Sponsored Institutions - Stories

By Madelyn Birmingham
SHU Content Writer

September 19, 2023, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University announced the hiring of Susan Shelangoskie, PhD, and Jennifer Brooket, CFRE, to leadership roles on the Adrian Campus. Susan was named the University’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, while Jennifer was hired as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. 

“I am thrilled about the hiring of our two newest leaders at Siena Heights University, Dr. Susan Shelangoskie and Jennifer Brooket,” said Dr. Douglas B. Palmer, PhD, President of Siena Heights University. “They are both highly accomplished professionals with a wealth of experience in their respective fields. I am confident they will make significant contributions to our University and help us achieve our goals.” 

Susan came to Siena Heights University in July 2022 as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, following employment as the Chair of the English Department and Director of the Digital and Media Studies program at Lourdes University, Sylvania, Ohio. 

In January 2023, she stepped into the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs position. In that role, Susan promoted engaged learning and support services for students. At the same time, she introduced efficient processes that have lowered costs, earning the trust of her colleagues and working to distinguish the university’s academic programs. She has already begun her permanent role. 

Susan earned her PhD in British and American Literature from the University of Utah and her undergraduate degree in English and Mathematics from Cleveland State University.

“She is clearly someone who works with the greatest integrity and has earned the trust of faculty and her colleagues,” Dr. Palmer said.
Siena Heights is also bringing new leadership for the Vice President of Institutional Advancement role. Jennifer is a two-time Siena Heights graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. 

Jennifer previously served in Siena Heights’ Advancement Office as Coordinator of Donor Relations and then as Director of Development from 2008 to 2017. Her years at Siena Heights created the baseline for extensive experience in the higher education landscape, as she then went on to work as the Associate Vice President at Jackson College for several years. 

Jennifer is rejoining the Siena Heights community from the University of Toledo, where she served as Associate Vice President for Advancement. She is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive with significant experience with major gifts and donor relations. 

“Jennifer is a proven leader with a track record of success,” Dr. Palmer said. “She has a deep understanding of the relationships necessary to advance Siena Heights, and I am confident that she will be a valuable asset to our leadership team.” 

Jennifer began her new role on September 5, 2023. 

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. It is a coeducational North Central accredited institution founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. For more information about Siena Heights University, visit www.sienaheights.edu.