SPOTLIGHT: Torie Shapter

BY: Zoe Martin

As an administrative support assistant for University Police in the Northwest District, Torie Shapter’s job is multifaceted. A typical day for her can include anything from handling payroll to dispatching officers.

While Shapter works out of the Behrend College police station, her work spans four campuses - Beaver, Behrend, DuBois, and Shenango - and she reports directly to Northwest District Commander Anthony Budris.

“I act as a streamlining service for most administrative processes for the officers,” Shapter said. “The one-stop-shop, if you will.”

Shapter has a history with Penn State Behrend and administrative work. Although she started her college career at Penn State Altoona, she transferred to Behrend where she finished her bachelor’s degree in Communications.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Shapter went to Edinboro University and received her master’s degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis on managerial leadership and integrated marketing.

While at Behrend, Shapter was a member and then captain of the dance team. After, in graduate school, she became a coach for the team. This formed her relationship with the Athletic Department where she received her first job after graduate school.

Here, Shapter was the assistant to the athletic director. She ran special events, promotions, and fundraising for the department. She also worked on the department's summer camp programs.

Outside of work, Shapter says she appreciates spending time outdoors with her husband. They enjoy camping and hiking around the local area.

When not outdoors, Shapter enjoys knitting. In 2017, she knitted an 11-foot scarf for the Behrend Lion Shrine. It took two weeks to make, but the activity acted as a stress reliever after long work days.