Meet the Staff: Dr. S. Hakan Can, Faculty Advisor for Athletics

For the past 20 years, Dr. S. Hakan Can has been a familiar face at Penn State Schuylkill, helping student-athletes succeed both in the classroom and beyond. As the Faculty Advisor for Athletics and a Professor of Criminology, Dr. Can believes that academic and athletic success go hand in hand.

Holding a Ph.D. and bringing two decades of experience to Penn State Schuylkill, Dr. Can serves as an important resource for student-athletes, guiding them through academic challenges while helping them prepare for their futures.

"I was eager to work with athletics," Dr. Can said when reflecting on what first drew him to the position.

His passion for supporting student-athletes is rooted in a philosophy that has guided him throughout his career.

"I believe in the Roman proverb, 'Mens sana in corpore sano,' which means 'A sound mind lives in a sound body,'" he said.

That belief shapes his work every day. Whether he's advising athletes on course selection, helping resolve academic concerns, or discussing future educational and career opportunities, Dr. Can is committed to helping student-athletes reach their full potential.

"My goal is to assist sound bodies in developing sound minds," he said.

While Dr. Can spends much of his time mentoring students academically, athletics have also played an important role in his own life. He has a background as a long-range open-water swimmer and alpine skier, giving him firsthand appreciation for the discipline and dedication required to compete.

When asked what qualities he values most in student-athletes, his answer begins with character.

"It starts with integrity, resilience, adaptability, reliability, and a growth mindset," Dr. Can said.

Those qualities, he believes, help athletes succeed not only in competition but throughout life.

After working alongside generations of Penn State Schuylkill student-athletes, one memory continues to stand out.

"My favorite memories are seeing my most successful graduates, many of whom were strong student-athletes," he said.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Can has an impressive story of his own. Before joining Penn State Schuylkill, he worked as an agent for Interpol in 21 different countries around the world—a fun fact that often surprises students.

His advice for current and future student-athletes is simple but meaningful.

"Work hard and create your own story."

He also encourages athletes to become leaders within their teams by putting others first.

"Be a selfless leader, celebrate your teammates' success over individual statistics, and hold your peers accountable in a constructive way."

As a longtime member of the Penn State Schuylkill family, Dr. Can appreciates the close relationships that make the campus community special.

"We are all part of a close-knit family that grows together," he said.

For students wondering whether to reach out for guidance, Dr. Can wants them to know his door is always open.

"Because every issue will have a solution in your favor," he said.

With two decades of dedication to Penn State Schuylkill, Dr. S. Hakan Can continues to play a vital role in helping student-athletes grow—not only as competitors, but as scholars, leaders, and individuals prepared for success long after graduation.