E1 PRESIDENTIAL December 30th, 2018 PROFILES

Bloomsburg University Keystone College Pennsylvania College of Technology Clarks Summit University King’s College Penn State Hazleton East Stroudsburg University Lackawanna College Penn State Scranton Fortis Institute Luzerne County Community College Penn State Wilkes-Barre Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Marywood University Wilkes University Johnson College Misericordia University University of Scranton

Collective higher education investment in Luzerne County exceeds $519M ILKES-BARRE — Teri Ooms, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development at Wilkes University, said a 2018 study shows that collective higher education investment in Luzerne County exceeds $519 million and supports 3,147 jobs in the community with more than 700 jobs being from sectors Wother than higher education. By Bill O’Boyle the primary driver deter- spending when their ity and business activ- community’s social sec- • $167 million — State [email protected] mining if a business will families and friends come ity — not just in higher tor, you create “a fertile payroll taxes. Ooms said she ran a locate in a region.” to visit,” Ooms said. education, but in critical Petrie dish” producing • $136 million — high-level model of eco- Ooms said from the “Finally, their capital specialty trades as well, sustainable economic Municipal taxes (wages nomic impact based on community college pro- projects create short-term Van Genderen said. momentum. and local services taxes). the number of employees grams to the professional economic boosts through “With high demand According to a 2017 • $17.9 billion — Total at Wilkes, Kings, Miseri- degree programs, higher construction. All in all, for graduates of LCCC’s study done by the Associ- economic impact of pri- cordia, LCCC, and PSU/ education creates the their collective annual welding, automotive and ation of Independent Col- vate college and universi- WB. She said since it is region’s workforce pipe- economic impact — not leges & ties in Pennsylvania. based only on current line. including student and vis- Univer- Another recent study employment and doesn’t “Equally important itor spending — is about sities of done by the Association include student and visi- and mostly overlooked, $421 million annually, Pennsyl- of Independent Col- tor spending, it is a very higher education is an and they employ about vania, leges and Universities conservative estimate of economic driver in and of 2,000 individuals.” private of Pennsylvania — The the economic impact in itself,” Ooms said. “The Wico Van Genderen, colleges Economic Impact of Luzerne County. institutions are criticized president/CEO of the and uni- Independent Higher Edu- “Luzerne County has a for being nonprofi ts, i.e. Greater Wilkes-Barre versities cation in Pennsylvania — number of higher educa- exempt from property Chamber of Commerce, play a revealed that the nearly tion institutions which taxes, but their economic said there is a “collegiate major 290,000 students enrolled impact energy” in Luzerne Coun- role at independent colleges supports ty that now extends from in the and universities in Penn- our com- downtown Wilkes-Barre state’s sylvania spend $1 billion munities to the Back Mountain econo- annually, or $2.7 million in so and beyond. my: a day at local Pennsylva- many “The alignment of • nia businesses. The total different business and academics $5.67 economic impact of this ways.” makes for a great local billion spending is $1.7 billion. Ooms economic ecosystem,” — Sala- Student spending in the said the Van Genderen said. “Wil- ries and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre colleges kes, Kings, Misericordia, wages region was reported at and uni- Penn State/Wilkes-Barre, paid to $335 million. Students versities and Luzerne County employ- spent their money on: are major Community College ees, • Book publishers employ- have all expanded their Van Genderen mak- • General merchandise ers with programs and their facili- additive manufacturing ing private colleges and stores family- ties, resulting in more programs, there’s now universities the fourth • Grocery and conve- sustaining students and deeper spe- a waiting list to enroll largest industry employer nience stores jobs. cializations.” at LCCC’s Technology in PA. • Real estate rentals She said Van Genderen said Wil- Center,” he said. “Add • $9.6 billion — Insti- • Amusement and rec- employ- kes and Kings have seen academic capital, busi- tutional expenditures. reation establishments ees rein- the largest increases in ness innovation, and com- • $1.8 billion — Stu- • Restaurants vest their incoming undergraduate munity leadership and dent and visitor spending • Clothing stores Ooms earnings and graduate students, you have a strong synergy ($1.7 billion in student • Telecommunications contribute so much to in the resulting in new down- in which the whole is spending, $155 million in and utilities the region,” Ooms said. region through purchas- town investments and a greater than the sum of visitor spending). • Furniture and home “First, they support ing local goods and ser- regional “college-town” its parts.” • $1.1 billion — Value furnishing stores economic development vices. And the schools vibe. Van Genderen said by of federal funds received • Wholesale trade activities since they have themselves buy local Strong academic capital connecting the academic for research and develop- industries the capacity to provide goods and services. provides a great ecosys- capital of the colleges ment projects. “Further, there is tem for STEM-based and universities to the • $945 million — Con- Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570- a trained and skilled 991-6118 or on Twitter @ workforce. Workforce is impact of student spend- innovation, research, growing and diverse struction and renovation ing and additional entrepreneurial creativ- businesses and to the projects. TLBillOBoyle. GeisingerE2

2 Sunday, December 30, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: bLOOmSbuRg uNIvERSITy Times Leader Bashar W. Hanna, Bloomsburg University

Name: Dr. Bashar W. Hanna

Title: President of Bloomsburg University

Quote: “It takes a village. Every student who comes to Bloomsburg and enrolls will fi nd a village of people working to help them succeed.”

Submitted Dr. Bashar W. Hanna has served as the 19th president of Bloomsburg University since 2017. LOOMSBURG — There are many practical reasons for Dr. Bashar W. Hanna to take an interest in Bthe needs of fi rst-generation college students. By Roger DuPuis have a support system are emergency scholar- alumni and business part- sylvania that charge three aware Valley University [email protected] at home to help them ships available for stu- ners to make opportuni- times our tuition are in Doylestown from 2011 nowhere near those kinds until 2016. There’s also a very per- navigate — fi rst the dents so we can remove ties available to as many of pass rates,” Hanna He previously served sonal motivation: He once application process, but obstacles that are not students as we can to get said. as associate provost at was one of them. also the matriculation and academic, and that could professional experience, • The university’s Ithaca College in Ithaca, “I am profoundly successful completion stand in the way of them whether it’s shadowing accounting program “con- N.Y.; and before that was proud that 35 percent of (of a degree), because earning their degrees.” someone in the industry tinues to be a leader,” dean of the College of our freshmen are fi rst- mom and dad never went Bloomsburg also has the student is studying he said, adding that Liberal Arts and Sciences generation college stu- through it,” he added. a program known as or whether it’s an intern- graduates “are incredibly and interim provost at dents,” said Hanna, who In a larger sense, how- “Professional U,” which ship for the semester successful in passing the Kutztown University. has served as the 19th ever, helping students is designed to connect or summer, whether it’s CPA exam.” He also served as chief president of Bloomsburg complete their degrees • More recently, academic offi cer and University since 2017. and succeed in careers “Every student, regardless of Bloomsburg also cre- dean of academic affairs Hanna and his family is a key focus for Hanna ated a digital forensics for DeVry University – emigrated to the U.S. and Bloomsburg. where they’re from, the color of program, which Hanna Pennsylvania as it earned from Syria four decades “We have a national said has received authorization to operate ago, and as a fi fth-grader epidemic, in my mind, their skin, the gender they sub- recognition from fed- in this state, and earlier barely spoke English. where only 50 percent scribe to, comes here and fi rst and eral offi cials, including was associate dean of the Today, he is an accom- of college-bound stu- certifi cation from the College of Science and plished academic and dents end up fi nishing a foremost feels like they belong on Department of Home- Technology at Temple. administrator who leads degree,” Hanna said. land Security. His vision for Blooms- the third largest of the 14 “I think it is a national campus in a welcoming environ- “That is not common burg is a place where universities in the Penn- catastrophe in the mak- ment where they can thrive.” for a regional public “every student, regardless sylvania State System of ing when you have state school,” he said. of where they’re from, the Higher Education, with millions of students out students with profession- undergrad research expe- Background color of their skin, the more than 9,600 stu- there with some college als off campus in order rience,” he said. Hanna earned his B.A. gender they subscribe to, dents, 56 undergraduate credit, no degree, but to help integrate their He also sees several in biology; his master’s comes here and fi rst and programs and 20 gradu- almost all of them have academic experience with “hallmark programs” on degree in developmental foremost feels like they ate programs. loans that they cannot “real world” settings that campus: biology and his Ph.D. in belong on campus in a “When you recruit and afford to pay back,” he will help them succeed • Bloomsburg’s nursing developmental neurobiol- welcoming environment enroll that high a percent- said. after graduation. program has had nearly ogy from Temple Univer- where they can thrive,” age of fi rst-generation stu- “So we are looking “This aims at looking at 100 percent success over sity. he said, “as well as pro- dents, the reality is there at ways to ensure that the student’s entire edu- the past decade, with Most recently before viding students with is also a responsibility students do not leave cation, not just the class- only one student failing joining Bloomsburg, opportunities that differ- that’s very unique to that because of fi nancial work that the student the licensing exam. Hanna was vice president entiate them when they’re population of students,” burdens,” Hanna added. participates in,” Hanna “Which is remarkable for academic affairs and out looking for jobs.” Hanna said. “We’re working with our said. given that some of the dean of the faculty at Del- “Many of them didn’t donors to make sure there “We work with our private (schools) in Penn-

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Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: Clarks Summit University Sunday, December 30, 2018 3 Jim Lytle, Clarks Summit University

Name: Jim Lytle

Title: President of Clarks Summit University

Years in post: 4

Quote: “Over the years, what I’ve seen it do for people when they are able to get what the Bible teaches and pair that with a career, they are confident, ethical people. They are the kind of employees that employers want.”

Jim Lytle has served as president of Clarks Summit University since January 1, 2015. He first came to the school, then named Baptist Bible College, as a student in 1973. SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. – Jim Lytle and his wife had spent 14 years in South Africa.

Times Leader staff earn his Master of Divin- Africa opened. Undergraduate programs “Over the years, what dents. Lytle was serving as ity and Master of Theol- Lytle was happy to include one-year Bible I’ve seen it do for people He also fondly looks president of Baptist Bible ogy degrees from BBS return to school in 2007 certificate, two-year Asso- when they are able to get back on the school’s his- College of KwaZulu-Natal, and a Doctor of Ministry because he saw a chance ciate of Arts and four-year what the Bible teaches tory. and he and his wife, degree from Trinity Evan- to expand its mission. Bachelor of Science and and pair that with a In 2018, Clarks Sum- Diane, helped establish gelical Divinity School in “Baptist Bible College Bachelor of Arts degrees. career, they are confident, mit University marked its Bethany Baptist Church. Deerfield, Illinois. basically prepared people Graduate studies include: ethical people,” Lytle 50th year in Northeastern However, the Lytles It was while working for local church ministry,” Master of Science in said. “They are the kind Pennsylvania. had accomplished what on his of employees The school was found- they set out to do in Mas- that employers ed as Baptist Bible Semi- South Africa and were ter of want. nary in 1932 in Johnson looking to move on. Divin- “They are the kind of “I love what City, N.Y. It moved to That’s when Lytle’s ity the school does its current location on friend predecessor as degree for people.” Benard Road in 1968. president at Clarks Sum- that he employees that employers And he would The school will mark mit University offered took a love to see another anniversary in him a chance to return to part- more students 2019, celebrating the the school he had first set time want.” take advantage 100th anniversary of the foot on in 1973. He did posi- of the school’s construction of its main so in 2007, taking on the tion at CSU teaching Lytle said, referring to Counseling Ministries, offerings. building. It originally role of vice president for “Studies in the Psalms.” the school by its original Master of Education and “Back in the day, when served as a high school college and graduate aca- Then, to his surprise, name. “(The administra- Master of Arts. Seminary we had a more narrow for boys. demics and professor of the college offered him a tion) was open to mak- studies include: Master mission, a lot of folks It is now the central Bible and theology. Then full-time position the next ing a bunch of changes of Ministry, Master of didn’t fit,” Lytle said. building of a campus that in 2008 he was appointed summer. For the next 14 without losing its basic Divinity, Master of Arts But that has changed. currently serves about provost, before becoming years, he taught classes mission. in Biblical Apologetics, “If people want our 1,000 students, including president on Jan. 1, 2015. and led summer minis- “It was a chance to Master of Theology, Doc- type of education, we are 300 on-campus residents. Lytle earned his Bach- tries. His family moved make the school some- tor of Ministry (D.Min.) open to that. We want to And Lytle sees plenty elor of Science degree at into a girls dormitory, of thing it hadn’t been and Doctor of Philosophy serve our area.” of opportunity for CSU, and meet his wife, which Diane was the resi- before without losing its (Ph.D.) in Biblical Stud- As Lytle looks to the growth. who was also a student dent director. what it had been.” ies. future, he sees the school “There are people out there. It was then that the The school now offers Lytle has seen students offering more online there in a 300-mile radius He then went on to opportunity in South more than 40 programs. excel in those courses. opportunities for stu- looking for this,” he said. One Source Realty ERA1.com

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4 Sunday, December 30, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: East Stroudsburg University Times Leader Marcia G. Welsh, East Stroudsburg University

Fred Adams | For Times Leader Marcia Welsh has been president of East Stroudsburg University since July of 2012. AST STROUDBURG – East Stroudsburg University President Marcia G. Welsh recently made a trip around campus during final exams, bringing with her a variety of cookies to fuel student Ebrains and express her good wishes. pus, you realize how well considering using some analyze ticks sent from all By Geri Gibbons (the students and faculty) of those ideas,” she said. over the country, to see if For Times Leader work together. We are “These students do excel- they carry Lyme disease. Bringing the treats very lucky.” lent work.” Welsh also emphasized to various dorms has The university, which Welsh said encouraging the university’s commit- become a tradition for averages about 6,500 a spirit of entrepreneur- ment to making its educa- Welsh, who said it was a students, has a reputation ship among its students, tion accessible to as many one of her favorite times for innovation and entre- goes beyond those who people as possible. of the year. preneurship, she said. are hoping to someday The school recently As the 13th president “We emphasize the start a business, but implemented the Warrior Name: Marcia G. Welsh of the university and importance of investing instead encompasses all Promise initiative which the first female that has and collaborating with students, encouraging guarantees incoming served in that role, she the community and the them to have a voice in undergraduate students Title: President of East has worked hard to pro- region,” she said. the community and to that they will pay the Stroudsburg University same tuition rate for the next four Years as president: 6 years. “We want to remain Quote:“We emphasize the affordable,” importance of investing she said. and collaborating with the “We are also increasing community and the region.” the number of scholar- ships avail- able to our students.” Welsh believes the university’s relationship with the region is a Fred Adams | For Times Leader “win-win” East Stroudsburg University President Marcia Welsh meets with Vice President of Administration and Finance Kenneth providing Long and Vice President and Chief of Staff Miguel Barbosa in her office. opportu- Students from the steer the course of their nities for students to vide a spirit of diversity Sports Management careers in whatever field and positivity that serves program, for example, they choose. interact with high quality as a springboard for recently spent time with The university’s North- businesses and organiza- future success. the Scranton/Wilkes- east Wildlife DNA labora- tions, and then to also “I believe that our cam- Barre RailRiders minor tory initiative, for exam- benefit those businesses pus is one of the most league baseball team, ple, recently received a with well-trained, well- Fred Adams | For Times Leader diverse in our region,” offering marketing ideas. grant which will make it educated members of the she said. “As you make East Stroudsburg University President Marcia Welsh works at “I believe they are possible for students to workforce. her desk. Welsh believes the school’s campus is ‘one of the most your way through cam- diverse in our region.’

80911961 Johnson College

Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: FORTIS uNIvERSITy Sunday, December 30, 2018 5 Madeline Levy Cruz, Fortis University

Fred Adams | For Times Leader Levy Cruz n the seven years that Madeline Levy Cruz has served as the president of Fortis Institute’s Scranton and Forty-Fort campuses, she has seen the school grow, adapting to the needs of its students and Iproviding the workforce with skilled employees. By Geri Gibbons impacts the student but a difference and to ade- I get to experience their For Times Leader the community as we pro- quately prepare students joy at achieving their vide a viable and excel- for the work world and to goals, while understand- Cruz described the lent workforce for North- benefi t the community as ing many of the obstacles school as the “premier eastern Pennsylvania.” an institution. they may have gone locations for occupational Cruz believes the best “When I fi rst came on through to get to that training in our area.” way to learn about the board, I wanted to make day.” “Not everyone succeeds opportunities the college sure that our schools When asked to defi ne at traditional education. offers is for potential stu- partnered with other the environment of the Career training allows dents to call or stop by. community organizations school, Cruz said “friend- Name: Madeline Levy Cruz people to fi nd a career “Its so important to put and employers to provide ly.” that can help them change a face to every student,” the best training possible “The one thing I hear their future outlook in she said. “We care about for our students in their the most from both our Title: President of Fortis a very short period of each individual.” chosen fi eld,” she said. students and visitors to Institute Scranton and Fortis time,” she said, “Whether Cruz said when she “To that end, I made sure the school is how friendly it’s Allied Health, dental, came to the school, she that our instructors had everyone is,” she said. “I Institute Forty Fort nursing, trades or CDL, was determined to make plenty of fi eld experience love that people get that our in addition to vibe and it opens things schools didactic train- up for them to feel very Quote: “Career training allows run “My door is always ing.” comfortable approaching people to fi nd a career that can a full Additionally, faculty and staff with any help them change their future gamut open, I love hearing their under Cruz’s issues, concerns or just to of pro- watch, the share a victory.” outlook in a very short period gram- school grew The Scranton and Forty of time.” ming stories and knowing its network Fort campus of the school for all of internship serves upwards of 300 inter- them as individuals.” providers and students. ests clinical sites that not only positively to ensure stu- dents had real-time fi eld experience before they graduate. Cruz’s open door policy allows her to get to know students and to assist them in determining what best suits their needs in regard to education and career planning. “My door is always open, I love hearing their stories and knowing them as individuals,” she said. “I frequently say that my favorite day of the year is Fred Adams | For Times Leader Fred Adams | For Times Leader Fortis Institute President Madeline Levy Cruz describes the school as the ‘premier locations for Madeline Levy Cruz is president of Fortis Institute’s Scranton and commencement because occupational training in our area.’ Forty Fort campuses.

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6 Sunday, December 30, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: Geisinger School of medicine Times Leader Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., Geisinger School of Medicine President touts partnership with health system

Tony Callaio | For Times Leader President and Dean Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, is shown working at his desk at the medical college.

CRANTON — Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., has been around at the Geisinger Commonwealth School Sof Medicine almost since the beginning.

By Patrick Kernan brag about the students’ “The integration of formal ruling won’t come [email protected] success.” Geisinger has brought down until February, he Students at the medical enormous benefit to the said the process is going Serving as the school’s school had what Schein- medical school,” he said. well. president and dean since man described as a “phe- “Now, we have four cam- The school is preparing 2012, only a few short nomenally successful” puses.” to have 18 students start- years after its founding, match day, where medical Those include one ing in Atlantic City next Scheinman has been able students are matched each in Scranton, Wilkes- July. to watch the school grow with residency programs. Barre, Sayre and Dan- ‘Fabulous open door’ and But Name: Steven J. Scheinman, M.D. expand the pro- from a “A quarter of our students are the first gram finan- Schein- Title: President and dean of cially generation to go to college, so for Geisinger man Geisinger School of Medicine trou- was bled to say, ‘We will pay your tuition, we’ll put perhaps institu- most Years in post: 7 tion you through medical school for free,’ I think excited to one by was with it’s a fabulous open door for students.” the Quote: “It was a really good year several Abigail cam- ville, with a fifth on the Geisinger Scholars Pro- for the medical school. I could brag puses. “And there are more way in Atlantic City, N.J. gram. about the students’ success.” And, according to (residencies) locally than Scheinman said the The recently Scheinman, 2018 marked ever before,” he noted. opening of this fifth announced initiative pro- another big year of The medical school has campus was going vides a full scholarship to offered to 10 students gram is wonderful,” he growth. been part of the Geis- “smoothly.” The school is students who commit to “It was a really good inger system since 2016, annually, but Scheinman said. currently in the process working for Geisinger for is hoping it will be avail- year for the medical and Scheinman said the of being approved by the at least two years after Reach Patrick Kernan at school,” Scheinman said, school is settling into its able to more in the com- New Jersey Department graduation. ing years. 570-991-6386 or on Twit- excitedly launching into a role as the newest part of of Education. And while a Currently, it is being ter @PatKernan list of good news. “I could the far-ranging system. “The scholarship pro-

Times Leader Media Group is proud to support the many prestigious colleges and universities in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. Some of the Times Leader’s most stand-out employees - from the newsroom to advertising to circulation and beyond - have succeeded because of the education they received in these schools.

As we begin a New Year, the Times Leader thanks these schools for the efforts they have made to better our communities and our residents. Lackawanna College

Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: Johnson college Sunday, December 30, 2018 7 Johnson College students ‘in demand’ President, CEO touts job placement rates, small class sizes

Name: Katie Leonard

Title: President and CEO of Johnson College

Quote:“Our students are in demand. Employers are basically telling me we can’t produce them fast enough. This past year, close to 60 percent of our graduating class was placed in-field at the time of graduation, many of which had more than one job offer, which speaks volumes to the type of quality student we’reproducing.”

Johnson College President and CEO Katie Leonard says students at the small Scranton school enjoy high rates of job placement.

CRANTON — Johnson College, founded more than a century ago by a wealthy coal baron, is pro- Sducing students who are “in demand.”

Lyndsay Bartos reason they chose to on individual students our student has skewed a Johnson’s student body dents to potential careers [email protected] attend Johnson College, and their advancement. little bit older so we really has steadily increased in aviation maintenance. typically nine times out of Leonard likes to refer try to take the time to lis- over the years, and Leon- We’re planning to do that And that’s part of the 10, they say it’s because to the school as “small ten to their unique needs ard is hoping to have 500 this spring.” reason the two-year tech- of our high in-field job and mighty.” She views a and work with them to people enrolled in classes Amid all the changes, nical college founded in placement rates.” smaller student popula- craft a success plan to by 2020. though, the school still 1912 continues to thrive. These deep roots in tion (450) as a strength help them achieve their But the school isn’t promotes the same mis- “Our students are in industry gained Johnson because it allows Johnson goals,” Leonard said. simply looking to add sion that founder Orlando demand. Employers are College enrollment. S. Johnson laid out basically telling me we recogni- Future plans decades ago. can’t produce them fast tion with include Johnson left the bulk enough,” said Johnson Forbes. “I want to immerse adapting of his estate to create an President and CEO Katie This year, curriculum institution “where young Leonard. “This past year, the school to meet men and women can be close to 60 percent of was ranked the needs taught useful arts and our graduating class was No. 10 on of ever- trades that may enable placed in-field at the time a list of col- students in industry changing them to make an honor- of graduation, many of leges work- industries. able living and become which had more than one ing to close “We do contributing members of job offer, which speaks the “skills assessments society.” volumes to the type of gap.” This from their very first on an annual That starts right away quality student we’re pro- ranking basis. We for some. ducing.” was based look at “I want to immerse Leonard continued: on perfor- swapping students in industry from “Nobody has the kind of mance indi- week on campus.” out classes their very first week on connection to industry cators such and new campus,” said Leonard. that we do. Year after as reten- programs,” “Many students are work- year — I’ve been here tion, graduation, and job to customize education In developing that plan, said Leonard. “Right ing on real projects, con- for over 11 years in dif- placement rates. plans for all students, the college takes into now, we’re developing struction sites and with ferent roles — I had the ‘Small and mighty’ who might feel like they consideration a student’s a partnership with the real clients in their first opportunity to talk to The school also empha- are just a number at a career path, life, academic Wilkes-Barre/Scranton semester with us.” students, and when I ask sizes small class sizes, so larger school. goals, as well as many International Airport to them what is the main there can be more focus “The average age of other factors. introduce younger stu-

Times Leader Media Group is proud to support the many prestigious colleges and universities in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. Some of the Times Leader’s most stand-out employees - from the newsroom to advertising to circulation and beyond - have succeeded because of the education they received in these schools.

As we begin a New Year, the Times Leader thanks these schools for the efforts they have made to better our communities and our residents. E8

8 Sunday, December 30, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: Keystone College Times Leader Tracy Brundage, Keystone College

Fred Adams | For Times Leader Tracy Brundage took over as president of Keystone College in La Plume in July.

A PLUME – Tracy Brundage assumed the role of president of Keystone College last July. As the L11th president of the college, she is filled with enthusiasm and purpose.

By Geri Gibbons full potential, not only sors could not fathom. make their dreams reali- For Times Leader during their time on cam- Our job as educators is ties. pus but in years following to continue to develop ”We’ve recently added “We have such a proud graduation.” students who have the programs that go the and distinguished past, Brundage said the col- education and skills to extra mile to provide even and I look forward to lege, celebrating its 150th succeed in an ever-chang- more value as we help helping our college move anniversary, has a mission ing world,” she said. “We students achieve their forward into a new and consistent with the one must continue to develop goals,” she said. ever-changing future,” she the school was founded the transferable skills our For example, said. “Most importantly, on over a decade-and-a- students will need for • Keystone Commit- I look forward to helping half ago. success upon graduation. ment is a loan re-payment our students reach their “Our society is evolving We know they must be program that helps stu- at a pace our predeces- able to think and learn, dents pursue the careers Name: Tracy Brundage analyze, communicate, of their choice without and problem-solve in this the constant worry of rapidly and ever-changing long-term debt. Title: President of Keystone world of work.” • The KC Encompass Brundage said not only program eliminates the College is the college preparing burdensome cost of pur- students for existing jobs, chasing textbooks each but also providing them semester. Years as president: 1 with “new-to-market” • The Stairs to Success skills not always included four-year plan enables stu- “Our society is evolving in a job description. dents to develop a mean- Quote: “We must look around ingful and timely path to at a pace our predecessors could the corner to meet the academic, personal and not fathom. Our job as educators needs and demands of career success. tomorrow while always • The long-standing is to continue to develop students striving to prepare stu- Keystone Promise is a who have the education and skills dents for continuous pledge that the school lifelong learning, leader- will prepare our students to succeed in an ever-changing ship and citizenship,” she and then stand by them world.” said. “In short, we must after they graduate. transition from ‘where The college has also we are now’ to ‘where we expanded its athletic go next’ while uphold- offerings. In particular, it Brundage cites the value 26,000 hours of service ing the values that make looks forward to seeing of its education and the hours our students Keystone such a special the new varsity football spirit of community that perform each year at place.” team play its first game motivates students to places like senior citizens Brundage said Key- first game in 2019. serve. homes, soup kitchens, stone goes beyond sim- When asked what “We are a college that and neighborhood parks Fred Adams | For Times Leader Brundage ply providing academic makes Keystone College cares about each other and playgrounds,” she knowledge, instead, it stand out among other and about our commu- said. ​ empowers students to learning institutions, nity, as evidenced by the

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Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: kINg’S COLLEgE Sunday, December 30, 2018 9 Rev. John Ryan, C.S.C., King’s College

Sean McKeag file photos | Times Leader King’s College President Rev. John Ryan earned an accounting degree from cross-town rival Wilkes.

ILKES-BARRE — Before helping to move King’s College in a new direction with athletics and Wacademic courses, President Rev. John Ryan, C.S.C., wasn’t always an educator let alone a priest.

By Dan Stokes work that allowed me to Ryan went on to get his external part of that [email protected] travel,” said Ryan. “I was master of divinity from job, meeting alumni and able to get by MBA from the University of Toronto. starting up the business “I never had any ambi- St. Joseph’s University in Shortly after, Ryan forum,” he said. tions to be a college Philadelphia.” recalled a phone call he The business forum president,” Ryan said. “It After receiving his received a call from the is an annual event held wasn’t on my bucket list MBA, Ryan, at 34 years provincial of Holy Cross. every year in the business of things to do. The jour- old, entered the Seminary “I got a phone call school that the college ney was a long one to get at Notre Dame University learning that the congre- takes a bus load or two of where I (am) today.” in 1984. gation was building a new students to travel to meet Name: Rev. John Ryan Ryan, a Wilkes-Barre “I was able to teach business school at King’s King’s College alumni in native, obtained his a fi nance course at the College,” Ryan said. “He Philadelphia, Washington accounting degree from university because of my knew I couldn’t refuse D.C. and New York City. Title: President of King’s College Wilkes University, then a business background,” because Wilkes-Barre is Ryan credits his prior college, in 1971 after he Ryan recalled. “When I my home town and that I role as business school graduated from Coughlin walked into the class, I held business degrees.” dean for preparing him Quote: “Everyone at the college, no High School. felt I had just lowered the Ryan was a professor to become King’s College matter their role has their own part Ryan then worked for IQ of the room. It was in the McGowan School president. as an accountant for a very intimidating at fi rst, of Business for 10 years “I was selected and I of transforming these young men large international engi- but I really liked it. I got before he took over as really have enjoyed the and women’s hearts and minds. neering fi rm from 1971 a taste of higher educa- Dean of the business many parts of my job,” he to 1984. tion early on and I never school. mentioned. “When I trav- Creating knowledge and preparing “It was very interesting forgot it.” “I really enjoyed the el and get to meet alumni these students for the future is a great asset.”

and hear their stories is one is hard. But at the great. end, I make the decision “Men and women, what’s best for the col- many of whom are fi rst lege.” generation college gradu- Ryan credits everyone ates are able to identify at the college for its stu- with the demographic of dents success. students enrolled at the “Everyone at the col- college.” lege, no matter their role Since Ryan’s role over- has their own part of seeing the college, new transforming these young athletic and academic men and women’s hearts programs have seen great and minds,” Ryan said. growth, but he mentioned “Creating knowledge and how his role can be preparing these students tough. for the future is a great “It’s tough to medi- asset.” ate resource allocation because everyone has great ideas,” Ryan said. Reach Dan Stokes at 570- “Saying no to a good idea 991-6389 or on Twitter @ because there is a better ByDanStokes Sean McKeag file photos | Times Leader Creativity -Innovation -Engineering

Holy Redeemer High School 159 S. Pennsylvania Blvd. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 570.829.2424 www.holyredeemerhs.org

80911887 U of ScrantonE10

10 Sunday, December 30, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: Lackawanna College Times Leader Mark Volk, Lackawanna College

Tony Callaio | For Times Leader Mark Volk, president of Lackawanna College, exits his office to attend a meeting. Mark Volk is not your average college president.

By Marcella Kester skills – and more – to cre- apparent to Volk that he vinced Volk to return to and enter the job market the BSN degrees, helping For Times Leader ate an optimal area col- would have to rearrange Scranton, joining Lacka- at age 18 already having to meet shortages in all lege for all. his educational priorities. wanna College in 2004 an associate’s degree at of our area-wide medical He even says so him- A native of Easton, “We were blessed to as the special assistant to a cost of $6,200 or less? facilities,” he continued. self. Volk found himself a pre- have the support of both the president. He spent To complete a bachelor’s When it comes to The Lackawanna Col- law/history major at the our families, but I real- the next eight years in degree in only a year or choosing a college, the lege president and Army University of Scranton ized that law school was various roles at the col- two post high school?” he president asks students veteran can offer advice in 1973. It was there that not going to be possible lege until becoming the said. “Imagine the impact to consider what’s really on anything from educa- he met his wife, Lynn, then – and, in reality, I executive vice president, that could have on the important and to be tion, raising a family and and within two years the had for most of my life later applying for the role total cost of an education mindful of what their even how to navigate a couple was married and felt a calling to serve as as Lackawanna College and the value of money tuition dollars are going hot air balloon or be a had their first child. an officer in the military,” president after Angeli’s when one can enter the toward. While it’s nice to beekeeper. Soon after, it became he said. “Perhaps it was retirement. workforce years earlier attend a beautiful campus Volk has used all these destiny, but I met one of “Perhaps the best part with little to no loan debt. with tons of lavish extras, the Army ROTC instruc- of moving from the EVP We see this as one of our those luxuries have no tors at Scranton one day position to president was most impactful programs impact on one’s actual and that began a life- that I had already worked ever offered.” education and worth in changing set of events.” with the amazing group Lackawanna College the workforce, he said. Volk has also Volk and his staff have met "Being who you are is more expand- worked to not only keep former ed avail- Lackawanna College Lacka- able affordable, but for it to wanna important than who others pro- remain rich in diversity, College grams programs and uniqueness presi- think you should be.” in their – something he himself dent and health- believes deeply in. Name: Mark Volk ROTC instructor Ray of leaders at the college, care and sciences fields, “After all, how many Angeli, who became a so the transition into my and is the first college in hot air balloon chasing, friend and mentor. With new role was fairly easy. the area to offer degrees beekeeping, vintage snip- Job title: President of Angeli’s help and the We’d already begun to in petroleum and natural er rifle shooting, tattooed Lackawanna College creation of a new dual work on a set of priori- gas technology. Listen- college presidents do you enrollment program, Volk ties and continued that ing to student requests, know? At least one. Life was able to complete all process.” Volk also announced that is too short not to enjoy Years of service: 14.5 of the necessary ROTC A top priority for Volk the school now offers six it and if I can do anything requirements and gradu- has been the Lackawa- different bachelor degree beyond my basic role of ate from the University of nna Level Up program, programs and will be leading this fabulous col- Quote: “Higher education Scranton. which allows high school unveiling an online-only lege, it will be to show He spent the next 26 students the opportunity RN to BSN program in people that being who should be about pushing you years on active duty to earn college credits January. you are is more important out of your comfort zone, not in the Army, earning a during the summer, thus “At $299 per credit, our than who others think degree in National Secu- giving them the chance program is among the you should be,” he said. surrounding yourself with rity and Strategy from of having an associate’s lowest-priced in the coun- Visit Lackawanna.edu ideas and opinions you already the National War College degree by the time they try. We believe it will pro- to learn more about Volk before ultimately retiring graduate. vide tremendous opportu- and Lackawanna College. hold.” as a colonel. “Imagine being able nities locally and nation- It was Angeli who con- to graduate high school ally for RNs to complete Times Leader Media Group is proud to support the many prestigious colleges and universities in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. Some of the Times Leader’s most stand-out employees - from the newsroom to advertising to circulation and beyond - have succeeded because of the education they received in these schools.

As we begin a New Year, the Times Leader thanks these schools for the efforts they have made to better our communities and our residents. E11

Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: Luzerne County Community College Sunday, December 30, 2018 11 Thomas P. Leary, Luzerne County Community College

Sean McKeag | For Times Leader Luzerne County Community College President Thomas Leary stands for a portrait in his office on the college campus in Nanticoke. ANTICOKE — In his 12 years as president of Luzerne County Community College, Thomas P. Leary Ncan list a lot of accomplishments. By Bill O’Boyle literally changes people’s nity to know the faculty and alumni have grown [email protected] lives.” and connect and interact. to $6.9 million over the Leary, 67, began his Our faculty members are past 10 years; scholarship But when you ask him career at LCCC more very passionate about awards have grown to to tell you what he is than 30 years ago, serv- what they do.” approximately $350,000 most proud of, he smiles ing as assistant director Leary said he is always in scholarships awarded and talks about the stu- of admissions. During pleased when people to students each year. dents he serves — more his career, he has served come up to him in the • Expanded articula- than 5,000 each year — in several senior leader- community and they tion agreements and dual and the average age of ship positions including credit LCCC for their suc- admission agreements those students being 28. Thomas P. Leary vice president of student cess in life. He said they with many four-year col- Name: “The role of a commu- development for approxi- tell him they, too, give leges and universities in nity college is so impor- mately nine years. In back to the community. the region. tant,” Leary said. “We Title: President of Luzerne February 2008, he was To meet the unique • Growth of the Early provide an opportunity inaugurated as the sixth needs of students, Leary College Program which County Community College for many who never imag- president of the college. said LCCC makes educa- serves high school stu- ined they would pursue He also serves as an tion and training available dents. a college education. But adjunct professor of his- throughout the region, • Patrick J. Solano Vet- Years in post: 12 they come here and they tory and political science. serving the community at erans Center opened. are successful.” Leary received a bach- the 167-acre main campus • Establishment of a Leary gives a typical elor’s degree from King’s in Nanticoke, plus 10 tobacco-free campus. Quote: “The role of a example of an LCCC stu- College, a master’s degree off-campus sites, includ- • Participated in $10 dent — a single mother community college is so from the University of ing dedicated sites in million Department of who postponed her Scranton, and worked downtown Wilkes-Barre, Labor TAACCCT Grant important. We provide an education to care for her on post-graduate studies Pittston, Hazleton, Ber- to prepare students for family. opportunity for many who in a doctoral program at wick, Scranton and Sham- high demand occupa- “She had a responsibil- Temple University. okin. tions. never imagined they would ity of raising her children Leary said he most Growth is key to • Partnered with pursue a college education. But and now wants to pursue enjoys interacting with LCCC and Leary said it Luzerne County Head a career so she can better they come here and they are the students, helping continues. The LCCC Start to establish a center provide for her family,” them adjust to challenges foundation has increased on campus. successful.” Leary said. “She comes they may face when arriv- from $2.5 million to $6.5 • Creation of the here and she finds a path ing on campus. million. Goldman Sachs Learn- — an area she finds inter- “It’s amazing to watch “That speaks to the ing Center at the LCCC validate an international History esting — and it’s avail- how their lives change impact LCCC is having in Northumberland Regional college credential. LCCC has been serv- able at an affordable cost. while they are here,” the community,” he said. Center in Shamokin. Human Services ing the community since That’s what a community Leary said. “And we have Accomplishments ESL program The LCCC Human Ser- it first opened on River college is all about. This small class sizes here, giv- • Joseph A. Pagli- LCCC launched a new vices program specializes Street in Wilkes-Barre is a special place that ing students the opportu- anite Culinary Institute English as a Second in addiction recovery and in October 1967. Today, opened. Language (ESL) pro- is designed to prepare LCCC offers more than • Francis S. and Mary gram which offers credit students for work in the 100 degree, certificate Gill Carrozza, R.N. equivalent courses to drug and alcohol field and diploma programs Health Sciences Cen- potential full-time and specializing in peer sup- and an extensive array of ter opened, which also part-time college students port recovery. non-credit programming includes the Benco Den- whose first language is The curriculum was to almost 16,000 students tal Clinic. not English. created in conjunc- each year. • Expansion of the The program is a new tion with Pennsylvania “So much has changed, Public Safety Training English language skill Recovery Organizations yet one constant remains Institute to include the building program for aca- Alliance (PRO-A). It is the same — our mission Walk of Honor. demic purposes, designed for individuals interested to serve our students and • Increase in communi- to bridge the gap that in pursuing the Certi- the community,” Leary ty and alumni fundraising exists for a growing popu- fied Recovery Specialist said. Sean McKeag | For Times Leader (CRS) credential through Luzerne County Community College President Thomas efforts for scholarships, lation of non-native Eng- Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570- the PA Certification Leary discusses accomplishments during his 12-years as capital and instructional lish speakers who wish to 991-6118 or on Twitter @ Board (PCB). president of the college in Nanticoke. equipment — foundation earn a college degree or TLBillOBoyle. 80914051 WilkesE12

12 Sunday, December 30, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: Marywood university Times Leader Sister Mary Persico, Marywood University

Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader Marywood University President Sister Mary Persico feels back home at the Scranton campus. She’s held the top position at Marywood since 2016.

CRANTON — For Sister Mary Persico, president of Scranton’s Marywood University, the school has Salways had a special place in her heart.

By Patrick Kernan Mich., a position that she non-traditional students programs” — dietetics, [email protected] said helped her make the than ever: adult learners architecture, nursing and transition into working in who want to go back to physician assistant cours- “If I had to be working higher education. school, first-generation es and speech language anywhere, I’d like it to be And based on what Per- students who might need pathology — along with here,” Persico said. sico sees, she thinks high- a bit more financial help the traditional liberal Taking on the role er education is changing. and others. She said that arts. of the university’s 12th “It’s always been com- Marywood is working to She also said the uni- president in 2016 was petitive, but now it’s meet the needs of all of versity has been commit- Name: Sister Mary Persico a homecoming of sorts more so,” she explained. these students. ted to adding new cours- for Persico, a Hazleton “Students want to be in- Part of that, she said, es, such as an upcoming native who respiratory Title: President attended therapy pro- the school gram and a previously. new profes- Years in post: 3 She’s spent sional writing most of course. Mary- her life in wood has also Quote: “It’s always been education, been partner- working as ing with other competitive, but now it’s more so. the princi- universities Students want to be in-demand pal at Notre and local orga- Dame High nizations, like immediately.” School the Creative in East and Perform- Strouds- ing Arts Acad- one, Marywood empow- “When I was younger, burg, Mon- emy of NEPA, ers students to discover I thought I’d never come roe County. to bring new their passion and realize back,” she recalled, say- “I feel experiences to their purpose.” ing she planned to leave energized students. She said this promise the region. But even by young After a has struck a chord with though she did that for people,” she recent brand alumni she’s discussed it some time, she was still noted. research with. drawn back by Mary- Before project, Mary- “A lot of alumni have wood’s opportunity. taking on wood has a told me they found their “It’s always good to the presi- Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader Marywood University President Sister Mary Persico, IHM. new “brand purpose here,” she said. come home.” dency at promise,” And, in many ways, it Marywood, though, she demand immediately.” includes a deeper focus which is emblazoned on seems as though Persico Reach Patrick Kernan at worked for a stint with In addition to this, Per- on what she called the the inside of the universi- herself has found her pur- 570-991-6386 or on Twit- Trinity Health in Livonia, sico said there are more university’s “signature ty’s magazine: “From day pose at Marywood. ter @PatKernan

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Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: mISERICORDIA uNIvERSITy Sunday, December 30, 2018 13 Tom Botzman, Misericordia University

Aimee Dilger | Times Leader Misericordia University President Tom Botzman sits in his office. ALLAS TWP. — Sage advice from the president of Misericordia University: If your mother crafts a Dclever clown costume for Halloween out of crepe paper, stay dry.

By Mark Guydish it.” center in Akron, Botzman fi nancial [email protected] Yet the parents set the found his fi rst job. offi cer for precedent for tireless He also found the business. “I did not realize I devotion to tough causes. secret to success, in any A lack would start to dissolve if I Dad made wooden toys job, one he readily admits of any went bobbing for apples,” in his spare time, includ- using repeatedly since. account- Tom Botzman recounted ing “At least 50 trains. He “I got to work with a ing Name: Tom Botzman with a laugh. “I had would give his creations lot of really smart people, degree unique coloration.” to the school with the many research types. My proved Indeed, he tells a life caveat that a toy reward job was to fi nd out what irrel- Title: President of Misericordia University story with a great deal “wasn’t for the smart- they were researching evant. of unique coloration. est kid, it was for the and try to make some- “Same Immigrant parents from kid who did the most to thing out of it. All I had thing as Quote: “The world changes, we change with it. “somewhere in Eastern really try that year.” to do was fi gure out what when I I’m not a polymer engineer anymore, and I’m Europe;” both grandfa- Despite running a to do with all those cool went into thers working as miners home of 15, mom found ideas. teaching: certainly not in the Boy Scouts anymore. I don’t in the aptly named coal boundless hours to help “That has served me Trans- teach statistics courses anymore. But there are town of Crucible, near others. “If there was a very well in higher edu- ferable Pittsburgh; growing clothing drive, or a need cation, where I’m sur- skills, but a lot of transferable skills that helped make me up with 12 siblings in to clean something up rounded by people who not expe- successful. That’s a lot of what we’re trying to a house of about 1,100 in a park, she had her are a whole lot smarter rienced square feet. (“We had six own group to drop off than I am.” doing build here.” in one bedroom for a long and get the work done,” After eight years and exactly time.”) he smiled. “She was the 12 patents at Goodyear, that,” he million (the previous high And he admits his own Then there was his county volunteer of the with a business degree said. “I’d say 80 percent was $19 million), and the story is one of unexpect- most memorable pet, year.” earned at Kent State in of working in higher edu- soon-to-be new Henry ed success. “I’m the one Brewster the Rooster. The high-achievement his spare time, Botzman cation is building relation- Science Center, which they didn’t see coming.” “Cramped” may describe gene transferred to the heard Mt. Union College ships.” will be the largest build- That success shapes his childhood quarters 13 siblings. “All nine boys was looking for a teacher That lasted another ing on campus at 78,000 view of higher ed, which inside the Akron, Ohio, were Eagle Scouts, all in business statistics and nine years, until he land- square feet, taking the he believes must prepare homestead, but the yard four girls were Gold Star international business. ed the top spot at Miseri- title from iconic Mercy students for an “inter-pro- boasted suffi cient space Girl Scouts.” With zero teaching expe- cordia. While vhe stresses Hall itself, about 74,000 fessional’ world where job for the strutting cock. Somehow he managed rience but ample hands- the school was doing well square feet. boundaries are constantly How could a university to pay for a bachelor’s on knowledge in those when he came in 2013, “In 1921 they broke blurred. president spring from all degree at Case Western topics (having worked in he humbly offers a litany ground for Mercy Hall, “The world changes, this? Consider the old in nearby Cleveland, Luxembourg for Good- of accomplishments since by 2021 I’m hoping the we change with it. I’m notion of standing on the thinking he would go year for a while), he arriving. New degree science center will be not a polymer engineer shoulders of giants. pre-med but quickly real- made the leap to higher programs, new buildings, done,” he said. “There is anymore, and I’m cer- “I was surprised to izing that wasn’t a good ed, teaching full-time. new stress on research symmetry.” tainly not in the Boy get to go to college,” fi t. As if subconsciously The shoulders of giants (including a summer As his history suggests, Scouts anymore. I don’t Botzman smiled. His heeding the advice of Mr. continued to forge his internship program), it has always been about teach statistics courses father had skipped higher McGuire in 1967’s The success. “I was really more parking, an expan- levelling the playing fi eld anymore. But there are a ed to fulfi ll a dream of Graduate, Botzman gravi- fortunate to be working sion of the Women With for the less advantaged. lot of transferable skills becoming a machinist, his tated toward one word: with a number of really Children program, numer- Even when asked his that helped make me suc- mother earned a degree “Plastics.” outstanding teachers, so ous community service favorite Christmas gift, cessful. and became a teacher “It was a big thing,” he again that made the tran- clinics in the health care that idea comes out. “That’s a lot of what aid and a librarian who remembered. It was the sition much smoother.” fi eld, a new full-tuition “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em we’re trying to build worked with special late 1970s and “that was Mt. Union was home scholarship program. robots were big,” he here.” needs students. There a big part of where the for 15 years as he worked The list is long, but the laughs, “That was one was not a lot of money to future of the economy his way up to academic capstone is sure to be the where you had an equal send 13 kids to school. “I was going.” When Good- dean. Then he applied for largest capital campaign opportunity, even if you Reach Mark Guydish at couldn’t fi gure out how I year announced they a job at St. Mary’s Col- in the school’s history as weren’t the biggest per- 570-991-6112 or on Twit- was ever going to afford were opening a new tech lege in Maryland as chief they work to raise $30 son.” ter @TLMarkGuydish

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14 Sunday, December 30, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: Pennsylvania College of Technology Times Leader Davie Jane Gilmour, Penn College

Name: Davie Jane Gilmour

Hometown: Williamsport

Job, title: President, Pennsylvania College of Technology

Years of service: 20 as President; 41 with the College

Davie Jane Gilmour has been the president of Pennsylvania College of Technology for 20 years. Looking back, it’s easy to connect the dots that placed Davie Jane Gilmour in the position she’s in today.

By Marcella Kester a young age. Gilmour year. plastics programs in the students, Gilmour said pleased to announce that For Times Leader did just that, earning The college offers country. watching graduates flour- for the last six years Penn her bachelor’s degree in more than 100 academic Running a college ish in the workplace after College has been able to dental hygiene at West programs with varying doesn’t come without its graduation makes all the keep tuition increases Gilmour is the presi- Liberty University before degree options, from trials and tribulations, struggles worthwhile. at just four percent or dent of the Pennsylvania landing the title as the Brewing and Fermenta- Gilmour noted, especially “Keeping our lab equip- less. She said she does College of Technology – first full-time instructor tion Science to Gaming a college that primarily ment and facilities up-to- this through maximiz- also known also as Penn at Penn College (then and Simulation Program- concentrates in fields date to accommodate our ing student scholarships, College – a local and named Wil- applied tech- creating industry collabo- national leader in deliver- liamsport nology focus rations, controlling costs ing applied technology Area Commu- is always and more. education while produc- nity College) challenging, “Keeping tuition costs ing what Gilmour dubs when it began given the as low as possible is “tomorrow makers” for it’s new den- associated always a primary goal in the future. tal hygiene costs, but we our budgeting process; it “We are a student- program. continually is vital for our students, centered institution that She has cooperate many of whom are the prides itself on teaching been with the with busi- first from their families to – often by faculty with higher educa- ness and attend college,” she said. real-world experience – tion system industry to “Penn College is chang- and hands-on learning, ever since, assist us in ing lives using the ‘future reflecting our unique even earning that regard,” made by hand’ approach educational mission,” she her master’s she said, to technology education. said. “Our ultimate goal is degree and explaining We are not a technical col- to no longer be regarded a Ph.D. in that while lege; we are a college of as a ‘best-kept secret’ in health educa- students technology. Students get higher education, but to tion from get to learn a complete education and be recognized both in Penn State. on state- a full college experience Pennsylvania and nation- Spending of-the-art on the path to becoming wide for the success of four decades equipment ‘tomorrow makers’ and our educational model at the school Davie Jane Gilmour, president of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, has been at the school for businesses future leaders.” and our reputation as a – 20 years as four decades. receive new For more information leader in workforce devel- president - graduates about the Pennsylvania opment.” Gilmour has watched the ming, Industrial Design of ever-advancing tech- who already have knowl- College of Technology, Originally from Enola, college grow not only in to Nursing. It even has nologies. Despite facing edge of how to use the visit pct.edu. The col- Gilmour said her mother, its programs offered, but a bachelor’s degree in challenges of keeping the equipment in the work- lege’s next open house is a teacher herself, and through the thousands of Welding and Fabrication campus and programs up- place. April 6. father pushed the idea students who graduate Engineering Technology - to-date without pushing Speaking of tuition of going to college from into the workforce each one of just six accredited the cost of upkeep onto costs, Gilmour was

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Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: PENN STATE hAzLETON Sunday, December 30, 2018 15 Gary Lawler, Penn State Hazleton

Gary Lawler taught at Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, N.Y., before coming to Penn State Hazleton. AZLETON – It was Northeastern Pennsylvania’s natural, scenic landscape that made Dr. Gary Lawler decide to make the Wyoming Valley his new home, relocating from Vermont to take on Hhis position at Penn State Hazleton.

By Marcella Kester dack Community College State University of New Hazleton through various For Times Leader in Queensbury, N.Y., for York at Albany. collaborations, includ- more than two decades, During his tenure at ing partnering with local which is where he earned Penn State Hazleton, organizations to launch Lawler is the chancellor his associate’s degree in Lawler has spearheaded Hazleton LaunchBox – an of the university branch, math and science studies. the “Every Student innovation hub that will serving Penn State Hazle- After obtaining a his Counts!” initiative while offer everything from ton and its surrounding bachelor’s degree, Lawler sitting on various facul- academic to business and community since 2007. continued onto his mas- ties, increasing diversity funding programs after Before taking his posi- ter’s in math as well as a and programming, driv- its scheduled launch in tion with the university, Gary Lawler doctorate in Curriculum ing campus beautifi ca- 2019. Name: Lawler taught at Adiron- and Instruction from the tion and more. For the His efforts to reinforce chancellor, its the community relationships Title: Chancellor at Penn State people of Penn can be seen through his State Hazleton multiple commitments to Hazleton that make his job community organizations, worthwhile. such as the Hazleton “First, I’m Public Library, Partners Quote: “First, I’m most proud of the most proud of in Education, Greater incredible students at Penn State the incredible Hazleton Chamber of students at Penn Commerce and more. The Hazleton. They are bright, respectful, State Hazleton. Concerned Parents of the diverse and engaged individuals They are bright, Hazleton Area recently respectful, diverse honored Lawler with a who bring life to the campus as they and engaged indi- Humanitarian Award. follow their pathway to success.” viduals who bring Through efforts to life to the campus remain state-of-the-art as they follow and offer in-demand their pathway programs, the university said, noting an upcom- dents to visit and explore to success,” he has been undergoing a ing Health Policy and these colleges and univer- said. “Secondly, complete transforma- Administration program, sities and to meet with I’m proud of the tion over the last few expanding its healthcare faculty, staff and students faculty and staff years by investing in new programs, a recent $15.5 to become more familiar at the campus programs, infrastructure million renovation to the with all aspects of the because they all and facilities to meet the Kostos building and sev- institution under consid- are here for the demands and needs of its eral upcoming fi tness and eration. The most impor- right reasons: to student population. recreation upgrades. tant thing, though, is to help students be “The university care- Lawler said college ask a lot of questions.” successful.” fully researches the applicants should take the Visit hazleton.psu.edu Lawler and the area where new degree time to visit with colleges for more information, or Penn State Hazle- programs are being and universities they are sign up for Penn State ton community considered and explores interested in attending Hazleton’s next open have joined in the businesses, opportunities fi rst hand. house Jan. 26. effort to revital- and job forecasts to help “I would encourage stu- Gary Lawler is chancellor at Penn State Hazleton. ize downtown graduates succeed,” he

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16 Sunday, December 30, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: PENN STATE SCRANTON Times Leader Marwan Wafa, Penn State Scranton

Fred Adama | For Times Leader

Marwan Wafa has been chancellor of Penn State Scranton since 2015.

CRANTON – Marwan Wafa knows the importance of a good foundation. As a civil engineer in SKuwait, he learned this in the literal sense, by building bridges and retaining walls.

By Connor Moffi tt education and serves as Penn State Scranton. He his passion for helping cmoffi [email protected] a reminder of how he got believes this is better for the campus community where he is today. the campus community comes from the love of “Engineers deal with Wafa became chancel- and name recognition. By his own family. structure, and it has to lor in 2015 and since then referring to the campus He raised four children be sound,” he said. “You has been hard at work as anything other than and says he has learned a start building below strengthening the founda- Penn State, students and lot from each one. ground level and go up.” tion of the Penn State prospective students were “Each time [one of my But after almost two Scranton community. understating the value children] had a bad expe- years of working in what One of the fi rst changes of the Penn State degree rience at college I prom- Wafa describes as the Wafa worked for was in that can be earned there. ised myself not to let that hottest populated place the security department. But perhaps the change happen to anyone’s child,” Name: Marwan Wafa on Earth, he decided it While the campus has that affected the campus he said. “I feel that every was time for a change and always been secured by a foundation the most was student here, regardless came to the United States campus safety team, Wafa the change to one of the of age, gender or back- Title: Chancellor of Penn State to pursue further educa- saw room for improve- campus’s strategic goals. ground, that person is a Scranton tion. ment and was able to Wafa changed one of dear one to someone, to a Now, as the chancellor start a full fl edged cam- the campus’s goals to mother, father, husband, of Penn State Scranton, pus police department. state “Welcoming Cam- wife, child or loved one Years in post: 4 Wafa keeps a collection He got the campus its pus.” As the chancellor, and I want them to love of miniature fl ags on dis- own police car and was how does Wafa translate learning.” play atop his conference even able to be the fi rst to this goal into the day-to- To anyone who may be Quote: “Anyone who walks on table. Each fl ag is for a ride in it. day services the campus considering the next step to this campus with the hope of state that is dear to him Another even more provides? in their academic journey, for a different reason. noticeable change “It has to come from Wafa offers some advice. earning a Penn State University Such as South Carolina, comes in the form of the the heart,” he says. “Any- “Whatever their degree degree should feel welcome for example, where Wafa campus’s name. Until one who walks on to this might be, and whatever got his Ph.D. in Indus- recently, the campus was campus with the hope institution they might because we are going to go out trial Management from referred to offi cially as of earning a Penn State choose, the number one of our way to do whatever we can Clemson University, or Penn State Worthington University degree should point I’d like to empha- Indiana where he got his Scranton. Popularly the feel welcome because we size as an academic is to help that person achieve their fi rst academic job at the campus would often be are going to go out of our that people deserve to dream.” University of Southern referred to as Penn State way to do whatever we invest in themselves and Indiana. Worthington or even sim- can to help that person that is through higher Each fl ag represents a ply “Worthington.” achieve their dream.” education,” he said. building block in the foun- Wafa spent a year work- Wafa sees the com- “I want to help them dation of Wafa’s career in ing with the university munity at Penn State succeed in that journey of to change the name to Scranton as a family, and theirs.” 80912793 E17

Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: PENN STATE wILkES-bARRE Sunday, December 30, 2018 17 Dale Jones, Penn State Wilkes-Barre Penn State Wilkes-Barre leader looking to grow campus

Dr. Dale Jones has been chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State Wilkes-Barre in Lehman Township for the last two years.

EHMAN TWP. — The two years Dr. Dale Jones has been at the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus Lhave gone by quickly. By Jerry Lynott century of higher learning responsible for oversee- las P. Jones. [email protected] with a fi rm plan in place. ing its development that Back on the local “So what we intend to comports with the overall campus of about 460 stu- He’ll begin his third do over the next 10 years, big-picture mission of the dents, it’s a collaborative year as chancellor and the 10 years since the university and fulfi llment effort, too. chief academic offi cer in anniversary which started of Penn State’s land grant “It isn’t just me,” Chan- Name: Dale Jones January, displaying an in 2016, is to create a mission of access and cellor Jones said. “It’s the evident enthusiasm and dynamic campus with affordability to students. entire faculty working to feeding off the energy at enrollment growth, a high “I lead here on the deliver a world-class edu- Title: Chancellor at Penn State performance organization one hand autonomously cation for our students. the Back Mountain cam- Wilkes-Barre pus. and a fi rst-class faculty. in many ways. But also And so we work together “Higher education is Those are the pillars,” we’re one university. We to look for ways to offer truly are one university. degrees that are benefi cial fast-paced, believe it or Jones said. Years in post: 2 not. There’s a lot going On his campus, Jones And so I’m part of the to students in this region on,” Jones said during a is in the process of university’s executive of the state.” recent interview. updating the fi ve-year leadership team,” Jones Spurring development Quote: “So what we intend to do The local campus, strategic plan that will said. A new addition is the established in 1916, has cover the time period of Each month, he travels supply chain management over the next 10 years, the 10 years embarked on its second 2020 through 2024. He is to State College to meet degree at a time when the since the anniversary which started with logistics and warehouse deans sectors are setting up in 2016, is to create a dynamic of the shop in Northeastern campus with enrollment growth, a colleg- Pennsylvania. The Hazle- es and ton and Scranton cam- high performance organization and other puses offer the program a fi rst-class faculty. Those are the chan- as well. cellors, In conjunction with pillars.” uni- the Invent Penn State versity initiative that applies munity to spur economic where I wanted to lead an Presi- the university’s research development,” Jones said. institution and I was pre- dent and entrepreneurialism If he was a student pared to do that,” Jones Dr. resources to spur eco- today, he would “abso- said. Eric nomic development and lutely” want to attend Prior to Penn State, Barron create jobs, the local cam- Penn State. But it’s been Jones previously served and pus has a “launchbox” years since he graduated as vice president for Execu- at the THINK Center in from the U.S. Air Force strategy, administra- tive downtown Wilkes-Barre. Academy and he’s fol- tion and board affairs at Vice The campus participates lowed a lengthy path in Hampden-Sydney College Presi- in the initiative in con- the military, government in Virginia. He and wife dent junction with the Greater and academics to Lehman Kristen reside locally. and Wilkes-Barre Chamber Township. Pro- of Commerce to mentor “It was a decision that Dr. Dale Jones, who leads Penn State Wilkes-Barre, is shown during a recent interview. The vost area students. was based on career Reach Jerry Lynott at Back Mountain campus celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016, and Jones plans to grow Dr. “That’s the reach of the advancement. It was at 570-991-6120 or on Twit- enrollment over the next 10 years. Nicho- university into our com- the point in my career ter @TLJerryLynott.

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18 Sunday, December 30, 2018 PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: ThE uNIvERSITy OF SCRANTON Times Leader Rev. Scott Pilarz, University of Scranton

Submitted photo Father Scott Pilarz CRANTON — Rev. Scott Pilarz has a unique vantage point on the outlook for the University of SScranton. By Patrick Kernan ing its commitment to to get students to work focusing exclu- [email protected] the region. side-by-side with profes- sively on being “We’re working to make sors on special projects, president for the While Pilarz took over our resources available to saying that students are fi rst year, and as the 27th president of the region,” Pilarz said, “hungry for that opportu- then plans on the university in July, this specifi cally highlighting nity.” adding a class isn’t his fi rst go-around a new task force recently “There’s enough inter- onto his work- on campus; he previously established on campus est in that, even if we load. served as the university’s focusing on “healing, grew it four times, we’d A native of 24th president from 2003 reconciliation and hope” still have a long list of Cherry Hill, N.J., Name: Rev. Scott Pilarz to 2011. in light of recent develop- students waiting for the Pilarz says that During his previous ments with the ongoing program,” he said. he sees Scran- stint as president, Pilarz sexual abuse scandal in Pilarz is a scholar ton, especially Title: President of the University of said one of his main the Catholic Church. himself — a professor the university focuses was on construct- Pilarz said that the of medieval and Renais- community, as a Scranton ing new buildings and university will soon be sance literature — and second home of infrastructure of which launching its new capital has spent time at a hand- sorts. the university was in des- campaign and, unlike his ful of academic institu- “It’s about the Years in post: 9 (2003-2011, 2018) perate need. previous tour of duty in tions around the country. people that are This time, though, Scranton, the majority of He was previously the here,” he said. the university has those the money raised will be president of Georgetown “What makes this Quote: “It’s about the people that things, so the focus is a going toward the univer- Prep, a Jesuit prepara- place unique is are here. What makes this place bit different. According sity’s endowment. tory school in Maryland, the quality of the to Pilarz, the university “What we need is to before his fi rst time as people that are unique is the quality of the people now has a threefold com- make sure we’re offering president at the Univer- here together.” that are here together.” mitment. The university the kind of program- sity of Scranton. He also will be focusing on build- ming that can only grow served as the president of ing its sense of commu- through scholarships,” Marquette University in nity, broadening its focus Pilarz said. Milwaukee from 2011 to on the liberal arts and One specifi c program 2013. humanities and increas- he mentioned is an effort Pilarz says he plans on

TIMES LEADER MEDIA GROUP

Jerry Lynott is the Times Leader Media Group’s reporter covering Wilkes-Barre. He began working as a night reporter in October 1988 and has covered a variety of beats. He lives on a family farm in Wyoming County with his wife, Jean, and daughter, Sarah. Jerry is a proud graduate of the University of Scranton, and the Times Leader is proud he chose to live and work locally.

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Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL PROFILES: wILkES uNIvERSITy Sunday, December 30, 2018 19 Patrick Leahy, Wilkes University

Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader Wilkes University President Patrick F. Leahy smiles as he talks about his seven years at the downtown school and his plans for the future. ILKES-BARRE — As Dr. Patrick Leahy looks back on his seven years as president of Wilkes Univer- Wsity he said one thing comes to mind — pride. By Bill O’Boyle the administration at the ment of an online gradu- for Registered Nurses there are a few capital all those relationships,” [email protected] University of Scranton. ate nursing program, (NCLEX-RN). Leahy said improvement projects he Leahy said. “Yes, I’m He will be Monmouth’s drawing 1,000 students Wilkes bachelor of sci- wants to get started, the excited about this new Leahy, 50, will leave 10th president. from 2014 to 2017. Wil- ence in nursing graduates Ralston Athletic Complex opportunity, but not with- Wilkes at the end of During his tenure at kes now has an under- taking the test between needs a face-lift, and a out considerable trepida- July to become the new Wilkes, Leahy intro- graduate enrollment of October 2017 and Sep- new admissions/wellness tion.” president of Monmouth duced 20 new academic 2,500 and a full- and part- tember 2018 achieved a center is planned. Leahy said he and his University in New Jer- programs, the school’s time graduate student 95.12 percent pass rate. “We’ve accomplished wife had two children sey. Until then, Leahy fi rst Ph.D. program and body of more than 3,000. That exceeds the a lot in seven years and when they arrived at is intent upon fi nishing the university’s fi rst Monmouth Univer- national average of 88.56 there is still a lot to be Wilkes and have added some projects and con- fi ve patents. Leahy was sity has an enrollment of percent and the Pennsyl- done,” Leahy said. two more since becoming tinuing to improve all instrumental in construc- 6,167, with nearly 5,000 vania average of 92.84 Bittersweet days ahead president. thing at Wilkes. tion and renovations at undergraduates. percent. Its also marks Leahy said he was “I will always hold a “What is most satisfy- the campus totaling more Faculty growth the highest pass rate of “quite happy” at Wilkes special place in my heart ing is how people feel than $100 million. Since 2012, Leahy said bachelor’s-degree grant- when Monmouth came for Wilkes for the rest of about Wilkes University,” “You can see the cos- Wilkes has grown the ing nursing programs in calling. He said he has my life,” Leahy said. Leahy said. “The level of metic changes, but it’s full-time faculty from 160 Luzerne and Lackawanna mixed feelings about leav- pride has gone up con- harder to show all the members to 193 mem- counties. ing his current job where siderably since I’ve been other academic and pro- bers, an increase of more Work to be done he has developed many here.” gram changes,” Leahy than 20 percent at a time Before he leaves for solid relationships and Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570- Leahy has served as said. when many institutions Monmouth, Leahy said friendships. 991-6118 or on Twitter @ president of Wilkes since Sitting in his offi ce at are decreasing the num- there are several items “This is not easy for TLBillOBoyle. 2012, having served the Weckesser Hall, Leahy ber of faculty members. on his to-do list. He said me to say goodbye to previous eight years in talked about the develop- “This academic year alone, we welcomed 17 new faculty members to campus,” Leahy said. “And there are people on our faculty who will spend the lives here. Those individuals should have a say in the decision- making process.” Leahy also said the Wil- Name: Patrick Leahy kes faculty has not only increased in size, but in diversity as well. Title: President of Wilkes University “And that refl ects the diversity of our students,” he said. Years in Post: 7 Nursing program Leahy smiled when he talked about the success Quote: “What is most satisfying of the Wilkes University is how people feel about Wilkes Passan School of Nurs- University. The level of pride has gone ing that has achieved a pass rate that exceeds upconsiderably since I’ve been here.” the national and state Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader averages on the National Wilkes University President Patrick F. Leahy answers questions about improvements made over his Licensure Examination seven years in office.

Kerry Miscavage, Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Times Leader Media Group is a proud 1995 Wilkes University Graduate. In her 23 year tenure at the Times Leader she has had various leadership roles. E20 JOIN OUR TEAM! Paid Internships and Full & Part-Time Positions

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