Seton Hill University’s Dean of Students, Charmaine Strong, of Greensburg, Pa., received the Outstanding Contribution to the Profession Award from the Pennsylvania College Personnel Association (PCPA) on October 20, 2008.

The PCPA honored Strong at an award dinner held during its annual conference, held this year at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, Pa.

“Charmaine has worked at Seton Hill in the Student Life area for over 18 years,” said Robin Anke, associate dean of students and director of residence life. “She meets and talks with students on a regular basis and truly cares about how the students are doing. She is always current on the research surrounding student development. Charmaine has served as a mentor to countless young professionals, myself included, and she has provided us with invaluable guidance.”

Strong has worked in the student affairs field for more than 30 years. According to Strong, “providing leadership to a staff devoted to student development and working with the students,” are the most rewarding aspects of her position at Seton Hill.

The Pennsylvania College Personnel Association’s (PCPA) mission is to provide leadership in the student development profession, embrace and advocate programs and environments that uphold human understanding, enhance the higher education environment in the state of Pennsylvania and develop a representative voice to influence trends affecting the profession. The PCPA strives to support collaborative opportunities for student development professionals, foster a supportive and collegial network and encourage the professional development and leadership of rising and new professionals. For more information about the Pennsylvania College Personnel Association, visit www.pcpa.net.