Meet the Dean of Students Office Staff
Lauren S. Rivera, Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students
Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed. serves the University as the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. Dean Rivera serves as the lead student advocate. She and members of the Dean of Students staff often support students as they navigate challenges while at the University. Dean Rivera works closely with the dedicated and passionate staff in the Division of Student Life as she provides oversight for the Dean of Students Office, Career Development Center, Center for Health Education & Wellness, Student Health Services, Counseling Center, Center for Student Engagement, Cultural Centers (Jane Kopas Women’s Center & Multicultural Center), Office of Residence Life, and Office of Student Conduct. She also remains connected with Student Government given their role as an advocacy body on campus.
Dean Rivera earned her Juris Doctor degree and Master of Education degree in College Student Affairs at The Pennsylvania State University. Prior to pursuing her joint degree in law and education, Dean Rivera graduated from Bucknell University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Religion.
Follow her on Instagram@scrantondeanofstudents
Shannon Murphy Fennie, Assistant Vice President for Student Life
Shannon Murphy Fennie, M.S., serves the University as the Assistant Vice President for Student Life. A key student advocate, Shannon is responsible for providing support and overseeing initiatives designed to foster engagement of students, particularly marginalized student populations. As such, she works closely with the Center for Student Engagement and the Cultural Centers (Jane Kopas Women’s Center and Multicultural Center) as they provide programs and services to support a vibrant campus community. Additionally, Shannon coordinates leadership development initiatives within the Division of Student Life.
Shannon received her Bachelor’s degree from the 51做厙 and went on to received her Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College. Shannon returned to the 51做厙 community after serving as the Assistant Director of Student Activities at both Canisius College and Saint Joseph’s University.
Barbara H. King, Student Life Coordinator
Barbara King serves the University as the Student Life Coordinator. In this role she works closely with the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, the Assistant Vice President for Students Life, and other departments on campus to support students who are experiencing challenges related to academics, well-being, behavior, transition, or anything else that impacts their success as a student. Barbara brings a wealth of student advocacy work to this role having previously served the University as Director of Residence Life, and Coordinator for International Service Programs as part of Campus Ministries. Barbara also moderates the University chapter of Student Veterans Organization (SVO) and supports the Maguire students on campus.
Barbara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from West Virginia University. Prior to working at the 51做厙, Barbara served in a variety of Residence Life positions at Texas Christian University, Lehigh University and Eastern CT State University.
Adrianna Smith, Special Projects Coordinator
Adrianna Smith '22, G'23 serves the University as the Student Life Special Projects Coordinator. In this role, she works closely with Dean Rivera and collaborates with others on campus to design and implement campus initiatives designed to support 51做厙 students. Additionally, through individual meetings, Adrianna supports students who are experiencing challenges related to academics, well-being, behavior, transition, or anything else that impacts their success as a student and serves as a Conduct Officer for the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. The mastermind behind events like Meatballs and Milkshakes with Marina and First Day of School Photos, Adrianna also supports many campus special projects and events for the Dean of Students Office and, on occasion, The Office of the President, that seek to provide a better college experience to our students.
Adrianna earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Theology & Religious Studies and Master’s Degree in Theology & Religious Studies from the 51做厙 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Adrianna was highly involved on campus as a student serving as the Student Government President, Head Resident Assistant, Orientation Assistant, etc. which helps her to better understand the current student experience.
Pauline Palko, Office Manager
Pauline Palko serves as the office manager in the Student Life Suite. She provides administrative support for the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, Assistant Vice President for Student Life, Student Life Coordinator, and Office of Student Conduct. In addition, Pauline hires, schedules and supervises student workers in the Student Life Suite (DeNaples Center 201).
Pauline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The 51做厙.