Penn State Hazleton mourns death of former campus executive officer

James J. Staudenmeier, whose 30-year career at Penn State culminated in serving as Penn State Hazleton campus executive officer from 1987-1996, died on Monday, Nov. 6, at the age of 85.

Staudenmeier received his doctorate in education in counselor education from Penn State in 1965, after earning a bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary’s College, studying law at Dickinson School of Law, and a master’s degree from Bucknell University. He began his career with Penn State in 1965 as a counseling psychologist for the Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre and Worthington Scranton campuses. He later became the director of career development and placement counseling at Hazleton and oversaw the registrar’s office, academic course scheduling and undergraduate academic advising. In 1979, he was appointed director of academic affairs until he became campus executive officer.

Staudenmeier was active in university, community and professional organizations. Throughout his tenure, he was involved in university committees on admissions, academic program development, strategic planning, and academic and administrative personnel search committees.

A long-time resident of Conyngham, Pennsylvania, Staudenmeier served as president of Conyngham Borough Council, and as director of the Hazleton Chapter of the American Red Cross and area Boy Scouts. He also was involved in Leadership Hazleton, Hazleton General Hospital, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, MMI Preparatory School and CAN DO.

A licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, Staudenmeier had served as a psychological consultant to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability, Hazleton Area Catholic Social Services Agency and Hazleton Area Sheltered Workshop.

During his leadership at Penn State Hazleton, Staudenmeier oversaw the strategic planning process to lead the campus into the 21st century during which time technological resources were implemented to advance teaching and learning, along with administrative functions.

Staudenmeier and his wife, Dorothy, are the parents of four children, all of whom are Penn State alumni.

Chancellor Gary Lawler extended his sympathies to the Staudenmeier family on behalf of the campus and the University, “Our thoughts are with Dottie and the family at this time. From the first time I met Jim, he talked about his family at home and his work family at Penn State. The University will forever remember Jim’s leadership and contributions to the students, faculty and staff at Penn State Hazleton.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. John Bosco Church, 573 Route 93, Sugarloaf. A viewing will be held Friday from 2-5 p.m. at Harman Funeral Home, 669 West Butler Drive, Sugarloaf. The Joseph A. Moran Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.