo was the coordinator of residence and Greek life at the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Before that, he worked at Slippery Rock University and Thiel College. He replaces Amy Gartley, Beaver campus associate director of student affairs, who served as acting director of student affairs for a year and a half.

In making the announcement of Rizzo's appointment, Keefer noted that "Chris developed many innovative student programming initiatives while working closely with the campus students at (Penn State Erie). In that capacity he managed the Reed Union Building, developed activities programming, coordinated major events, worked with student government, coordinated new student orientation and developed an award winning speaker's series, among other achievements." Rizzo's responsibilities at Beaver campus will include managing a staff while overseeing all student activities and programs, residence life, judicial affairs, career and counseling services, the development of new initiatives to enhance student life and other duties.

Rizzo is a member of the American College Personnel Association, the Association of College Unions International and the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities. He holds a doctorate of education in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh, a master's degree in student personnel from Slippery Rock University and a bachelor's degree in political science from Thiel College. Rizzo can be contacted at clr4@psu.edu or (724) 773-3950.