Dr. Taléa R. Drummer-Ferrell is the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). Within the Division of Student Affairs, Dr. Drummer- Ferrell’s portfolio has oversight for the Health and Wellbeing units including University Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Campus Recreation, and Health Promotion and Wellness. Dr. Drummer-Ferrell also works directly with various graduate student groups and supports the overall strategic direction of the Division of Student Affairs. 

Prior to her current role, Dr. Drummer-Ferrell was the Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Kent State. She has also held roles within the Student Multicultural Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, Upward Bound, Residence Services, and Student Organizations including Fraternity & Sorority Life. Throughout her career, her focus has been on advocacy, leadership, academics, diversity, and the empowerment of the individual student. Dr. Drummer-Ferrell teaches a short course at the University of South Carolina through the National Resource Center for First Year Experience and Students in transition entitled "Underrepresented at a PWI – Supporting Students of Color through their transition within a Predominantly White Institution”

Dr. Drummer-Ferrell attended undergrad at Miami University where she became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies. She earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Louisville in College Student Personnel, and earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Kent State University in Higher Education Administration & Student Personnel. Dr. Drummer-Ferrell’s research interest is around transitioning and how identities play a role within various experiences. 

Dr. Drummer-Ferrell resides in State College, PA with her five-year-old daughter, Gayle and is the proud wife of her Husband, Colin Ferrell who is the Defensive Line Coach at Rutgers University.