UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Joey Ianiero has been named the new acting director of the Morgan Academic Center (MAC), taking over from Russell Mushinsky, who has served as the director since September 2003. Mushinsky will be step down from this leadership position to pursue other opportunities at Penn State. A national search for a new director will begin this summer.
“I’d like to thank Russ for his leadership the past 20 years," said Yvonne Gaudelius, vice president and dean of Undergraduate Education. "Under his guidance, the Morgan Academic Center has continued to grow its services and resources, supporting the success of thousands of student athletes. Penn State is a leader nationally, with one of the highest graduation rates among our peers for student athletes, and the dedicated staff of the Morgan Academic Center help us achieve this distinction through their dedication to the success of our student athletes. I am confident Joey will excel in this new role. His experience as a counselor in the Morgan Academic Center at Penn State and background as a student athlete gives him the knowledge, skills and perspective needed to guide student athletes and lead the center."
Ianiero, in his previous position as the associate director of the MAC, oversaw facilities and led academic counseling for the baseball, men’s basketball and women’s ice hockey teams. Ianiero has worked at Penn State for 10 years, starting his career as a residence life coordinator at Penn State and then moving to MAC. Additionally, he was a student athlete himself, playing baseball for both Rutgers University and Bloomsburg University.
Ianiero earned a bachelor of arts in mass communications, with a focus on public relations, and a master of education in counseling and college student affairs from Bloomsburg University.
“I look forward to taking on this new role at the Morgan Academic Center,” Ianiero said. “I am committed to supporting our student athletes so they can excel both in their academics and in athletics. We have a great team in the Morgan Academic Center who are passionate and take great pride in our work supporting Penn State student athletes. I am eager to use my skills and experience to support our team and continue the center’s tradition of excellence.”
MAC provides comprehensive support services to all student-athletes as they fully engage in the University educational experience, earn meaningful degrees and prepare for a lifetime of impact. Located in the Greenberg Complex at the University Park campus, MAC supports more than 800 athletes from 31 varsity teams at Penn State. MAC is supported by Undergraduate Education and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.