Jonathan A. Kukta

Jonathan Kukta serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Finance and Business. In this role, he coordinates training, development, engagement events, DEIB programs, special projects, communication and strategic initiatives for the 6400 employees in Finance and Business. Jonathan is also the Director of Business Services and Operations at Penn State Schuylkill.

Jonathan joined Penn State in 2002 as Manager of Housing and Food Services at Penn State Berks. In 2006, he was promoted to Assistant Director of Housing and Food Services at Penn State Berks and Penn State Schuylkill. In 2007, he became the Director of Housing and Food Services for Penn State Hazleton, Penn State Schuylkill, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, and Penn State Scranton. In 2017, he assumed the Director of Housing and Food Services position at Penn State Berks, Penn State Schuylkill, and Penn State Lehigh Valley.

In 2021, he was appointed the Director of Business Services and Operations at Penn State Schuylkill. In this role, he is responsible for facilities, operations, information technology, telecommunications, risk management, sustainability, emergency management, conference services, real estate, events, community outreach, local government relations, and serves as the liaison to University Police and Public Safety (UPPS), Housing and Food Services (HFS), and Barnes and Noble.

Jonathan has also served as an Adjunct Faculty member since 2008, teaching courses in Human Resources, Marketing, and Hospitality Facility Operations and Design. He has also served as a guest writer for On-Campus Hospitality Magazine.

Kukta holds a Master of Business Administration from Alvernia University and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Penn State University and is a Certified Auxiliary Service Professional (CASP).

Jonathan has been involved with the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) for twenty years and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the East Region as Vice President (President-Elect). In 2020, he was awarded the association's Rising Star Award, which represents 250 colleges and universities in thirteen U.S. States and Canada. At Penn State, Kukta has received the 2011 Finance and Business, Quality Service/Quality People Leadership Award, the 2013 Finance and Business, Quality Service/Quality People Coaching and Mentoring Award, 2015 Penn State Hazleton Student Government Association Service to Student Award, 2017 HFS William H. Reiber Outstanding Management Award, and the 2017 Penn State Schuylkill Outstanding Alum Award.

In his community, Kukta serves on the Orwigsburg Planning and Zoning Board, the Greater Schuylkill Haven Area Business Association, Schuylkill Haven Unified, and volunteers at the Orwigsburg Public Library