IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 7, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:

Office: 724.738.4854

Cell: 724.991.8302

                    gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Online master’s graduate credits SRU for promotion 

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Helene Schlegel, a 2006 Slippery Rock University graduate, is the new municipal manager for Howell Township, N.J., a shoreline community of 52,000 residents   one hour from New York City.

            Schlegel graduated as a non-traditional student from SRU’s online master’s program in park and resource management and said her degree led to a promotion. Howell Township promoted her from parks and recreation director to deputy township manager in July 2006, two months after graduation. She was named manager last week.

            Schlegel, a resident of Howell for 24 years, said she found SRU’s program through word of mouth and an Internet search. She got through the curriculum in five semesters without ever stepping foot on campus, although she attended graduation. 

            “I was looking for a real school, and I was looking for a program that is certified by a nationally recognized agency,” she said. “SRU’s program was excellent. The faculty were excellent. I wanted something that would further my knowledge. It was very challenging. It was a lot of work and you needed to be focused and disciplined, but I thought it was excellent.”

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.