Fox Graduate School hires associate director for graduate student wellness

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Colleen Lanzoni, campus counselor at Penn State DuBois, has been named associate director of graduate student wellness for Penn State's J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School. She began her appointment on Oct. 1 part time, transitioning to full-time capacity on Jan. 1, 2026.

As associate director of graduate student wellness in the Fox Graduate School's Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs, Lanzoni will serve a key role supporting graduate student academic success; identifying graduate student health and well-being needs, as well as serving as the first point of contact and resource coordinator for graduate students in need of assistance.

"Graduate education is as much about nurturing well-being as it is about advancing scholarship," said Stephanie Danette Preston, associate dean for graduate educational engagement. "Lanzoni brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach that will strengthen how we support students through every stage of their graduate journey. I'm thrilled to welcome her to the Fox Graduate School team and look forward to the positive impact she will make on our community."

Lanzoni will lead efforts to design and implement data-driven programming to address graduate community wellness issues and concerns; working in conjunction with University offices, such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Care and Advocacy, Student Disability Resources, University Health Services and Student Affairs.

The scope of Lanzoni's role will encompass all graduate students, faculty, and staff in need of consultation or guidance.

Lanzoni enters the Fox Graduate School with an extensive background in mental health counseling and support. With 25 years of experience, she has evaluated and provided clinical support for a wide variety of people of all ages facing mental health concerns and challenges.

Most recently, Lanzoni has served a dual appointment at the University since 2018 as the licensed professional counselor, under CAPS, as well as an adjunct professor in Human Development and Family Studies, both at Penn State DuBois.

Lanzoni said she's excited to continue supporting students in her new appointment with the Fox Graduate School.

"I am thrilled about the opportunity to foster a culture of wellness in the Fox Graduate School and continue working directly with students in a variety of ways that supports their overall flourishing," she said.

Since Oct. 1, Lanzoni has split her time between the Fox Graduate School and DuBois and will transition to a full-time role with the Fox Graduate School on Jan. 1.