by Alvernia University
Alvernia University appoints David Shoup, Ph.D., as the new Dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), responsible for overseeing the college’s academic, programmatic, managerial, and fiscal responsibilities. Shoup succeeds Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation, Rodney S. Ridley Sr., Ph.D., RTTP, who will continue his work leading operations of the university’s ever-growing O’Pake Institute of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.
“Dr. Shoup is a talented and dedicated faculty member who has built trust and respect among his colleagues, students, alumni, and administrators during his time at Alvernia,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D. “He will be instrumental in growing engineering and other STEAM-related academic programs, enhancing community among the academic departments, and providing clearer pathways to meet our students’ needs.”
Shoup currently serves as the college’s assistant dean and associate professor of mathematics. During Shoup’s time as a faculty member, his research focused on applied mathematics and optimization theory. He has collaborated with colleagues and students on nutrition, chemistry, criminal justice, biology, and leadership studies projects. The resulting publications have led to presentations and recognition at regional and national conferences. In 2021, Shoup earned the university’s Teacher Excellence Award.
“I’m honored to step into the role of Dean for the College of STEAM and look forward to continuing the college’s vision of providing students with an unparalleled educational experience,” said Shoup. “Our graduates will continue to differentiate themselves from their peers in career preparedness through Alvernia’s unique experiential learning opportunities through our ever-expanding industry partnership network that will make them fundamentally sound and application-ready.”
Under Ridley’s leadership, the O’Pake Institute has helped over 300 entrepreneurs and small businesses through its SPARK Business Incubator since 2020 and has provided over 28,000 hours of experiential learning opportunities to 120 students. Recently awarded a U.S. National Science Foundation EPIIC Grant, the O’Pake Institute will continue to expand its operations in Reading, Pottsville, and throughout eastern Pennsylvania.
“O’Pake and the College of STEAM are on trajectories of growth that will require ample leadership and support, and this transition is well-timed to best serve our students and the community,” said Ridley. “Dr. Shoup has served the university and the College of STEAM well during his time as the Assistant Dean, and I look forward to his leadership advancing the College to new heights.”
Shoup holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from George Washington University, an M.A. in mathematics from the University of Maryland, and a B.S. in mathematics from Lehigh University.
Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university with a liberal arts foundation founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1958. The university serves nearly 3,000 students in Reading, Pottsville, and Philadelphia with a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts education, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, ever-expanding experiential learning opportunities through study abroad and internship experiences, and community engagement through its Franciscan-based community service model.
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