After eight years dedicated to the mission-driven work of Penn State Extension, Tara Mondock began a new chapter on June 3, 2025, as Director of College Relations and Communications for the College of Agricultural Sciences.
Tara Mondock
For Mondock, success isn't defined solely by programs delivered—it's reflected in empowered individuals, strengthened partnerships, and thriving communities and industries.
In her new role, Mondock brings a relationship-centered approach shaped by her time in Extension and her transformative experience in the RULE XVIII Leadership Program.
"The RULE program wasn't just about leadership development," Mondock shares. "It was a relationship accelerator. It gave me a deeper understanding of rural and urban dynamics across Pennsylvania—and more importantly, it gave me lifelong collaborators."
To mark the culmination of their shared journey, Mondock and few of her fellow classmates from RULE XVIII embarked on a short getaway to celebrate their graduation—an experience that underscored the deep bonds and enduring friendships formed through the program. These relationships, built on trust, shared purpose, and mutual respect, continue to shape her approach to leadership and collaboration.
The RULE (Rural-Urban Leadership) Program, administered through Penn State Extension, is designed to cultivate leaders who can bridge divides and drive meaningful change. For Mondock, it became a powerful platform for statewide engagement—connecting her with faculty, Extension educators, state agencies, agricultural organizations, local officials, nonprofit leaders, farmers, and policymakers—many of whom remain trusted partners today.
Her leadership was tested and refined during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with her time in the RULE program.
“I learned so much about myself as a leader during COVID. Navigating uncertainty while staying connected to our communities required empathy, adaptability, and clarity. Those lessons shaped how I led within Extension—and they continue to guide me today.”
That experience also deepened her understanding of what it means to lead within a Land-Grant institution—especially Pennsylvania’s only one. Through collaboration with peers across the country, Mondock saw that many institutions face similar challenges: staying engaged, relevant, and responsive in a rapidly changing world.
"As Pennsylvania's Land-Grant institution, we have a responsibility to ensure our expertise is accessible and aligned with the needs of every Pennsylvanian. That means supporting workforce development, empowering farmers, and ensuring agriculture has a seat at the table when we talk about the future."
Mondock is also mindful of the legacy she inherits, following in the footsteps of Mary Wirth, who served in the role for 24 years.
"I've been fortunate to have Mary as a mentor for the past eight years. Her leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the College have deeply influenced how I approach this role. I'm incredibly grateful for her guidance and the example she’s set."
As Director, Mondock is focused on leveraging her Extension experience to elevate the College's visibility, strengthen engagement with alumni, industry, and government partners, and support strategic initiatives across the College's three-part Land-Grant mission: teaching, research, and extension.
“Extension taught me that relationships aren’t just part of the strategy—they are the strategy. Collaboration doesn’t happen without trust, and trust is built through relationships that invite us into the conversation.”
She joins the College at a pivotal moment, as it launches a new strategic plan and reimagines how to better serve communities and industries across the agricultural landscape.
"We're at a moment of incredible opportunity. With new University leadership under President Neeli Bendapudi, a new Dean in Dr. Troy Ott, several new department heads in the college, and a shared commitment to 'ReThink Ag,' we have a chance to shape the future of agriculture in Pennsylvania. Innovation is essential—but understanding how that innovation is applied is where the real impact happens. And that takes collaboration."
"This isn't a departure from Extension—it's an evolution. I'm honored to help build the bridges that connect our College, our partners, and the people we serve. As Dean Ott has said, we are the 'people's college,' and I'm excited to help realize our vision of becoming the research and development hub for Pennsylvania agriculture."
When she's not working, Mondock enjoys hitting the open road on her motorcycle, exploring the diverse landscapes of Pennsylvania and venturing across the Northeast. She's set a personal goal to ride through all 67 counties in Pennsylvania—and with about half already checked off her list, don't be surprised if you see her rolling through your neck of the woods. It's a pastime that reflects her adventurous spirit and her deep appreciation for the people and places that make the Commonwealth so special.
