Janet Knapp
EDP Interim Director
Motivation
Janet Knapp came to Fredonia in September, 1998, on a temporary assignment. She returned in fall, 1999, and has continued in EDP since then. She comments that “having returned to college after a number of years post-baccalaureate for my advanced degree, I faced concerns similar to those experienced by students in an unfamiliar environment. Since I can relate to the problems, I can assuage some anxiety and help students find solutions and ultimately achieve their goals. I believe that unconditional, positive regard for students while addressing their needs fosters success. The services and steady encouragement afforded by the Educational Development Program are vital to the achievement and persistence of our students."
Before EDP
Before embarking on her career in higher education, Ms. Knapp worked for a number of years in human resources and health care administration. She has served as a trustee on the boards of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Erie County SPCA and has over twenty years of leadership service and commitment to the community of Western New York.
Duties
Her duties as EDP interim director include overall administration of the program which encompasses providing comprehensive support to students; supervision of counseling and secretarial staff; management and distribution of EOP direct and deferred funds while working with the financial aid office to utilize other sources of funding; recruitment, review, and selection of incoming students in conjunction with the admissions office; developing effective methods to improve and maintain high EDP retention and graduation rates; and developing associations and programs with alumni to promote, advocate, support, and serve the Educational Development Program and its constituencies within the university system.
Qualifications
Janet Knapp received her bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, majoring in sociology, with minors in secondary education and English. Her master's degree in college student personnel administration is from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. She became interim director on January 31, 2008. You may reach Ms. Knapp at Janet.Knapp@fredonia.edu.