Jane Holahan has been named executive director of Penn’s Weingarten Learning Resources Center. Dr. Holahan, who had been the longtime director of the Academic Resources Center at Georgetown University, started at Penn on July 1.

“I am delighted we have found a seasoned and innovative educator to lead Weingarten at this critical time,” said Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, vice provost for University Life. “Supporting students with learning needs and disabilities is paramount to our mission of equity, access and holistic wellness. I am confident that Jane has the vision and experience to take the Weingarten Center forward in new and exciting directions.”

“I am humbled to be taking over the leadership position from Dr. Myrna Cohen, someone who blazed trails in the areas of learning resources and for students with disabilities,” Dr. Holahan said. “I undertake my work with a sense of shared responsibility, for each member of the University community has a role in ensuring equity and access for all students.”

The Weingarten Center houses both the Office of Learning Resources (programming enhancing reading and writing skills, study strategies and time management) and the Office of Student Disabilities Services (federally mandated accommodations for students with documented learning, psychological or physical disabilities, from in-class personal note-takers to exam extensions, technology, housing and transportation services).

Dr. Holahan’s appointment coincides with the merging of the Tutoring Center into Weingarten, providing a one-stop hub of personal and group supports to undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Going forward, Weingarten will provide central access to a range of programming, whether a student seeks assistance with one difficult class, wants help mapping out how to tackle a challenging semester, or is beginning to write a dissertation.

Dr. Holahan will oversee the combined staff of the Office of Learning Resources, Office of Student Disabilities Services and Tutoring Center. Ryan Miller, who served as interim executive director, will resume his duties as director of the Office of Learning Resources.

“I am truly excited to have Jane join our VPUL family of professionals and administrators,” said Associate Vice Provost for University Life Sharon Smith, who oversees the Weingarten Center. “She comes to us with a wealth of experience, and I look forward to our work together.”

Dr. Holahan has led academic support resources at Georgetown since 1998, working closely with deans, the Office of University Counsel, Residential Living, Global Education and other colleagues to ensure that all students received necessary services to make the most of their university experience.

She also served as a faculty/curriculum advisor for Georgetown’s Institute for College Preparation (ICP), which provides enrichment, tutoring and coaching to middle and high school students in Washington, DC. In this capacity, Dr. Holahan has gained considerable knowledge about the unique academic and campus challenges faced by students who may be the first in their families to attend college, who are from low-income homes and/or who are from underperforming public schools.

Dr. Holahan started her educational career as a high school language arts teacher in North Miami Beach Senior High, tailoring lessons for both remedial and honors students. She also spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand.

Dr. Holahan received her doctorate in educational leadership from George Washington University, a master of educational leadership from Barry University and a bachelor’s in biology and literature from Moravian College.