Biography

Marlena Zello serves as the Manager of Alumni Engagement & Advancement Operations at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. In this role, she supports alumni engagement initiatives, advancement operations and institutional events while fostering meaningful connections between the University and its alumni community.

Marlena earned her Master of Health Administration with certifications in Population Health and Risk Management and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Horsemanship. She is also a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) through PATH International. Prior to joining Institutional Advancement, she served in FranU's Admissions Department, where she coordinated campus visits, enrollment operations and recruitment events, developing a passion for building relationships and creating meaningful experiences for prospective students and their families.

Passionate about servant leadership and community engagement, Marlena is dedicated to strengthening lifelong relationships between alumni and FranU while supporting the University's mission of faith, service and excellence. Outside of work, she enjoys hunting and fishing with her husband, crocheting while snuggling with her furbabies and spending time in the outdoors with family and friends.