UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A key liaison to the military community and champion of military students is retiring after 25 years at Penn State.

Ginny Newman, assistant director of military education at Penn State, will retire Oct. 1.

Newman grew up in State College and received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Penn State. In 1989, Penn State became part of the eArmyU Consortium, the Army’s first venture into online education, and Newman became the relationship manager for the initiative. As the number of military students enrolled through Penn State’s online World Campus increased, her sole focus became sector manager for the military channel. 

Newman recently spearheaded Penn State’s initiative to open a classroom at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.

Today, more than 17 percent of World Campus students are military-affiliated, and there are staff supporting military students across multiple units.

“Our military team has attracted employees who are passionate about working with military students, whether it be making sure students are assisted with their financial needs, helping service members recognize the support services available at Penn State or courses that help faculty members better understand military students,” said Newman, who provides leadership to the World Campus military team. “It’s wonderful to work with people who are so dedicated to this segment of adult learners. If we can help someone who has served our country get a quality education, then we’re doing good work.”