Our Team

Stephen Rupprecht, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students
B.A. English
Oswego State University (NY) 
M.A. College Student Personnel
Bowling Green State University (OH)
Ed.D. Educational Leadership & Management
Drexel University
Phone: 610.683.4039 Email: rupprecht@kutztown.edu

Stephen joined Kutztown University in 2024. He brings over 30 years of experience in higher education from 7 institutions, including Penn State, Drexel, Temple, and Cabrini University. Stephen has spent the majority of his career making systematic improvements related to student activities and involvement, fraternity/sorority life, residence life, and student conduct.

Stephen brought the Cub Cab to Kutztown, and he believes strongly in University traditions that create lasting memories. His work has been nationally recognized. He is a native New Yorker (Long Island) and has completed both the Philadelphia and New York City marathons.

Mike Demetor, Associate Dean of Students
B.S. Ed. Secondary Education
West Chester University
Ed. Student Affairs in Higher Education
P. A. Public Administration
Kutztown University
Phone: 610.683.1320 Email: demetor@kutztown.edu

Mike has been a part of the Kutztown University team since 1995. In his current role, Mike provides leadership and oversight of the student conduct program. In this capacity, Mike works to support the broader campus community with a student focus that emphasizes student development with personal accountability. Recognizing that some of life’s most important lessons can arise from a moment of unthoughtful decision-making, the student conduct program aims to capitalize on teachable moments for students as a means to harness a powerful learning opportunity.

Kelly Hojnacki, Assistant Dean of Students – Student Assistance 
B.A.
Penn State University 
M.A. 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania 
Phone: 610.683.1396

Email: hojnacki@kutztown.edu

Kelly (she, her, hers) joined Kutztown University in 2024. She brings 16 years of experience in higher education, dedicated to providing comprehensive support and care to students across various areas. Throughout her career, she has upheld a student-centered philosophy, contributing to diverse functional areas such as housing and residence life, student conduct, student support services, and disability services. She is deeply committed to enhancing student experiences and fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment. 

Caecilia Holt, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students 
B.S. Business Logistics 
Penn State University 
Phone: 610.683.1396 Email: holt@kutztown.edu

Caecilia (She, Her, Hers) greets students in the office and on the phone, connects them with campus offices, and helps to schedule appointments with the Dean of Students and Student Assistance personnel. Caecilia's prior experience in one of the academic departments on campus and her familiarity with the town and university make her a go-to resource for all your questions.

Jenni Rach, Associate Director of Student Conduct and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
B.A. Journalism, Political Science minor
Susquehanna University
M.S. Counseling, Student Affairs concentration
Shippensburg University
Phone: 610.683.4754 Email: rach@kutztown.edu 

Jenni is dedicated to supporting students through her role in the student conduct office and in the Title IX area. She approaches her work with a student-centered philosophy, focusing on education, fairness, and personal growth. Jenni values the opportunity to meet students where they are, guiding them through challenging situations while encouraging accountability. Her commitment to creating a safe and respectful campus environment shines through in every interaction. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Jenni has built strong relationships across campus, always striving to ensure students feel heard, supported, and empowered to make positive choices.

Jerry Schearer, Senior Associate Dean of Students and Chief Diversity Officer
B.A. Youth and Human Services, Management Minor
Salem-Teikyo University (WV)
M.Ed. Education Administration-Higher Education
West Virginia University (WV)
Phone: 610.683.4923 Email: schearer@kutztown.edu

Jerry began his career in non-profit management, and has spent the past 30 years in Higher Education in various institutions and professional positions in student affairs/student development, including residence life & housing, student activities, student conduct, new student orientation, diversity & inclusion, dean of students, and faculty/adjunct instructor.   Jerry has been at Kutztown University since 2008 in various roles and has been in his current position as the Senior Associate Dean of Students and Chief Diversity Officer for Kutztown University since 2020.    He also serves on several university-wide committees and commissions.  

Jerry is passionate about fostering a campus community where students are valued, engaged, and able to enjoy campus life, while also growing in their leadership skills, community, and self-identity. He is an advocate for diversity and inclusive excellence and works collaboratively across campus to create a wide range of resources and opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to feel a sense of belonging and be prepared for success at KU and beyond.

Jerry lives in downtown Kutztown with his husband, his nephew, and their three dogs.  Beyond KU, Jerry is involved as a community volunteer with several organizations, both in Kutztown and Reading.  In his free time, he enjoys walking his dogs, hiking, swimming, playing racquetball, and watching movies.

Jessica Urenko, Student Assistance Coordinator
B.S. Education
Pennsylvania State University 
Graduate Certificate, English as a Second (ESL) Language Program Specialist
Pennsylvania State University
Master of Social Work
Widener University 
Phone: 484.646.4131 Email: urenko@kutztown.edu 

Jess (She, Her, Hers) is dedicated to empowering students by focusing on their strengths. With over 20 years in education and a background as a licensed social worker, she understands that every student can define and achieve their own success, both personally and academically. Jess emphasizes resilience, goal setting, and pathway planning by helping students set goals and connect with resources. 

She values the diversity students bring to the university and the benefits it fosters. Understanding the challenges beyond academics, Jess offers a pragmatic approach to helping students navigate these experiences. By addressing both academic and personal needs, she ensures students have the tools and support to thrive in their college journey. 

Erin Williams, Administrative Assistant, Office of Student Conduct
B.S. Organizational Behavior/Applied Psychology
Albright College
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Kutztown University 
Phone: 610.683.1320  Email: ewilliams@kutztown.edu 

Erin (she/her) is the first point of contact for the Office of Student Conduct.  She regularly interacts with students, faculty, staff, and individuals external to the University. Her warm smile and engaging demeanor help make Student Conduct feel less intimidating and more welcoming.  She is here to answer questions related to Student Conduct as well as guide people through the process, so they feel more comfortable and know what to expect.