Her Story
About Jodi
Jodi Staniunas Hopper is Dean of the School of Arts and a full professor at Mercyhurst University, where she oversees the university's Dance, Music, Theater, Fine Arts, and Design & Communication programs. In this dual role, she balances administrative leadership with a continued commitment to the classroom, teaching approximately five courses each year while dedicating much of her time to mentoring faculty and clearing the way for their success. Her leadership style is rooted in a servant mindset: she believes that by taking care of her faculty, she takes care of her students in turn.
Jodi's path into higher education began outside of it. After years in nonprofit work, she stepped away from a higher-paying position to take an adjunct teaching role in design, a decision that reshaped her career. Within two years, she moved into a full-time position at Mercyhurst running the graphic design program, later advancing to department chair over fine art, art therapy, and related disciplines before stepping into her current deanship. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Advertising and Design from Marywood University, completed in 2004, alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design from Mercyhurst University. Outside of academia, she runs her own one-person design and branding consultancy, working primarily with nonprofits, musicians, and artists.
Beyond her campus role, Jodi is active in mentoring the next generation of leaders, particularly through her decade-long involvement with the Athena PowerLink network, where she advises women business owners. She is also deeply engaged in her Episcopal church community, currently pursuing studies toward ordination as a deacon. Guided by integrity, honesty, and a belief in following one's instincts, she encourages young professionals entering higher education to build diverse skill sets and strong digital fluency, qualities she considers essential as hybrid learning continues to reshape the field. In recognition of her contributions, she was selected to be featured by Influential Women representing higher education for Erie, Pennsylvania, in 2026.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jodi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to leaning in and saying yes to opportunities as they arise. I follow my instincts, because in the times I haven't, projects have not gone as planned. I lead as a servant leader, putting people first, and I try to approach every opportunity with a positive outlook.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Higher education is facing real challenges right now, which means the more diversified your skill set, the more valuable you become. Bringing two areas of expertise to the table makes you far more attractive as a candidate. I'd also encourage building strong proficiency with online technologies, since so much teaching today is hybrid, with part of a class taking place in person and part online.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Higher education is going through a genuinely difficult period, but that also creates opportunity for those willing to diversify. I see growing openings in areas like finance and financial aid, student experience, and educational design. At the same time, the shift toward hybrid teaching models makes strong online technology skills essential for anyone looking to stay competitive in the field.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and honesty guide everything I do. I also hold servant leadership close to heart, putting people first, staying authentic, and trusting my instincts along the way.
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