Student Affairs

Parents Program Director Cyndy Hill named to national board

Penn State Parents Program Director Cyndy Hill has been named to the Association of Higher Education Parent and Family Program Professionals board of directors.  Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For more than 15 years, Cyndy Hill, director of the Penn State’s Parents Program, has reinforced and shaped the program to help students, parents and families navigate processes, policies, and procedures to create pathways for students' success. Hill’s work at Penn State has earned recognition and an appointment to serve on the Association of Higher Education Parent and Family Program Professionals (AHEPPP) board of directors.  

The Parents Program, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, is a program that navigates students and their families to University resources. Prior to working with Penn State’s Parents Program, Hill worked with the University’s Student Orientation and Transition Programs.

As the premier national association for college faculty and staff who work with parents and families, the AHEPPP provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and education to support professionals in higher education who promote student success through informed parent and family relations.  

“Being part of the AHEPPP board is an honor and I look forward to growing the 15-year-old association and taking from that experience and leveraging it at Penn State,” said Hill. “Having the ability to collaborate with fellow higher education professionals is a wonderful experience and I look forward to the ongoing promotion of this association and the support of college parents and families at a national level.” 

The Penn State Parents Program, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, serves as a support resource for families, providing resources to help support their students and build a network of lasting relationships at Penn State.   

Studies have shown that appropriately engaged families can help students become successful both inside and outside of the classroom. The Parents Program shares resources and news with involved families through their online portal, monthly blogs and articles, in-person events, and interactive online events featuring guest speakers. The team works with a volunteer parent council and parent ambassador teams to help host events on campus throughout the year. 

Hill encourages all parents and families at Penn State to get connected and be a well-informed support system for their student(s).  

“My favorite moments are when families come to us to just ask questions and get support,” said Hill. “The work our team does to support these families is critical and we’re always thrilled when we get the opportunity to help make navigating campus easier.” 

Last Updated February 4, 2025