Dr. Jean (Landa) Pytel

50th Alumni Profiles
B.A. '71 -
 Dr. Jean (Landa) Pytel
Assistant Dean Emerita, Retired from Penn State on Dec. 31, 2013
Career History Since Graduation M.S. from Washington State Univ., Lecturer at University of Manitoba, Ph.D. in Biomechanics from The Pennsylvania State Univ., Assistant Professor of Physical Education at Queen's University. Joined the faculty at Penn State in the College of Engineering as an Assistant Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanics. Spent a year at the University of California at Riverside as Acting Assistant Dean to help launch a new baccalaureate programs in Engineering. Became the first Assistant Dean for Student Services in the College of Engineering at Penn State and was promoted to Associate Professor.
Most Memorable York University Experience Helped launch the Women's Athletic Council. Was chastised for eating lunch while dissecting a monkey during anatomy lab. Ran into Bryce Taylor while skipping class. Heavier class load than most other programs in the University. Answered a question by Kevin Jones during a sports history class when he thought I was asleep. I did fall asleep right after I answered the question. Learned to sleep sitting up on a lab stool.
York University Anecdote or Highlight I was the first person to meet with Bryce Taylor about enrolling in the new Phys Ed program. Having the faculty try out new material and methods on us as the first students in the program. First Recipient of the Bryce M. Taylor Award.
Highlight(s) of Professional Career Managing the out-of-class experiences and needs of about 8000 undergraduate engineering students at Penn State. Was an Administrative Fellow with the University Provost for a year. Chaired the University Faculty Senate. Began to formalize international programs in the College of Engineering. Chaired the International Division of the American Society for Engineering Education.
Community Involvements/Contributions (Local to International) Rotary Club member; member of the local chapter of the American Association of University Women
Honours and Awards Achieving Woman Award