About University Court
As a Penn State faculty and staff member, you dedicate your time to not only the University, but to the students that you influence on a daily basis. Why not have the opportunity to be recognized for that great commitment? Penn State Homecoming University Court is made up of 4 individuals whose devotion to the Nittany Lion family goes above and beyond the call of duty. These individuals are advisors, professors, staff and researchers, who are nominated by the students who admire them. The experience of a University Court member is unique, and one that allows for a faculty and staff member to be fully immersed in Homecoming from a point of view that very few get the opportunity to have. We look forward to having you a part of this great tradition!
Meet the University Court
Homecoming 2024
Dr. JoAnn Foley-DeFiore
Dr. JoAnn Foley-DeFiore, known to students as “Dr. D,” is a senior Teaching Faculty in Biobehavioral Health (BBH) known for her deep investment in students’ lives. Her innovative work with Undergraduate Teaching Interns allows her to mentor closely while reaching hundreds through her teaching. Dr. D received the HHD Alumni Society Teaching Award, chairs the BBH Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, serves on Osaze’s Community Service Scholarship board, and is a past Chair of HHD’s Sustainability Council.Married with two wonderful adult children who are proud Penn Staters, Dr. D enjoys creative and service pursuits. She produced an album for which she wrote all the songs and music. She is very active in her personal walk of faith in Jesus that fuels her passion for involvement in social justice, prayer, and community-building. She is super thankful to be part of Homecoming 2024! Her favorite Creamery flavor? Easily WPSU coffee break.
Dr. Jennelle Malcos
Dr. Jennelle Malcos is the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Students in the Eberly College of Science and a teaching professor in the biology department. She has been part of the Penn State family since 2003. In the past, Jennelle has taught anatomy, physiology, cell biology and introductory biology courses and was the Learning Assistant coordinator for the college for seven years. As Assistant Dean, she is focused on well-being and flourishing to support the holistic success of students. Outside of work, Jennelle likes to take advantage of the great activities Penn State offers like sporting, music and theater events, which is one reason she is excited and proud to be part of University Court. You might also catch her with her husband and two daughters enjoying hiking or camping around Pennsylvania.
Dr. Christina Daley
Dr. Christina Daley (she/her) is a teaching faculty in the Health Policy and Administration Department. Dr. Daley completed her Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Nonprofit Leadership studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, with a Master’s Degree in Management. She also graduated from Clarion University with a Master’s in Library Science. She completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Gerontology from Shippensburg University. Prior to joining Penn State University in 2013, Dr. Daley served as a licensed nursing home administrator. Dr. Daley is passionate about teaching and the field of aging, often capitalizing on the value of incorporating experiential learning into her courses. She is honored to be nominated and serve on the homecoming court. She is looking forward to engaging with the students during the homecoming week festivities! Dr. Daley is happily married to her husband of 30 plus years, living on a small homestead with her alpacas, chickens, cats, potbelly pig and dog in Spring Mills, PA. She has three children who she is extremely proud of: Alex, PSU grad 2018; Collin, PSU grad 2020 and Brendon Penn Tech grad 2020. We Are!!
Dustin Elder
Dustin’s journey to Penn State began in childhood, growing up 20 minutes from State College. After attending Penn State, earning a B.S. in Secondary Education in Social Studies, he moved to teach in NC, before returning to Bellefonte and later Tyrone. After 10 years teaching History to middle and high school classes, he made the jump to the University to work with students in the School of Public Policy, advising, recruiting, and helping students reach their goals. Dustin was lucky enough to marry his high school sweetheart Amy (also a Penn State alum!) and have two wonderful kids: Mason (9) and Rosalyn (5), who might be even bigger fans of Penn State than he is! In his free time, he co-owns and operates a small History business called Local Historia (check them out!), coaches youth sports, and enjoys relaxing with his family!
