Meet the AASD Staff

Steve B. Lem, Ph.D.
Department Chair & Professor
Phone: (610) 683-4726
lem@kutztown.edu 

Steve B. Lem is a first-generation college graduate who is passionate about helping students discover and achieve their goals. He earned his bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University through a combination of scholarships for underrepresented students and Pell Grants, experiences that gave him firsthand insight into the transformative impact of educational opportunity. After completing his master's degree and Ph.D. in Political Science at Binghamton University (SUNY), he joined the faculty at Kutztown University in 2008. He currently serves as Chair and Professor in the Department of Academic Advising and Student Development, where he advises undeclared and General Studies students while supporting initiatives that promote student success and academic exploration.

Marlene N. Fares, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (610) 683-4726
fares@kutztown.edu 

Marlene Nanouh Fares is the daughter of immigrants and a first-generation college graduate. All of Marlene’s degrees were earned from a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institution. Marlene is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Academic Advising and Student Development at Kutztown University (KU), advising Undeclared students and teaching a First-Year Seminar course she created, “Socially Just Hip-Hop,” as well as in the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program. Marlene serves as the Chair for the APSCUF Social Justice committee, Co-Chair for the Enrollment Management Committee, and Co-Director for PASSHE Women’s Consortium. Marlene is co-advisor to the KU Women in Politics club and the KU: Home of Hip-Hop club, and she also serves as a mentor for the SISTERs program. Outside of KU, she serves as Co-Chairperson on the Board of Trustees of 21st Century Cyber Charter School.