Penn State Shenango welcomes McDougall as chancellor, chief academic officer

Carey McDougall waves to faculty and staff members

Carey McDougall introduced herself as chancellor and chief academic officer for Penn State Shenango at a Town Hall for faculty and staff on July 8.

Credit: Michael McElroy

SHARON, Pa. — Carey McDougall formally introduced herself as the new chancellor and chief academic officer of Penn State Shenango at a special campus Town Hall on July 8. 

McDougall has been serving as chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State Beaver since April 2024, following a term as the interim chancellor since July 2023. As part of Penn State’s new regional leadership model announced in June, McDougall will now lead both the Beaver and Shenango campuses. 

“I’m thrilled to be working with my colleagues at the Shenango campus as we explore ways to expand upon the unique student experience and academic excellence that already exists here,” McDougall said. “I look forward to learning more about the Shenango Valley, making connections with local and regional leaders, and continuing Penn State’s role as a resource for our community.” 

Through the regional leadership model, the Beaver and Shenango campuses will have additional opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing, while still maintaining unique individual campus identities. 

“This is a really exciting time where we can have an entrepreneurial approach in how we advance Penn State more broadly in the region,” said McDougall, who has already begun conversations with faculty and staff from both campuses to explore collaborative options. 

Prior to her tenure at Penn State, McDougall was an associate professor of art at Kent State University Stark campus. McDougall earned a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from Oberlin College and a master of fine arts degree from the University of Connecticut.