Jennifer Bodnar is new director of Lock Haven University Campus Violence Prevention Program

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Jennifer Bodnar, from Marietta, is the new director of Lock Haven University's Campus Violence Prevention Program

LOCK HAVEN, PA (08/09/2010)(readMedia)-- Jennifer Bodnar has been named the new Director of Lock Haven University's Campus Violence Prevention Program. Bodnar, whose hometown is Marietta, Ga., holds a B.A. and M.S. from The University of Tennessee, where she graduated summa cum laude. She has extensive knowledge of domestic violence, having worked with both victims and offenders in the court system. She has spent the past few years doing crisis intervention and protection from abuse orders through community agencies, as well as case management in a battered women's shelter.

LHU's Campus Violence Prevention Program is a support service for victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The program serves as a starting point for students, faculty and staff who find themselves in an unhealthy relationship and are unsure of where to turn. As a newly-formed program, the CVPP seeks to educate the university about these issues and the services available on campus and within the community. The CVPP will sponsor speakers, programming and events throughout the school year to shed new light on these issues facing our community.

Bodnar noted that "It is important for Lock Haven University to expand its services by developing a more comprehensive response to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking." She added, "As part of this initiative, I plan to take full advantage of the services currently available on campus and within the community."

Bodnar plans to work closely with Cindy Love, director of the Clinton County Women's Center, for speakers and programming. The CVPP will also coordinate with LHU's Haven Outreach Program for Empowerment (HOPE) Center at East Campus. Bodnar, whose office is next door to the HOPE Center, is looking forward to a close collaborative relationship with Dr. Elizabeth Gruber, chair of the HOPE Center advisory board.

The Campus Violence Prevention Program is a fundamental part of enhancing campus resources. Bodnar explained, "Oftentimes, when students, faculty or staff find themselves in this situation, they don't know who to turn to or what their options are. CVPP will serve as a starting point for advocacy and awareness for the campus community."

Bodnar, who hails from Marietta, Ga., is happy to be in Lock Haven. "I couldn't be more pleased to be part of Lock Haven University," she said. "The campus community has been gracious and welcoming upon my arrival. I am confident the gracious nature of this community will continue to be exuded in victim's services."

For further information about CVPP, please contact Jennifer Bodnar at jbodnar2@lhup.edu

Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 405,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania