Meet Our Team

Beth Blehi

Office Manager

Beth Blehi joined the SOTP team in February 2016 as an Operations Assistant for Student Orientation and Transition Programs and transitioned later that year to be the Office Manager. A local of State College, Beth earned her bachelors degree in Recreational, Park and Tourism Management from Penn State and currently resides in Bellefonte. When not at work, Beth enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, watching football, volunteering in mission work, and is happy to chat with anyone about anything Disney related!

Ben Giuliana

Assistant Director for Welcome Programs

Ben Giuliana joined Student Orientation and Transition Programs in May 2021 as the Assistant Director for Welcome Programs. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Towson University in Towson, MD and his master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University in New York, NY. Prior to coming to Penn State, Ben served in multiple student activities- and orientation-related roles at Marymount Manhattan College. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and writing, hiking, and pretending to be a better cook than he actually is.

Bernard Huggins

Assistant Director for Transition Programs

Bernard Huggins joined Student Orientation and Transition Programs in November of 2020 and serves as the Assistant Director for Transition Programs. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Bernard received a B.S. in Elementary Education and Theater Arts from the University of Central Florida and a M.S. in Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Bernard has worked with and for transfer students for his eight plus years in higher education. He worked with students pre-transfer during his five years in recruitment and student involvement at a large 2-year community college before working with them post-transfer as an engagement coordinator in the transfer services office at the University of Central Florida, and he is a proud alum of both institutions for his undergrad! In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews and learning new dances from them.

Katie Motycki

Interim Director of Student Orientation and Transition Programs and Senior Associate Director for New Student Orientation

Katie Motycki is currently serving as the Interim Director of Student Orientation and Transition Programs and the Senior Associate Director for New Student Orientation. In these roles she provides leadership for the office and also for orientation programs that serve new first-year and transfer students. She received her bachelors degree from Penn State and her Masters degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE) from IUP. As a Penn State alum, she is proud to welcome new students to her Alma Mater. Her career path includes La Roche College (Pittsburgh, Pa), Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Indiana, Pa), and Penn State (State College, Pa). She joined Student Orientation and Transition Programs in 2013. Katie currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education (NODA). She lives in State College and enjoys running, crafting, reading, cheering for the Nittany Lions, and hosting college friends when they come to town!

Kyle Smith

Receptionist

Kyle Smith joined the SOTP team in January of 2020 as the Front Desk Receptionist. He is often the first person to greet you when you call or visit our office! Kyle is a Penn State alumni with a degree in Psychology. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys hiking, fishing, bug catching, cooking, and camping with his fiancé.

Brandon Stagner

Assistant Director for New Student Orientation

Brandon Stagner joined Student Orientation and Transition Programs in June of 2018 and serves as the Coordinator for New Student Orientation. Originally from Nashville, TN, Brandon received a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in College Student Personnel from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In his spare time, Brandon enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching or attending sporting events, and cooking.