Biography
Jeff Penta is a Project Manager focused on driving change initiatives within educational institutions. Currently, Jeff is driving project initiatives at WPI to ensure the modernization of processes and systems.
Before his current role at WPI, Jeff worked with senior leaders to design and support the implementation of large-scale strategic initiatives that support the learner experience, teaching, and outreach goals of Southern New Hampshire University. Jeff also partnered with multiple functional areas to drive digitally transformative collaboration and projects across the University.
Jeff started leading transformational change efforts early in his career as a member of the financial aid office. When opportunity and need arose, he shifted to various learner-centric offices to support change initiatives that deliver value to the University's learners. Jeff has built teams from the ground up, focusing on strategic alignment and key hiring decisions.
As a cross-disciplinary expert in higher education, Jeff has spoken at multiple financial aid and information technology engagements, including Ellucian LIVE and the annual NHASFAA Conference, and was a featured panelist for financial literacy and change management initiatives. Jeff has also served on several university-wide committees that have focused on the transformation of SNHU. He is an adjunct faculty member within the University's Organizational Leadership discipline.
In 2019, Jeff was named as an EDUCAUSE Leading Change Fellow. Jeff is a member and contributor of several professional organizations, including the Project Management Institute, EDUCAUSE, and the Association for Strategic Planning. Jeff is also a member of SNHU's Alumni Board of Directors and served two terms as President, leading that organization through a period of significant growth. As a leader in the community, he has served on multiple community boards, driving the strategic purpose and execution for these organizations. Jeff was recognized in 2020 for his many contributions to the SNHU community as a recipient of the SNHU Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award.
Jeff was awarded a Doctor of Education from Northeastern University. His dissertation focused on the experiences that Higher Education administrators had when leading cross-functional, student-centric projects. Jeff also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.
Memberships
EDUCAUSE | Member |