Strengthen the Ship: Building a Stronger Team Together
Strengthen the Ship!
Set sail toward success—build skills, earn recognition, and grow with Ship.
Enhance your professional skills with our six-part staff development series designed exclusively for Shippensburg University staff. This series covers essential topics to boost your workplace effectiveness and personal growth. Each session focuses on a different transferable or digital skill.
Participants will receive a ticket for free breakfast at Reisner Dining Hall the day of the session. They will also receive a certificate after each session they attend. Those who attend at least four out of the six sessions will earn a Certificate of Completion and a special gift to showcase their commitment to professional development.
New in 2025 – ShipU-cation!
Bite-Sized Learning, Ship-Focused Topics
ShipU-cation is a new mini-series designed to provide quick, practical learning opportunities on topics specific to Shippensburg University. Each 45-minute session dives into SU-focused tools, systems, and challenges to help faculty and staff strengthen their day-to-day work.
Unlike our Strengthen the Ship Professional Development Series, ShipU-cation sessions do not include meals or refreshments and do not count toward the certificate of completion. Instead, they are short, targeted learning experiences to give you the insights you need—when you need them.
Sessions & Speakers
Thursday, September 25 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Taking Charge of Your Emotions & Your Life
An empowering session designed to equip participants with tools and mindsets to take control of their emotions, build resilience, and create the life they truly want. Drawing from a powerful personal journey through bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction, the session highlights how shifting from powerlessness to empowerment begins with recognizing emotions as valuable messengers rather than enemies. Through the Mental Health Warrior framework, attendees learn how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and progress — not perfection.
Participants will explore key Warrior mindset shifts such as “Bend, Not Break,” “Respond, Not React,” and “Micro Steps,” alongside practical lifestyle strategies for improving mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being. The session also shares a supporter’s perspective, demonstrating how these tools strengthen not only individuals but also families and communities. With actionable resources, relatable tools, and an encouraging call to action, attendees leave feeling hopeful, equipped, and connected to a larger Warrior community committed to mental health, resilience, and lasting positive change.
Speaker: Bruce Schutter
Bruce Schutter is the author of the Mental Health Warrior book series, offering a framework for resilience and emotional well-being. With over 15 years of experience in mental health advocacy, he provides audiences with practical strategies to navigate and overcome life’s challenges.
Tuesday, October 7 | 1 PM – 2 PM
ShipU-Cation: SU Brand Standards and Guidelines Explained
Your department’s materials, social media posts, and event promotions are all reflections of Shippensburg University’s identity. This interactive session will walk participants through the University’s official brand standards—covering logo usage, color palettes, typography, photography style, and tone of voice—to help ensure consistent, professional, and unified communication across all campus areas.
What You’ll Learn:
How to correctly use the Shippensburg University logo and sub-branding elements
Color and font guidelines for print and digital materials
Best practices for email, web, and social-media design
Common brand pitfalls and how to avoid them
Where to find templates, visual assets, and approval resources
Speaker: Megan Silverstrim
Megan Silverstrim is a strategic communications professional with deep experience in brand development, marketing, and internal engagement. She has led cross-functional teams to design cohesive messaging and visual identities across digital, print, and social platforms. Megan is passionate about helping organizations translate their values into compelling stories and consistent brand experiences.
At Shippensburg University, Megan plays a key role in guiding departments through brand alignment initiatives, empowering faculty and staff to create materials that are professional, unified, and reflective of the University’s mission. She brings a collaborative approach to her work—engaging stakeholders, providing practical resources, and fostering creative confidence.
Thursday, October 23 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Workplace Excellence: WriteABILITY
Writing is a part of every job, and often used to measure capability. This module teaches the rules for today, how to craft and deliver messages, writing effective emails, a crash course in social media, and tips for workplace texting and replying to messages.
Speaker: Matthew Maser
Matthew Maser is a seasoned leader with over 10 years of experience in program and project management, strategic planning, and workforce development. He currently serves as the Associate Director of Workforce Development and Project Manager at Shippensburg University, where he leads a variety of projects, manages budgets, and ensures the successful delivery of high-quality training programs. Matthew has a strong background in the human services sector, having previously held senior roles at Abraxas Youth and Family Services, where he oversaw adolescent treatment programs, managed educational services, and collaborated with external stakeholders. He holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership from St. Bonaventure University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Shippensburg University.
With certifications in Project Management and Workplace Excellence, Matthew’s leadership has been recognized through multiple Leadership in Excellence Awards, reflecting his commitment to excellence and impactful management.
Wednesday, November 12 | 1 PM – 2 PM
ShipU-Cation: Procurement Best Practices
Join us for a review of essential procurement procedures and best practices designed to promote effective, compliant, and cost-efficient purchasing across the organization. Attendees will gain basic knowledge of procurement tools and a clear understanding of who to contact with procurement questions, which will help departments make more informed purchasing decisions and maintain compliance with institutional and PASSHE policies.
Speakers: Stacey Poulsen ans Stephanie Decker
Tuesday, December 2 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Excel Training – Intermediate Level
Microsoft Excel is a powerful workplace tool for collecting, organizing and analyzing data – but it can also be a little overwhelming! During this session, we will take a look at some intermediate-level Excel concepts including sorting & filtering, data formats, functions, decision making and analysis (IF-THEN, VLOOKUP, etc.), conditional formatting, data validation, and more. Bring a laptop if you want to follow along!
Speaker: Jamie Rhine
Jamie Rhine has been a member of the IT staff at Shippensburg University for nearly 20 years, beginning his career as a student employee in the department. He leads the department’s help desk services, desktop and user support initiatives, and the Media Services office. Jamie earned both BSBA and MBA degrees from the John L. Grove College of Business at Ship, and is heavily invested in the Ship community!
Wednesday, February 4 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Generations in the Workplace
Join Dr. Megan Luft for an engaging and interactive session exploring how Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z collaborate in today’s workplace. Through relatable examples, humor, and practical strategies, this presentation uncovers generational traits, communication styles, and motivational drivers that influence team dynamics. Attendees will gain actionable insights to bridge generational gaps, foster mutual respect, and create more inclusive and productive work environments.
Speaker: Dr. Megan Luft
Megan Luft is an accomplished, collaborative, and innovative leader with over 14 years of extensive experience in management, admissions, sales, human resources, and DEI, with a strong emphasis on training and development. She currently serves as the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing at Shippensburg University.
She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership with a specialization in Training & Development, along with two Post-Master’s Certificates in Educational Leadership and Management and in Leadership and Accountability. Megan demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing comprehensive training initiatives that prioritize student success, ethical practices, and exceptional customer service within admissions and enrollment.
Her career began in sales and retail management, where she developed and refined leadership, customer service, and team development skills prior to pursuing her degrees. Since transitioning into higher education in 2008, Megan has focused on advancing equitable access to education, developing effective staff training programs, and strengthening accountability across enrollment teams. Her doctoral dissertation examined the critical need for comprehensive training and development for enrollment staff, emphasizing the connection between professional preparation, student outcomes, and institutional success.
Thursday, February 19 | 1 PM – 2 PM
ShipU-Cation: Ship Shuffle
Wednesday, March 4 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Workplace Excellence: WORKability
In the changing workplace, companies set expectations for employees to meet or exceed. Participants gain an understanding of today’s realities, expectations, and their role in supporting the bottom-line; how to increase profit, earn their keep and their raises, and exceed expectations.
Speaker: Matthew Maser
Matthew Maser is a seasoned leader with over 10 years of experience in program and project management, strategic planning, and workforce development. He currently serves as the Associate Director of Workforce Development and Project Manager at Shippensburg University, where he leads a variety of projects, manages budgets, and ensures the successful delivery of high-quality training programs. Matthew has a strong background in the human services sector, having previously held senior roles at Abraxas Youth and Family Services, where he oversaw adolescent treatment programs, managed educational services, and collaborated with external stakeholders. He holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership from St. Bonaventure University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Shippensburg University.
With certifications in Project Management and Workplace Excellence, Matthew’s leadership has been recognized through multiple Leadership in Excellence Awards, reflecting his commitment to excellence and impactful management.
Tuesday, March 24 | 1 PM – 2 PM
ShipU-Cation: SAP/BI Crash Course
Join us for a hands-on session in the computer lab that will provide an interactive overview of SAP and BI fundamentals designed to strengthen your understanding of system navigation, reporting, and data analysis. Attendees will learn about the essential tools available to efficiently access and interpret financial and procurement data, which will help departments make more informed decisions and maintain compliance with institutional and PASSHE policies.
Speakers: Stacey Poulsen ans Stephanie Decker
Tuesday, April 2 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Reality Based Rules for the Workplace
This interactive workshop helps employees take control of their workplace experience by focusing on personal accountability, adaptability, and results. Based on Cy Wakeman’s Reality-Based Rules of the Workplace, this session encourages participants to move beyond workplace drama and focus on what truly drives success—adding value, staying resilient, and responding effectively to change.
Through practical examples, group discussions, and reflection activities, employees will learn how to recognize and reduce emotional waste, shift from frustration to action, and align their efforts with organizational goals. The workshop challenges common workplace mindsets—such as entitlement or resistance—and replaces them with a reality-based approach centered on ownership and problem-solving.
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Understand the five reality-based rules and how to apply them at work.
- Recognize the difference between facts and stories to minimize drama.
- Strengthen personal accountability and resilience during change.
- Focus on contributing solutions and measurable results.
This empowering session equips employees with practical tools to create more positive, productive work experiences—turning challenges into opportunities to shine.
Speaker: Tracy Montoro
Tracy Montoro is the Director of Workforce Development at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Tracy works closely with regional employers and university faculty to provide quality professional development opportunities to the South Central PA workforce. She has 25 years of experience in both the classroom and administrative sides of education.
Prior to her role in workforce development, she served as Associate Director of the Career Center at both Shippensburg and Dickinson Universities where she directly supported students and alumni in their career readiness goals. Tracy has earned both her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her master’s degree in counseling at Shippensburg University. Tracy is a certified Six Thinking Hats training provider.