Meet the Dean of Students Office Staff
Lauren S. Rivera, Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students
Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed. serves the University as the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. Dean Rivera serves as the lead student advocate. She and members of the Dean of Students staff often support students as they navigate challenges while at the University. Dean Rivera works closely with the dedicated and passionate staff in the Division of Student Life as she provides oversight for the Dean of Students Office, Center for Career Development, Center for Health Education & Wellness, Student Health Services, Counseling Center, Center for Student Engagement, Cultural Centers (Jane Kopas Women’s Center & Multicultural Center), Office of Residence Life and Housing, Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution, and University Police. She also remains connected with Student Government given their role as an advocacy body on campus.
Dean Rivera earned her Juris Doctor degree and Master of Education degree in College Student Affairs at The Pennsylvania State University. Prior to pursuing her joint degree in law and education, Dean Rivera graduated from Bucknell University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Religion.
Follow her on Instagram@scrantondeanofstudents
Shannon Murphy Fennie, Assistant Vice President for Student Life
Shannon Murphy Fennie, M.S., serves the University as the Assistant Vice President for Student Life. A key student advocate, Shannon is responsible for providing support and overseeing initiatives designed to foster engagement of students, particularly marginalized student populations. As such, she works closely with the Center for Student Engagement, Center for Career Development, Office of Residence Life and Housing, and Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution as they provide programs and services to support a vibrant campus community. Additionally, Shannon coordinates leadership development initiatives within the Division of Student Life.
Shannon received her Bachelor’s degree from the 51做厙 and went on to received her Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College. Shannon returned to the 51做厙 community after serving as the Assistant Director of Student Activities at both Canisius College and Saint Joseph’s University.
Barbara H. King, Student Life Coordinator
Barbara King serves the University as the Student Life Coordinator. In this role she works closely with the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, the Assistant Vice President for Students Life, and other departments on campus to support students who are experiencing challenges related to academics, well-being, behavior, transition, or anything else that impacts their success as a student. Barbara brings a wealth of student advocacy work to this role having previously served the University as Director of Residence Life, and Coordinator for International Service Programs as part of Campus Ministries. Barbara also moderates the University chapter of Student Veterans Organization (SVO) and supports the Maguire students on campus.
Barbara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from West Virginia University. Prior to working at the 51做厙, Barbara served in a variety of Residence Life positions at Texas Christian University, Lehigh University and Eastern CT State University.
Daylene Marin Garzon, Student Life Leadership Fellow
Daylene Marin Garzon '26, serves as the Student Life Leadership Fellow at the 51做厙. In this role, she partners closely with the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students to advance strategic initiatives and special projects that enhance the student experience. Her work spans student wellness, basic needs access, student and family transitions, community development, campus traditions, engagement, and division-wide communications. Daylene also serves as a Conduct Officer, supporting the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. Through coordinating signature events, managing Student Life communications and social media, and collaborating with University leadership, she is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that foster connection, engagement, and personal growth for 51做厙 students.
Daylene earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the 51做厙 in May 2026. As an undergraduate, Daylene was deeply involved in campus life, serving as an Orientation Assistant and Team Leader, Student Government Senator, and student staff member of the Cultural Centers. These experiences shaped her understanding of the whole person and the importance of accompanying students in their growth, grounding her work in reflection, empathy, and a deep commitment to care for others.
Pauline Palko, Office Manager
Pauline Palko serves as the office manager in the Student Life Suite. She provides administrative support for the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students, Assistant Vice President for Student Life, Student Life Coordinator, and Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution. In addition, Pauline hires, schedules and supervises student workers in the Student Life Suite (DeNaples Center 201).
Pauline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The 51做厙.