Marketing Faculty Spotlight

Brett Christenson

Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing

Brett Christenson, PhD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University. Brett completed his undergraduate degree in Marketing, Sports Management and Sponsorship, at Baylor University. He then spent some time in Los Angeles and Las Vegas to put his musical talents to use as a drummer, and also landed jobs working with LA Kings and LA Galaxy Sports Teams. Brett returned to Dallas, TX where he completed his MBA at UT Dallas, and just recently completed his Ph.D. in 2020 with the University of Alabama.

Brett has experience in many backgrounds, but his main focus area is on Sports Marketing.

To learn more about his career experience, education, and research interests, check out Brett's full introduction video.

Sara Dommer

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Sara Dommer, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Marketing in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University. Sara completed her undergraduate degree in Marketing here in the Smeal College of Business, Penn State University. After graduating in 2005, Sara returned home to Pittsburgh, PA to work in small marketing firm in the area. Sara did her graduate education at the University of Pittsburgh knowing she wanted to become a Professor in Marketing. Over the past eight years, Sara has spent her time as Professor in Atlanta, Georgia in the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech and is excited to be coming back home to Smeal, this time as a Professor!

To learn more about her career experience, education, and research interests, check out Sara's full introduction video.

Sotires (Sotos) Pagiavlas

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Sotos Pagiavlas, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Marketing in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University. Sotos completed his undergraduate degree in Marketing at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and he recently completed his graduate degree in Spring of 2020 at the University of South Carolina. Sotos always new he wanted to be a teacher, but in high school he realized he wanted to specifically become a college professor. We are excited to welcome Sotos to Penn State and the Marketing Department for his first Professorship position!

To learn more about his education, hobbies, and interests, check out Sotos' full introduction video.

Ning Zhong

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Ning Zhong, PhD, has been an Assistant Professor of Marketing in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University since 2018. Ning grew up in Shanghai, China and went to school in Shanghai at Jia Tong, followed by Gerogia Tech and then Emory University for his Ph.D.

To learn more about his education, hobbies, and interests, check out Ning's full introduction video.