Daily Brief

Hemak Named Assistant Vice President for Finance

Kutztown University has named Stephanie Hemak its next assistant vice president for finance. Hemak brings more than 20 years of experience in financial reporting and more than a decade of financial leadership and management experience. She will begin her new role Monday, Nov. 2. As assistant vice president for finance, Hemak will oversee the Business Office, Business Services, Student Accounts, Accounts Payable, Grant Accounting and Payroll. She will also play a critical role in developing the university's annual budget and advancing Kutztown's long-term financial sustainability efforts, including the university's comprehensive planning process.

Hemak Named AVP for Finance

University Relations

2026 Keeper of the Flame Award

Congratulations to Dr. Amber Pabon, associate professor in Secondary Education and director of the Frederick Douglass Institute, the 2026 recipient of the Keeper of the Flame (KOTF) award. The award was presented last evening, Oct. 28, as part of the PASSHE Summit. Pabon is a transformative change agent whose work fuels positive, equity‑centered change across KU and beyond. Her leadership in the Frederick Douglass Institute has brought nationally recognized speakers, artists, scholars and activists to campus, enriching the intellectual life of the university and creating opportunities for students, especially students of color, to see themselves reflected in positions of power and influence. The programming she developed not only educates but empowers, building community while challenging KU to move toward deeper inclusion and belonging. Pabon builds bridges that strengthen the university’s capacity to advance DEIB in meaningful, sustained ways. KOTF is an award given by PASSHE on each campus to those who embody a commitment to creating and promoting diverse and inclusive environments that cultivate a sense of belonging.

Kutztown University Keepers of the Flame Award Winners

Jerry Schearer, Diversity & Inclusion, Chief Diversity Officer

Pictures of Loved Ones for Día de los Muertos Ofrenda (Altar)

The Multicultural Center will be setting up an ofrenda (altar) for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, MCC. On Día de los Muertos, offerings or "ofrendas" are often given, and a table is set up that can include a loved one's picture. If you'd like, please feel free to email a copy of a picture of a loved one to Angelica Mishra by Monday, Nov. 2. We will print it in black and white to include on the altar. The ofrenda will remain up throughout the month. We will also have tea lights to light for those who have passed on.

Angelica Mishra, Multicultural Center

Exceptional Service Awards

The Provost’s Office sponsors three awards recognizing exceptional service: a Faculty Exceptional Service Award, a Staff Exceptional Service Award and an Exceptional Service Award for Diversity. These awards recognize KU faculty and staff who go above and beyond expectations in service of the institution. These service awards provide the opportunity to validate and laud the work of our colleagues at KU and join other awards in pedagogy, research and general employee activity to bring recognition to the excellence that most members of our community show in their work. Descriptions of the awards can be found on the KU website.
Nominations can be submitted using the appropriate form. Deadline for nominations is Sunday, Nov. 1.
- Kutztown University Faculty Exceptional Service Award Nomination Form 2026-2027
- Kutztown University Staff Exceptional Service Award Nomination Form 2026-2027
- Kutztown University Exceptional Service Award for Diversity Nomination Form 2026-2027

Lisa Frye, University Senate President, and Jerry Schearer, Chief Diversity Officer

Employee of the Month

Do you have a co-worker in your department or in any other department on campus that has gone above and beyond to support KU’s mission? Acknowledge them by submitting an Employee of the Month nomination. Let us know about the amazing work everyone is doing at KU.

Elisabeth Manwiller, Human Resources

Student Course Assistant Requests Due Nov. 25

Tutoring Services is now accepting requests from faculty for Student Course Assistants (SCA) for Spring 2027. To request an SCA, please complete the Student Course Assistant Request Form by Wednesday, Nov. 25. Learn more about the SCA position, including qualifications, by checking Employment Information. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact tutor@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4207.

Tutoring Services