Leanna Fenneberg

With increasing emphasis on holistic student development, fostering a sense of belonging and personal growth has become essential to the student experience. This mission is central to Dr. Leanna Fenneberg’s work as Senior Vice President of Student Life at Duquesne University, a Catholic institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Fenneberg sat down with Interview Co-host Jack Eagle to discuss her path into Student Affairs, Duquesne’s approach to supporting students in all aspects of their lives, and the initiatives that strengthen community, inclusivity, and civic engagement on campus.

Leanna’s Journey

‍Jack: Let’s start with an introduction to yourself and your institution.

My name is Dr. Leanna Fenneberg, and I serve as the Senior Vice President of Student Life at Duquesne University. Duquesne is a Catholic university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a total student population of over 8,000.

Jack: How did you get into Student Affairs?

My commitment to Higher Education and Student Affairs began with my own undergraduate experience. I attended Marquette University, where the holistic learning experience – both inside and outside of the classroom – was truly transformative. It changed my life and shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally, inspiring me to "pay it forward" by helping other students navigate their journeys.

I’m a first-generation college student raised in a single-parent, working-class family. Transitioning to college wasn’t always easy, but the experience not only changed my own life trajectory but also created new opportunities for my family and future generations. Being in this environment now, in a capacity where I can help students overcome barriers and reach their potential, is incredibly rewarding.

Jack: What are some of your key focus areas in terms of improving the student experience?

At a faith-based institution, we approach student life with a focus on the mind, heart, body, and spirit, considering each element of a student’s development. We also take a holistic view of the campus experience itself – thinking about how the environment both inside and outside the classroom shapes student outcomes. Student Affairs plays a central role in bridging these experiences to create a cohesive journey.

We work to create intentional learning experiences beyond the classroom. These opportunities are often found in leadership programs, student club and organization involvement, study abroad opportunities, and community engagement. Each experience integrates students’ curricular knowledge with practical skills and leadership competencies, preparing them for life after graduation.

Jack: This all speaks to the importance of a unified campus. What initiatives have you found most helpful to that end?

Community and relationships are key to creating a sense of belonging. A positive campus environment builds respect, appreciation, and dignity for every individual, recognizing their unique identities, perspectives, and experiences. When students feel valued, they’re more likely to connect with others and find a true sense of community.

Practically speaking, this culture of care and respect is fostered through various initiatives. Orientation, for instance, is a pivotal way to welcome students to our community, showing them what relationships and values are central to our institution. Traditions and celebrations also play an important role – shared experiences create lasting bonds and reinforce a sense of pride and unity.

Jack: How do you promote inclusion with students who have been doing mostly online learning over recent years?

Since COVID, we’ve seen a positive shift not only in student engagement numbers but in their energy and willingness to connect. It’s been heartwarming and motivating to witness.

Student clubs and organizations are especially important for campus engagement. They provide peer-to-peer connection and leadership, shaping the overall campus culture. As administrators, we may have ideas, but student-driven initiatives are always more impactful. The pandemic presented challenges in the continuity of student leadership, but now we’re seeing a resurgence. Students are eager to engage, which lays a strong foundation for the future.

Jack: Is the upcoming election something you’ve been placing a focus on with students recently?

Absolutely. We’re part of the ‘All In’ campus initiative to promote student voter registration and participation. Civic engagement is a key responsibility as citizens, and college is the perfect place to help students understand their role in that process. In a presidential election year, there’s naturally more excitement, and we leverage that to boost engagement.

In contentious political periods, we also emphasize civil discourse, guiding students on how to express their views respectfully. We have student groups (with support from campus offices)  providing support resources to help their peers navigate the stress that can accompany political events. These efforts have been very effective in fostering a respectful, informed environment.

‍Jack: What is the best piece of advice you have received in your career?

Start when you’re 40% ready. This advice was about launching new initiatives; rather than waiting for every detail to be perfect, focus on building a solid foundation and assemble the right team, then dive in. You can always adjust along the way. This applies to professional growth as well – taking calculated risks can lead to significant rewards. We’re rarely 100% ready for new challenges, but those challenges are what push us to reach our full potential.