Colleges a Boon for Region's Economy

Colleges a boon for region’s economy

By Bill O’Boyle [email protected] WILKES-BARRE — Wico Van Genderen, presi- University, said she ran a dent/CEO of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of high-level model of eco- Commerce, said there is a “collegiate energy” in nomic impact based on the Luzerne County that now extends from downtown number of employees at Wilkes-Barre to the Back Mountain and beyond. Wilkes, Kings, Misericordia, “The alignment of business and academics makes LCCC, and PSU/WB. She for a great local economic ecosystem,” Van Genderen said since it is based only said. “Wilkes, Kings, Misericordia, Penn State/Wil- on current employment and kes-Barre, and Luzerne County Community College doesn’t include student and have all expanded their programs and their facilities, visitor spending, it is a very resulting in more students and deeper specializa- conservative estimate of the tions.” economic impact in Luzerne Van Genderen said Wilkes and Kings have seen County. the largest increases in incoming undergraduate “Luzerne County has a and graduate students, resulting in new downtown number of higher education investments and a regional “college-town” vibe. institutions which contrib- Strong academic capital provides a great ecosys- ute so much to the region,” tem for STEM-based innovation, research, entrepre- Ooms said. “First, they sup- neurial creativity and business activity — not just in port economic development higher education, but in critical specialty trades as activities since they have Aimee Dilger | Times Leader well, Van Genderen said. the capacity to provide a Teri Ooms, executive director of The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development at “With high demand for graduates of LCCC’s weld- trained and skilled work- Wilkes University, speaks at the recent Lackawanna and Luzerne Regional Indicators Forum at ing, automotive and additive manufacturing pro- force. Workforce is the pri- Mohegan Sun Pocono. grams, there’s now a waiting list to enroll at LCCC’s mary driver determining if a important role is providing the area with a workforce Technology Center,” he said. “Add academic capital, business will locate in a region.” that is well-equipped to handle their jobs. business innovation, and community leadership and Ooms said from the community college programs “There’s nothing more important than an appropri- you have a strong synergy in which the whole is to the professional degree programs, higher educa- ately educated workforce,” Durkin said. “Education is greater than the sum of its parts.” tion creates the workforce pipeline in Luzerne and an absolute necessity.” Van Genderen said by connecting the academic Lackawanna counties. According to a study done by the Association of capital of the colleges and universities to the growing “Equally important and mostly overlooked, higher Independent Colleges & Universities of Pennsylva- and diverse businesses and to the community’s social education is an economic driver in and of itself,” nia, private colleges and universities play a major role sector, you create “a fertile Petrie dish” producing Ooms said. “The institutions are criticized for being in the state’s economy: sustainable economic momentum. nonprofits, i.e. exempt from property taxes, but their • $5.67 billion — Salaries and wages paid to Teri Ooms, executive director of the Institute for economic impact supports our communities in so employees, making private colleges and universities Public Policy & Economic Development at Wilkes many different ways.” the fourth largest industry employer in PA. Ooms said the colleges and universities are major • $9.6 billion — Institutional expenditures. employers with family-sustaining jobs. She said • $1.8 billion — Student and visitor spending employees reinvest their earnings in the region ($1.7 billion in student spending, $155 million in through purchasing local goods and services. And the visitor spending). schools themselves buy local goods and services. • $1.1 billion — Value of federal funds received for “Further, there is impact of student spending and research and development projects. additional spending when their families and friends • $945 million — Construction and renovation come to visit,” Ooms said. “Finally, their capital proj- projects. ects create short-term economic boosts through con- • $167 million — State payroll taxes. struction. All in all, their collective annual economic • $136 million — Municipal taxes (wages and impact — not including student and visitor spending local services taxes). — is about $421 million annually, and they employ • $17.9 billion — Total economic impact of private about 2,000 individuals.” college and universities in Pennsylvania. According to Bob Durkin, president and CEO of Another study done by the Association of Inde- the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the pendent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania local educational facilities play an important part in — The Economic Impact of Independent Higher the economy of not just the Scranton area, but that of Education in Pennsylvania — revealed that the nearly Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. 290,000 students enrolled at independent colleges “All the colleges and universities have an impact and universities in Pennsylvania spend $1 billion on Lackawanna and Luzerne counties,” Durkin said. Sean McKeag | Times Leader annually, or $2.7 million a day at local Pennsylvania “And it’s very positive.” Wico Van Genderen, president and CEO of the Greater Wilkes-Barre businesses. The total economic impact of this spend- Durkin said the educational institutions’ most Chamber of Commerce. ing is $1.7 billion. E2

2 Sunday, December 31, 2017 PRESIDENTIAL FILES Times Leader Index of College Presidents Page 3 kINg’S coLLEgE - Rev. John Ryan Page 4 LuzERNE couNTy commuNITy coLLEgE - Thomas P. Leary Page 5 mISERIcoRDIA uNIvERSITy - Thomas Botzman Page 6 PENN STATE hAzLEToN - Dr. Gary Lawler Page 7 PENN STATE wILkES-bARRE - Vernon Dale Jones Page 8 SchooL oF PRAcTIcAL NuRSINg AND hEALTh cARE - Mary Beth Pacuska Page 9 wILkES uNIvERSITy - Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Page 10 cLARkS SummIT uNIvERSITy - Jim Lytle Page 11 gEISINgER commoNwEALTh SchooL oF mEDIcINE - Steven J. Scheinman, MD Page 12 johNSoN coLLEgE - Dr. Ann L. Pipinski Page 13 kEySToNE coLLEgE - Dr. David L. Coppola Page 14 LAckAwANNA coLLEgE - Mark Volk Page 15 mARywooD uNIvERSITy - Sister Mary Persico Page 16 PENN STATE woRThINgToN - Dr. Marwan A. Wafa Page 19 uNIvERSITy oF ScRANToN - Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J. 3 tips to ﬁ nding the right graduate program

Graduate school allows college graduates the Current students and recent graduates can provide While many people enroll in graduate programs chance to intensify their studies as they pursue a unique perspective that prospective grad students to improve their earning potential, some students advanced degrees. Many professions require won’t get from brochures or online research, no mat- may not enjoy that benefi t. The cost of grad school advanced degrees, but students may enroll in gradu- ter how exhaustive that research might be. Encour- varies depending on the school and the program, but ate school for various reasons, including their own age students and recent grads to be candid, asking prospective grad students may want to change their intellectual curiosity and the chance to improve their them about their experiences as grad students and, plans if the cost of obtaining an advanced degree earning potential. for recent grads, how they fared in the job market will greatly affect their fi nancial freedom for years to Choosing a graduate program is an important deci- after earning their degrees. Don’t discount the latter, come. Students worried about their post-grad school sion that can impact students’ career prospects and as grad school is an investment of time, energy and earning potential may want to choose less expensive fi nancial futures. According to Peterson’s Real Guide money, and that should lead to professional fulfi ll- programs so they can still pursue their degrees with- to Colleges and Universities, the average annual ment upon graduating. out mortgaging their fi nancial futures. tuition for a graduate program at a public univer- Graduate school requires a substantial investment sity is $30,000, while graduate students at private of time, energy and money. Prospective grad students universities can expect to pay nearly $40,000 each 3. Be realistic about your should do everything possible to ensure they invest year. Such fi gures illustrate just how important it is in the grad school that best suits their particular for prospective graduate students to fi nd the right fi nances. needs. schools for them. 1. Conduct exhaustive research.

Because the cost of graduate school is so substantial, students should be extra diligent when researching potential grad schools. Gather as much information about each school as possible, even con- tacting department heads and/or profes- sors to learn if a given program is best for you. Graduate programs tend to be specialized, so make sure each school you’re considering offers exactly what you’re seeking. For example, graduate programs in history may specialize in a particular period of history. As a result, students who want to pursue graduate degrees in history must fi nd the program that allows them to study the period that most inter- ests them. Finding such programs requires extensive research, so students must afford themselves ample time. 2. Speak to current students and recent graduates.

is a proud supporter of

72 GeorGe ave. | Wilkes-Barre, pa

80875725 KingsE3

Times Leader Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL FILES: kINg’S coLLEgE Sunday, December 31, 2017 3 Rev. John Ryan

Location: Wilkes-Barre Enrollment: 2,308 Founded: 1946 by the Congregation of Holy Cross from the University of Notre Dame. Academic Programs: King’s off ers 36 majors in Business, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Sciences and Allied Health programs. Athletics: King’s off ers 23 Division III athletic programs for men and women. Ryan’s goals for 2018 • King’s plans to renovate two buildings downtown, the former Presbyterian Memorial Church on North Street and the former Spring Brook Water building on North Franklin Street.

•The North Street structure will become the new Christ the King Chapel, and the North Franklin Street building will becoming the Mulligan Center for Engineering.

Quotable “No matter what area (of

Sean McKeag | Times Leader study), we have graduates in the Rev. John Ryan, president of King’s College, started his career as an accountant before becoming a priest. very top of all of these fields. By Brigid Edmunds | [email protected] Although we are relatively small, ILKES-BARRE — Long before he became president of King’s College, I think we have a bigger impact Rev. John Ryan, C.S.C., knew he wanted to be a priest. throughout the country.” W The Wilkes-Barre native just took a roundabout way to get there, getting an accounting degree from Wilkes after graduating from Coughlin High School. Ryan then worked for more than a “I said ‘Boy, you know the clock’s out of my system,” he said. “But I said. decade as an accountant, leaving the ticking here,’” Ryan said. “If I’m going really loved it. I had a great experience “In many ways, my life came back area after college in 1971. to do this, now is the time to do it.” there.” full circle.” “I worked 13 years for an engineer- Ryan is a member of the Holy Cross During his time there, Ryan said he Ryan said he is happy to be back ing consulting fi rm, got to travel quite Congregation, and he said they had a was able to teach an undergraduate in the area, and that he loves it in the a bit,” he said. cutoff age of 35 to enter the seminary. fi nance class, which gave him “an appe- Wyoming Valley and is proud of the “I had a great opportunity. I had a lot “So I sold the house, quit the job, put tite” for higher education. diverse student-body at all the area of different positions there, and I was a little suitcase together and went out “I really loved being in the class- schools, believing it speaks to the value able to do my MBA at nights.” to the Seminary University of Notre room,” he said. of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ryan received his MBA from St. Dame, thinking, ‘This is the craziest Through his studies, Ryan said he “The vast majority of our students Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. thing I’ve ever done.’” traveled to the University of Toronto to come from different parts of the state, Ryan said he reached a point, when Ryan said he didn’t even unpack at complete his theology work from Notre country and world to this region to live he was 34 years old, that he decided to fi rst. Dame. and to study,” he said. “They make a enter the seminary. “(I was) thinking I would get it While there, Ryan’s provincial from choice to come to this region, and I the seminary called him don’t think that’s fully appreciated.” about the then-new business Ryan called himself a “cheerleader” school opening at King’s, and for the area and said as president of wanted Ryan to be stationed King’s he is able to travel and see how there. well-represented the area colleges are “After 23 years, I had the across the country. possibility of coming back “No matter what area (of study,) we home,” Ryan said. have graduates in the very top of all of Ryan was ordained as a these fi elds,” he said. “Although we are priest in 1990. Before com- relatively small, I think we have a big- ing back to the area to teach, ger impact throughout the country.” he said he needed to get his Ryan said he believes education is a doctorate degree, and con- lifelong investment and helping in the tinued his studies at Temple education of young people is some- University in Philadelphia. thing he cherishes. While there, Ryan lived in “The combination of being a priest/ a parish for four years, get- educator is something I really cherish,” ting his Ph.D. in Business. he said. He came back to the area “I honestly say if I could do my life in 1994 and starting teaching over again I would do the same thing.” at King’s. Even earning an undergraduate “I taught in the business degree from King’s crosstown rival? school for 10 years. I was “(Wilkes President) Pat Leahy, my then the dean of the business good friend, always says, ‘Even the school for seven years, and president of King’s wanted to go to this is my seventh year as Wilkes,’” Ryan laughed. president of the college,” he “I think very highly of Wilkes.” King’s College has a student enrollment of more than 2,300. Times Leader file photo Creativity -Innovation -Engineering

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

80875686 LCCCE4

4 Sunday, December 31, 2017 PRESIDENTIAL FILES: luzerne county community college Times Leader Thomas P. Leary

LCCC AT A GLANCE Opened in 1967

Offers more than 100 academic, technical and career training programs

Averages 6,000 students per semester

Tuition is $127 per credit hour for Luzerne County residents; most students can get a 2-year degree for less than $10,000. Among area high school graduates, 19 percent attend LCCC.

Average student age is 26 Graduates stay local: 84 percent work in northeast Pennsylvania, 99 percent live and work in the state.

The main campus in Nanticoke is 167 acres, and two downtown buildings house the culinary institute and health sciences programs. Satellite campuses are in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Shamokin, Berwick, Sean McKeag | Times Leader Kulpmont and, in fall of 2018, Luzerne County Community College President Thomas Leary. Pittston. By Mark Guydish | [email protected] LCCC’s FUTURE ANTICOKE — It wasn’t supposed to be this way. President Tom Leary has been consistent since taking office Kingston native Tom Leary took his degree from Central Catholic High School, par- in 2008 when asked his top Nlayed it into a bachelor’s at King’s College and a master’s at the University of Scran- priority: Keep tuition affordable. ton, and was looking forward to a life in the legal profession when he opted for a short stint After that, the biggest change working at Luzerne County Community College in 1975. in 2018 will almost certainly be opening of the Pittston Campus “My intention when I institute and a health scienc- has such a huge impact for he said. in the fall. arrived was to spend a few es center, both with state- the community in relation to It has also seen big months. I was on my way to of-the-art equipment, Leary many professions.” increases in donations. Beyond that, he cites different law school,” Leary recount- said, and it has worked hard Thanks in part to a “There’s been tremendous aspects of one overarching ed. “After a couple months to set up programs for high- renewed focus by politicians growth of people giving to goal: Create a full “continuum” here, I postponed law school demand on job-training the college in the last five or of education opportunities for area students and residents, to stay another year. The area jobs, “Economic mobility opportunities six y ears,” he said, “about primarily by expanding four place had a certain passion including at commu- three or four times what it existing efforts: to it.” welding, occurs through nity colleges, was, which is incredible.” LCCC was just turning 10. diesel education,” Leary said, LCCC has And LCCC has been • Offering reduced tuition It was settling in to its mechan- “When work force experienced a expanding the opportunity college credit courses to high new home in Nanticoke, ics and surge in pro- for high school students to school students. “This is about with no plans to expand advanced demands change, gram offerings take college-level courses at helping students who might be beyond that campus. Leary manufac- community colleges under Leary. a substantial discount. “We described as in the academic launched his career their as turing “They rec- are now in 35 school dis- middle,” he said. Students who assistant director of admis- (includ- can be very nimble in ognize that tricts with 1,300 students.” take such classes tend to be sions, later taking on the job ing 3-D responding to that. We community Not bad for a guy taking more likely to stay in school and to attend a college. of vice president of student print- need to be very flexible colleges can a break on his way to law development. It culminated ing). with our offerings.” be a great school. • The Math Ready program when he became the institu- But path to jobs,” designed to help secondary tion’s sixth president in Feb- while students struggling with math. ruary 2008. Leary gladly touts “We are in 10 districts right now,” “One of my favorite posi- programs and he said. “Math is probably the tions was dean of students, facilities, he always one area more than any other because it allowed me to turns back to the that proves to be a deficit for have some influence on poli- “community” in students.” cy decisions, to make it user the college’s name. • Partnering with four-year friendly for students. I could “First and fore- institutions on programs that work with students one on most, it has always allow full transfer of credits, one,” he said. been part of the including programs that let a The college has come a agenda to raise person get an associate degree long way, it has set up satel- the level of educa- at LCCC, get a job, and then lite campuses across four tion attainment in continue on to their bachelors counties in Berwick, Hazle- the community,” degree at another school. ton, Kulpmont, Scranton, he said. “There The most recent agreement, Shamokin and Wilkes-Barre, were maybe 2,000 for health science programs, and is in the process of graduates when I was signed with Misericordia launching an operation in arrived. Now we University. Pittston. have approximate- It has set up a culinary ly 33,000. That

80874943 MisericordiaE5

Times Leader Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL FILES: misericordia university Sunday, December 31, 2017 5 Thomas Botzman

Location: Dallas Enrollment: 2,879 Founded: 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy 69 percent of students are women and 31 percent are men

Botzman’s goals for 2018 •Dr. Thomas Botzman said, for 2018, his biggest goals are to increase access to education for his students and to ensure the school remains on the cutting edge of technology.

• One such access-focused program is the Women with Children program, which provides housing for single mothers and their children to make getting an education more within reach.

•Another program Botzman is proud of is the Autism Lifelong Learning program, which aims at teaching life skills to adults with autism spectrum disorders.

•A new center coming to the university will also provide medical students with a more complete education.

•Work on the new The Center for Human Dignity in Bioethics, Medicine and Health will continue in 2018. The center’s aim, Botzman said, will be to ensure medical students understand how to behave in an ethical manner. Quotable “Access is about both getting into school and succeeding there,” Botzman said. “We aren’t going to give up on our students. Misericordia University president Thomas Botzman. Submitted photo By Patrick Kernan | [email protected] ALLAS TWP. — For Misericordia’s president, education was always part of his life, but it wasn’t a goal until later. Thomas Botzman, Ph.D., grew up as one of 13 children. His father was a machinist, while his mother was a librar- Dian. “Both of them always stressed 1989 to 2004. “Misericordia had neat values of what Misericordia has accomplished education,” Botzman said. “We were He received his Ph.D. in business and interesting service programs,” during his tenure, including becoming supposed to read at least two books a administration from Kent State in Botzman said, explaining what attract- the area’s largest provider of healthcare week, and sometimes more than one a 1991, and was director of international ed him to the university. professionals and instituting more pro- day.” studies for Mount Union College from Botzman became the president of grams to make education accessible to With a strong foundation of educa- 1993 to 1997, also working as the the university in 2012. more students. tion, Botzman started his career as an college’s associate dean from 2003 to Botzman said the key to his success Botzman said the university’s focus engineer, receiving his B.S. in engi- 2004. is making sure he surrounds himself on helping students get the education neering and polymer science in 1981 Botzman then went to St. Mary’s with the right people. they need actually mimics the road- from Case Western Reserve University College of Maryland, where he served “A big part of the job is people,” ways on the university’s campus. in Cleveland, Ohio. in various capacities between 2004 and Botzman said. “You have to surround “It’s all part of why this is such a spe- With his degree in hand, Botzman 2011. yourself with smart people, and find cial place,” Botzman said. “We always began working with polymers at Good- One of the accomplishments the linkages between them.” say when you come up the hill to year for eight years, working both Botzman said he was most proud of in Saying the past five years have gone Misericordia, it’s a one-way street until domestically and internationally. his educational career came in 2011, by “so fast,” Botzman said he is proud you get out.” He went on to receive his M.A. in when damage from Hurricane Irene economics in 1985 from Kent State left mold in a campus residence University in Kent, Ohio, while con- hall, rendering it unlivable. tinuing to work with Goodyear. Botzman was involved with a After receiving his master’s degree, unique solution to the problem: Botzman said he received a call from a docking a cruise ship near the col- friend who told him he should consider lege to use it as a floating residence teaching at Mount Union College in hall until the repairs were made. Alliance, Ohio. Botzman said “crisis manage- And while Botzman initially did not ment” skills are important ones to have teaching in his sights as a goal, he have as a university president. sent the college a letter. Soon after, Botzman became “And four days later, I was teach- aware of a small university in ing,” Botzman said, noting he was Pennsylvania that was looking for tasked with teaching a business class. a president. That university, of Botzman stayed at Mount Union from course, was Misericordia. Misericordia University in Dallas. Times Leader file photo

80875202 PS HazletonE6

6 Sunday, December 31, 2017 PRESIDENTIAL FILES: PENN STATE hAzLEToN Times Leader Dr. Gary Lawler

Location: Hazleton Academics: Penn State University off ers baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees and minors, as well as credit and non-credit certifi cates in a wide variety of disciplines. Penn State Hazleton also off ers the fi rst two years of more than 160 Penn State majors, allowing students to transition to University Park or another Penn State campus to complete their degree. Athletics: Penn State Hazleton off ers eight varsity sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s golf, baseball, softball and women’s volleyball.

Did you know? Dr. Gary Lawler has been an active member of numerous committees, including Faculty Rights and Responsibilities, Campus Engagement in India, the Commission for Adult Learners, the Prior Learning Assessment Penn State Hazleton Chancellor Dr. Gary Lawler Bill Tarutis | Times Leader Committee and the university- By Geri Gibbons | Times Leader wide Academic Infrastructure and AZLETON — Dr. Gary Lawler, chancellor of Penn State Hazleton since Support working group. H2007, does his job with vision and purpose. Since Lawler was named to the top spot, the campus has seen an increase in programming, the formation of an enrollment management team, campus beautifi cation, a comprehensive strategic plan, increased diversity and improved campus climate. Lawler, always eager to serve, has been an active member of numerous committees, including Faculty Rights and Responsibilities, Campus Engage- ment in India, the Commission for Adult Learners, the Prior Learning Assessment Committee and the university-wide Academic Infrastructure and Support working group. He was recently named to serve on the planning committee for the university’s upcoming fundraising initiative. Lawler has also worked on town- and-gown relationships in the Hazleton community through his service to the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Com- merce, the CAN DO economic development organization, Alice C. Wiltsie Performing Arts Center, Hazleton Area Public Library, Downtown Hazle- ton Alliance for Progress, Partners in Education, Concerned Parents of Hazleton and Rotary. He began his academic career teaching mathematics at Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, New York, where he ultimately earned The Nittany Lion Shrine on the Penn State-Hazleton campus. Bill Tarutis | Times Leader the rank of full professor. His career outcomes for both the college’s undergradu- at Adirondack lasted 23 years until he was named ate and graduate programs, and implemented assistant to the vice president of academic affairs. a campus technology plan, which resulted in In 2001, he became academic dean at the Col- the development of smart classrooms. lege of St. Joseph, Rutland, Vermont, and in 2004 Dr. Lawler earned an associate degree in was named vice president of academic and student mathematics/science from Adirondack Com- affairs. In that role, he administered and evaluated munity College and a bachelor’s degree with all academic programs and policies and supervised a double major in mathematics and theatre all student life, residential life, athletics and other from the College at Brockport, State Univer- student service personnel, as well as supervising sity at New York. He also holds a master’s business outreach and continuing education. degree in mathematics and doctoral degree He was responsible for enrollment management, in Curriculum and Instruction from the State led comprehensive assessments of student learning Bill Tarutis | Times Leader University of New York at Albany. The Pennsylvania State University Hazleton campus.

80874805 PS WBE7

Times Leader Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL FILES: penn state wilkes-barre Sunday, December 31, 2017 7 Vernon Dale Jones

Location: 1269 Old Rte 115, Lehman Township Enrollment: 1,600 Campus Size: 185,000 total building square footage Student population: Varies between 475-500 Bachelor’s Degrees Offered: • Administration of Justice • Business • Corporate Communication • Electrical Engineering Technology • English • Information Sciences and Technology • Rehabilitation and Human Services • Surveying Engineering

Associate’s Degrees Offered: • Business Administration • Information Sciences and Technology • Surveying Engineering Technology • Letters, Arts and Sciences

Certificate Programs Undergraduate Credit Certificates: • Introduction to Business Management • Introduction to Corporate Communication • Financial Accounting • Nursing Management • Introduction to Rehabilitation and Human Services Penn State Wilkes-Barre Chancellor Vernon Dale Jones Eileen Godin | Times Leader • Supply Chain Management By Eileen Godin | [email protected] Graduate Credit Certificates: EHMAN TWP. — Vernon Dale Jones wanted to be a journalist, but instead, • Teaching Writing and Literacy

his career development led him to become the chancellor at Penn State Wil- Non-Credit Certificates: kes-Barre. • APICS Certified Supply Chain L Professional (CSCP) His carefully chosen path included a 21-year mili- region’s geographic proximity to places such as Phila- • Certificate in Production and Inventory tary career where Jones achieved the rank of lieuten- delphia, Washington, D.C., and New York. Management ant colonel, which included serving as a military “I was attracted to Penn State for their excellent • Project Management Certificate social aide to President Ronald Reagan. academic programs, organizational leaders, its pro- He also held several academic leadership roles, such gressive programs across the board, athletic team as being a faculty member at the University of Colo- performances and the tremendous strength of its rado, the Center for Homeland Security and Syracuse alumni,” he said. “All of those things combined make Future Outlook University to name a few. this the best university in the U.S. and in the world.” Despite his impressive accomplishments, Jones can One of Jones’ goals is to make others aware of Penn • Chancellor Vernon Dale Jones and his staff still relate to Penn State Wilkes-Barre students and State Wilkes-Barre’s value and potential. are working to build relationships with area the tough decisions they will face in forging a careers “We are a special campus — not everyone knows school districts to raise awareness about of their own. about us,” he said. “Once they do find out about us the growing academic offerings as well as “Coming out of high school, my intention was to they are pleasantly surprised.” gain insight on professions graduating high become a sportscaster. I applied and was accepted to Jones said Penn State Wilkes-Barre staff and faculty school students want to pursue. the University of Oregon School of Journalism,” Jones started a high school initiative over a month ago to said. “Then I found out about the Air Force Academy strengthen the university’s relationship with the sur- • In the fall 2017, the campus rolled out a video gaming development minor. and was sold on that. I was fortunate enough to be rounding communities, gain insight of student inter- nominated and accepted to the Air Force Academy in ests, educational trends and share information about • Next fall, Penn State Wilkes-Barre will Colorado.” the campus’ offerings. offer a Supply Chain Management bachelor In January 2017, Jones was “These meetings have been fantastic,” program. appointed as the chancellor “I envision more students he said. “In the past month and a half, we at Penn State Wilkes-Barre met with seven high schools, including • The university’s satellite campus will in Lehman Township. He on campus and more Dallas, Hanover, Lake-Lehman, North- continue to build its relationship with the replaced retiring Chancellor student activities,” Jones west Area, Wyoming Valley West, Wyo- Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce to Charles Davis, who held the ming Area and Tunkhannock.” promote innovation and entrepreneurialism. position for 11 years. said. “Change takes time The meetings revealed area students • Also, Jones intends to increase on-campus At the time of his appoint- — we need to act with have a strong interest in science, technol- student and public activities and programs, ment, Jones was the vice urgency and patience ogy and engineering fields, Jones said. which will promote the campus and increase president for strategy, admin- “This is good for the local, state and enrollment. istration and board affairs at simultaneously.” national economies,” he said. Hampden-Sydney College in This fall Penn State Wilkes-Barre rolled Quotable Virginia. out a gaming development minor, which The northern California native said the opportunity taps into a growing national industry, he said. to be affiliated with at Penn State University Wilkes- In the fall of 2018, the campus will add new bach- “We are a special campus,” Barre was “too good to pass up.” elor degree program in supply chain management to Jones said. “Not everyone “I was attracted to this campus for the potential promote entrepreneurialism and innovation, Jones knows about us — but once we have to be a model campus among the Penn State said. campuses,” he said. “I base that on the strong com- Other goals Jones had set for the campus is to raise they find out about us, they mitment of our faculty, staff and students. We have so student enrollment and student activities. are pleasantly surprised.” much potential to be so much more.” “Change takes time,” he said. “We need to act with The Wyoming Valley’s rich history and mountain- urgency and patience simultaneously.” ous natural beauty remind him of various former residences in Colorado and Virginia. He also likes the

80874213 WB NursingE8

8 Sunday, December 31, 2017 PRESIDENTIAL FILES: SchooL oF PRAcTIcAL NuRSINg AND hEALTh cARE Times Leader Mary Beth Pacuska

Mary Beth Pacuska is the director of the School of Practical Nursing and Health Careers in Plains Township. Fred Adams | Times Leader By Geri Gibbons | Times Leader ILKES-BARRE — Mary Beth Pacuska, director of the Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center’s practical Wnursing program, doesn’t simply prepare nurses for their careers. She prepares them for life. In the aftermath of a recent fatal fi re at Lincoln People needed insulin. There were people in wheel- “They very much understand opioid addiction as a Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pacuska rounded up her stu- chairs,” she said. “These were people in need of our disease,” she said. “We want them to be able to work dents to assist those residents who were temporarily assistance.” in that fi eld with an accurate understanding.” displaced. When Pacuska graduated from Mercy Hospital She is looking to the future with enthusiasm. When her students headed over to GAR High School of Nursing in 1974, her father offered to pay ”Practical nurses are very much in demand,” she School to assist those who were relocated, Pacuska for her bachelor’s degree immediately afterward. said. “The program is going to just keep growing.” thought she would stop by for a short period to get “I remember saying that I would only do that if I the nursing students set up and be on her way. was going to teach and I wasn’t going to teach,” she She was there for nearly two days. said, laughing. “I didn’t know then that I would be “We helped people shower in the locker room. teaching for most of my career.” Pacuska went on to earn not only her bachelor’s degree, but her master’s degree, from Wilkes University, focus- ing on excellent medical practices and sincere concern for students and the community. Under Pacuska’s leadership since 2002, the Plains Township program has seen signifi cant growth in size and technology. It now graduates about 100 students a year in two graduating ceremonies. With 11 full-time and 12 part-time staff, the program fully equips practical nurses for service in a host of different areas. Many of her students, Pacuska said, are non-traditional, some seeking a sec- ond career. “We have single moms whose children School of Practical are getting bigger and they’re ready for a Nursing and health career,” she said. “We have older people who can’t fi nd work and are ready to careers change careers.” Her oldest student was 52. She had Location: Plains Township been working as a nurse’s aide and wanted to formalize her career and her Enrollment: 100 education. Founded: 1959 The nursing program now includes rotations at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Accredited by the Accreditation Center, Geisinger and Commonwealth Commission for Education in Nursing Health System hospitals. Fred Adams | Times Leader Pacuska ensures that students are Mary Beth Pacuska graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1974. abreast of current medical topics.

Take Your Place in the future of Nursing

More than 4,000 students have graduated from the WBACTC School or Practical Nursing. These graduates provide quality care in a variety of our community healthcare settings. The school of Practical Nursing is rated as one of the finestentry level nursing programs in the state and has full approval from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. A leader in health care education.

For information please call 570-822-6539 or find us online at www.wbprancg.com. Give us a year; we’ll give you a career. Wilkes-Barre Area CTC School of Practical Nursing P.O. Box 16y99, 350 Jumper Road

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705-0699 808749604 WilkesE9

Times Leader Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL FILES: WILKES UNIVERSITY Sunday, December 31, 2017 9 Dr. Patrick Leahy

Location: Wilkes-Barre Enrollment: 2,500 Founded: 1933

Leahy’s Vision for 2018 “While I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished at Wilkes over the last 12 months, I am even more enthusiastic about the opportunities that await us in 2018.

We are in the midst of a $100 million initiative to improve campus and will continue to make unprecedented investments in 2018. An extensive renovation of our engineering facility in Stark Learning Center will be completed, dramatically expanding our capabilities in areas including nanotechnology, bioengineering, and additive manufacturing. We will also continue Aimee Dilger | Times Leader to make investments in the streets surrounding Wilkes University President Pat Leahy, shown in his office, first came to Northeastern Pennsylvania for a job at the University of campus to make our downtown neighborhood Scranton. By Brigid Edmunds | [email protected] safer and more attractive.

ILKES-BARRE — Dr. Patrick Leahy knew he wanted to work in higher We will work to maintain strong enrollment education. across our bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. … Though it is a challenging time W The Wilkes University president said he became “enthralled” with the for many institutions of higher education, thought of higher education while he was an undergraduate student at George- we continue to graduate a record number of students. In 2017, Wilkes conferred 1,521 town University in Washington, D.C. degrees, placing us in the top 10 percent among national private universities in total degrees “I had the great privi- “I didn’t know much applying for a university right jobs, so they can do conferred. We are on par to exceed that number lege of getting to know about Northeastern presidency,” he said. the work to support the in 2018, reflecting our aspirations for national (Georgetown’s presi- Pennsylvania at the Leahy said normally strategy,” he said. excellence. dent), and that was the time,” he said. “My wife when looking at a presi- “I love the job,” he time in which I thought and I had two kids at the dency position within said. “The passion we In 2018, we will continue to develop innovative ‘Wow, that would be an time, just decided it was higher education, candi- have for the work is all academic programs to serve our diverse interesting life,’” Leahy a unique opportunity to dates are recommended part of the culture.” community of students. Wilkes EDGE, which said. come work here.” by peers as a way to not As for living in the provides additional opportunities for learning Leahy, 49, who is origi- Leahy and his wife, seem overconfident or region, Leahy said the and growth during a student’s first year, will Amy, moved to the area eager for the position. area has a lot to offer, be expanded after a successful pilot, and nally from the Baltimore our Honors Program will continue to offer area, graduated with a with their two children, “I just applied for the from a multitude of high- an enhanced academic experience for high- Bachelor of Arts degree Grace and Molly. job,” Leahy said. “I just er education options for achieving students. in English from George- “God bless (Amy),” he wrote a cover letter and residents to its proximity town and earned dual said. “She said ‘I’m game submitted my materials.” to major cities. It is also an exciting time for the arts at Wilkes, masters degrees from for it,’ and, of course, it’s Leahy said he did that “(NEPA) is a great with 2018 marking the first full calendar year Cornell University, where become our home now.” since he had an uncon- place to raise a family,” of our reinvigorated Sordoni Art Gallery. Our he was a Fried Fellow, in The Leahy family, ventional background he said. inaugural show featuring works by Andy Warhol Business Administration which also includes sons both in higher education “We have great people drew record crowds and we expect a similar and Labor Relations. He Jack and Brian, now live and outside of it. in NEPA.” response to future exhibitions. I am particularly earned the Doctor of on Wilkes’ campus in the “I figured if the search Looking toward the excited to view the illustration and comic art selections from the private collection of the Education degree from president’s house. committee sees in my future, Leahy said he gallery’s namesake, Andrew J. Sordoni III, which the University of Penn- Before making the mix of experiences some- wants Wilkes to be the opens in April. sylvania. jump to university presi- thing that might be rel- region’s research univer- Before beginning his dent, Leahy wore multi- evant, great, and if they sity, and to continue to These are just some of the reasons why we at career in higher educa- ple hats at the University don’t, I’m really happy grow as a whole and stay Wilkes eagerly welcome 2018.” tion, Leahy said he of Scranton. here,” he said. faithful to the university’s worked in the business “I started as executive “The good news is mission of being “in, of field for a time, before assistant to the presi- they saw something.” and for this community.” being offered a position dent,” he said. “I was Leahy was hired in “I call it at Cornell University. only in that job for a year 2012, and said he knew the great “I got a great oppor- before he put me in the what a privilege it was professional tunity to first work with position of interim vice to be able to advance his privilege of Cornell University,” president for University career without having to my life being Leahy said. “Then I was Relations.” move his family out of the president recruited to Northeast- A year after that, the area. of Wilkes,” he ern Pennsylvania by the Leahy said, Pilarz lifted As president, Leahy said. former president of the the “interim” portion of said he is responsible for “I always University of Scranton, his title. He was named three areas of the univer- qualify that (Rev. Scott R.) Pilarz.” the vice president of sity: strategy, execution with profes- “He gave me my big External Affairs before and culture. He said he sional because break,” Leahy added. being promoted to execu- helps put processes in I’m extremely Even though his educa- tive vice president. place, and to motivate happily mar- tion took him across the After eight years in those who execute pro- ried and have northeast region of the Scranton, Leahy said he cesses on a daily basis. four unbeliev- country, Leahy said he started to think about his He called himself the able kids, had never stepped foot in next move professionally, “chief culture officer.” and that’s the Northeastern Pennsylva- deciding to apply to be “My main role is to great personal nia before the job at the the president of Wilkes. make sure I’m assem- privilege.” Aimee Dilger | Times Leader University of Scranton in “Apparently I breached bling the best people Wilkes University President Pat Leahy calls his position at Wilkes ‘the great 2004. every convention of and putting them in the professional privilege of my life.’

80874949 Clarks SummitE10

10 Sunday, December 31, 2017 PRESIDENTIAL FILES: clarks summit university Times Leader Jim Lytle

Elizabeth Baumeister | Times Leader 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.

By Elizabeth Baumeister | [email protected] OUTH ABINGTON TWP. — When Jim Lytle first set foot on the campus of Clarks Summit University, then Baptist SBible College, as a student in 1973, he planned on return- ing the next year to SUNY Oswego, where he had already started earning a secondary education history degree. ABOUT CSU “I thought that I would benefit from “Then out of the blue, this opportunity Founded: As Baptist Bible Seminary in 1932 in Johnson City, New York. New learning the Bible, and decided to enroll came to help a little tiny Bible school York and moved to its current location at 538 Venard Road, South Abington Township in 1968. down here for a year, really – I thought down in South Africa get accredited,” he that I could learn the Bible in a year,” he said. Enrollment: 667 undergraduate, 145 graduate and 178 seminary said with a laugh. He and his wife loved working at CSU “By the time I got down here, I began and living in NEPA, but decided it was Academics: CSU undergraduate students have more than 40 programs of to realize that there was a lot more to time to “turn the page in life.” They went study to choose from. know than I thought there was to know.” as missionaries to South Africa, where, About 42 years and a lot of knowledge in addition to Jim serving as president of Athletics: Intercollegiate men’s sports include: baseball, basketball, cross later, Lytle became the president of CSU Baptist Bible College of KwaZulu-Natal, country, golf, soccer and tennis. Intercollegiate women’s sports include: and Baptist Bible Seminary. he and Diane helped establish Bethany basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. But if one were to draw a line to repre- Baptist Church. sent those years in between, it would not After 14 years in South Africa, they LOOKING AHEAD In addition to increasing enrollment, one of Clarks Summit University be a straight one. It would be more like a had accomplished what they went to do, President Jim Lytle’s goals is to keep “expanding the degree programs without zigzag. and the church and college were able to losing track of what it is we really want to accomplish with the ‘Christ-centered, He ended up getting his Bachelor of thrive on their own. It was once again career-ready’ concept.” Science degree at CSU, and during that time to “turn the page.” time met and married his wife, Diane, A position opened up at CSU and For example, he said the school will soon offer a criminal justice major. who was also a transfer student there. He Lytle’s friend and presidential predeces- then went on to earn his Master of Divin- sor Jim Jeffery asked if he would be will- “We have a business major, but we are putting an intentionally entrepreneurial ity and Master of Theology degrees from ing to return. He did so in 2007, taking bent to it,” he added. “We don’t want students who can just get a job; we want BBS and a Doctor of Ministry degree on the role of vice president for college students who will go out and create a business to benefit others, who will have from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and graduate academics and professor the capacity to plant themselves where they want to go.” in Deerfield, Illinois. of Bible and theology. Then in 2008 he “When I go out and talk to businessmen, they moan about how they get these It was while working on his Master of was appointed provost, before becoming great students who are smart but they can’t solve problems, and they can’t Divinity degree that he took a part-time president on Jan. 1, 2015. handle interpersonal conflict. Their brains are ready for a job, but they’re not position at CSU teaching “Studies in the Although his life has been full of career-ready.” Psalms.” Then, to his surprise, the col- surprises and hasn’t turned out quite lege offered him a full-time position the the way he planned back in 1973, Lytle He hopes to expand the university’s mentoring and career readiness program, next summer. For the next 14 years, he wouldn’t trade it. in which almost a fourth of the current students participate. Over the next five taught classes and led summer minis- “College is a game changer for people,” years he would like to see that number expand to 100 percent. The program tries. His family moved into a girls dor- he said. “College gives you a set of keys currently focuses on on-campus jobs, but he would also like to develop mitory, of which Diane was the resident for a future you never would have had partnerships in the community. director. otherwise.” One Source Realty ERA1.com

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Times Leader Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL FILES: geisinger commonwealth school of medicine Sunday, December 31, 2017 11 Steven J. Scheinman, M.D.

Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., president and dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Tony Callaio | Times Leader By Patrick Kernan | [email protected] CRANTON — One might expect the president of a medical school to have had his eyes set on medicine as his goal Sfrom an early point in life. And while that might be a rea- you can’t educate the patient on I was looking at, which were big, sonable expectation, it wasn’t the how to take care of themselves, famous medical schools,” Schein- case for the president and dean of you’re only doing half your job.” man said. “This was an opportu- Geisinger Commonwealth School Scheinman said that his role in nity to really make a difference.” of Medicine, Steven J. Scheinman, medical colleges has allowed him Now, Scheinman has been there M.D. to pursue three separate personal for a bit more than five and a half For Scheinman, his original goal missions in the field of medicine: years. was philosophy. Scheinman was research, teaching and patient Scheinman said the medical looking to be a college professor. care. school was really characterized Location: Main branch at 525 Pine St., “I disappointed my parents that Before coming to work at the and driven by its mission, which Scranton, but with other branches around the wanted me to be a lawyer,” Schein- Geisinger Commonwealth School he says focuses on more of a state. man laughed. “But I got turned on of Medicine, Scheinman worked at hands-on approach from other Incorporated: 2008, integrated with Geisinger to science.” SUNY Upstate Medical University, medical schools. in 2017 After realizing that he had a pas- where he said he began to build When Scheinman first took sion for science, Scheinman said up a reputation for being able to the job, he said the school was Enrollment: Total of 516 students, with 421 in he realized his original passion, effectively chair various commit- facing some troubled times, but the MD program and 95 in MBS. teaching, translated naturally into tees, eventually becoming the uni- was already on the upswing. Now, medicine. versity’s dean and executive vice Scheinman says the Geisinger “Teaching is one of the major president. Commonwealth School of Medi- Scheinman’s Goals roles of a physician,” he said. “I like to joke that my role as a cine is a force to be reckoned with, for 2018 “Dealing with the medical condi- president and a dean comes from and much of that comes from the tion is obviously important, but if no good deed going unpunished,” involvement of Geisinger. Heading into next year, Steven J. Scheinman, Scheinman “People thought we were crazy MD, says there are numerous goals he wants said. to put a medical school in this Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to work on — so many, in fact, he knows they Scheinman area,” Scheinman said. “Now, not won’t all be finished by the end of the year. worked in that only did we put those questions to role for eight rest, but we’re a national leader.” First, Scheinman said the school is well on its years before Part of what makes Geisinger way to becoming a full university. the opportu- Commonwealth School of Medi- nity to be the cine a national leader, Scheinman Scheinman also plans to launch a Geisinger president of says, is its devotion to a different, School of Nursing at the school, saying that the Geisinger patient-centered curriculum. there have been “major steps taken in that Common- “When people think of medi- direction.” wealth School cal students, they think of kids Adding even more to his already busy schedule, of Medicine. staying up all night memorizing Scheinman says there are plans to expand “This was things,” Scheinman said. “Our stu- the branch of the school located at Geisinger a different dents work hard, but they spend Danville, along with adding another branch in Tony Callaio | Times Leader opportunity less than a quarter of their time Atlantic City, N.J. President and Dean Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., of Geisinger from many here in lectures. Instead, they’re Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, at his desk at the medical other things working with patients.” college.

80874656 S fascinating studentsandalumniinmy had theopportunitytomeetmost ships,” Pipinskiexplained. “Ihave president hasbeenbuildingrelation- knit community. dents andfacultyalike, creating aclose- on campus,ishighlyregarded bystu- even a3-Dprintinglab. tion andAirConditioningprogram, and workshop spacefor theHeating, Ventila - TechnologyScience Center, aflexible leadership, thecollege builtaHealth ing thecollege physically. Underher school.” and innovative asourtechnology-driven institution that isasforward-thinking time. my jobvery enjoyable for avery long each oftheirrespective fields hasmade student have tomake apositive mark in and wants ofindustryandthedrive our community,” needs “The Pipinskisaid. job skillsandmake animpactonthe and women theopportunitytolearn over 100years ofproviding young men mount. tenure, providing theseskillswere para- to thetechnicalcollege. InPipinski’s brought seven new programs ofstudy committees. than 27years servingonaccreditations been withJohnson College for more will beretiring effective June 30.hehas lege’s president andCEOinApril2003, “The most rewarding“The partofbeing Pipinski, affectionately calledDr. Ann Pipinski isalsoresponsible for expand- “It isencouraging towork for an “Johnson College hasareputation of In hertimeaspresident, shehas Pipinski, whowas appointedthecol- 12 Sunday, December 31, 2017 impact ontheScrantoncampusandbeyondwillbefeltforyearstocome. CRANTON —Dr.AnnL.PipinskidaysmaybenumberedatJohnsonCollege,buther Dr. Ann L. Pipinskihasbeenat Johnson College for more than27 years. She was namedpresident andCEO in2003. Dr. Pipinski AnnL. 2007, shewas featured intheNortheast Scranton ChamberofCommerce. In of Excellence award from theGreat woman. proven tobeaprominent area business- inspire others.” successful alumnibacktocampus tive studentat anopenhousetoinviting everything from sitting withaprospec- amaze me. to succeedandthrive never ceasesto nearly 14years inthisrole, andtheirwill Johnson College inScranton. In 2012,shewas awarded theWomen During hercareer, Pipinskialso “Relationship building,inmyeyes, is PRESIDENTIAL FILES: By Katie Pugh for Times Leader JohnsonE12 johns some traveling incomeJune. with familyandfriends,even get retiring toNorthCarolina toenjoy time ber ofCommerce, thoughshewillbe member oftheGreater Scranton Cham- Marywood University. versity andherbachelor’s degree from her master’s degree from New York Uni- cation degree from Temple University, dent andCEOofJohnson College. careers. was She thefirst femalepresi- the seven women at thepinnacleoftheir Pennsylvania Business Journal asoneof The Scranton native isalsoaboard Pipinski received herdoctorate inedu- on colle Times Leader filephoto ge advance intheircareers.” graduates to enter into or environment andprepares on learning inacaring provides real-world, hands- statement, “JohnsonCollege According to its mission Maintence Technology. Technology, Diesel Preventative Technology,Diesel Truck Assistant, Automotive Technology,Physical Threapist Technology, Radiologic Technology, Welding Electronic Engineering Information Technology, Technology, Computer Biomedical Equipment Engineering Technology, Advanced Manufacturing Conditioning Technology, Heating, Ventilationand Air Maintenance Technology, Electrical Construction and Cabinet-making Technology, Technology, Carpentry and Drafting andDesign Management, Architectyral Management, Project Logistics andSupply Chain Veterinary Technology, Academic Programs: Founded: 1912 Enrollment: 500 Location: Scranton About: Submitted photo Times Leader

80875651 KeystoneE13

Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL FILES: kEySToNE coLLEgE Sunday, December 31, 2017 13 Dr. David Coppola

Location: La Plume and Factoryville Enrollment: 1,400 more than 40 majors Founded: 1868 21 NcAA Division III varsity teams visit: https://www.keystone.edu/

A Liberal Arts Tradition Keystone College President David Coppola, Ph.D., sees the school in La Plume positioned in an ideal spot. It’s small enough to pivot, but large enough to off er a variety of degrees.

The four-year liberal arts college is steadfast in its commitment to not only preparing students for careers but also developing them into well-rounded people.

The faculty and staff impress upon the students that they need to think clearly, creatively and critically. They also have to be able to communicate eff ectively in their speech and writing. Furthermore, they must Bill Tarutis | Times Leader be able to solve problems. Keystone College President David Coppola, Ph.D., describes himself as an incrementalist who builds on the strengths of the liberal arts school in La Plume. By Jerry Lynott | [email protected] A PLUME — The move to Keystone College was about 200 miles for David Coppola, Ph.D., and his family. But it might just as well have been a world away from Sacred Heart University where he worked and taught. The liberal arts Lschool in La Plume was smaller, older and, interviewers reminded him, not a catholic school. That sat nicely with Coppola. It wasn’t so much president and 19th leader in the school’s 150-year his- structure improvements on campus from sidewalks that he’d had enough with his former place of employ- tory. to streetlights and the planned Keystone Commons ment. Just the opposite, he wanted to do more at Not one to institute sweeping changes, Coppola, retail development that includes a Dunkin’ Donuts Keystone. 58, has taken small steps to ensure that the school Express and Steak ‘n Shake restaurant in the school’s “And I said, ‘Well, actually that’s why I’m coming.’ continues its mission of preparing students for life parking lot. The neighboring borough of Factoryville I’m convinced that the liberal arts and that human beyond campus. received a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance nature are the grounding of every religious and cul- “I’m more of an incrementalist than a disruption- Capital Program grant from the state to help a super- tural tradition at its best, and so I wanted to live that ist. I know it’s fashionable to be a disruptionist right market expand, but the project fell through and the through,” Coppola said. now. But when I was growing up if you were disrup- funding was offered to the school. It would have been easy to stay in a religious tive that was bad. I’m more about incrementalism, “I had college presidents calling me from all over environment where he spent most of his career, he building on what was already here,” he said. the state saying, ‘How did you do that?’ I said,’ I acknowledged. Keystone transformed into a four-year school from didn’t. It’s just how we are,’” Coppola said. “But I wanted to see what would happen here in a two-year institution prior to Coppola’s arrival. His tenure so far hasn’t been without some bumps. a rural setting, and also I sensed there was this real There was a strong foundation, but in his mind it The school cut staff and programs due to fi nancial commitment to honesty, hard work, community gath- could be fortifi ed with a few adjustments. losses three years ago and was forced to regroup. ering,” Coppola said. One of the areas Coppola focused on was the “But everyone stuck together as best as possible He joined Keystone in 2013, becoming its 10th already solid faculty-student relationship and out and because of that commitment we’ve come out of that grew the “Stairs to Suc- even stronger,” Coppola said. cess” program. It’s customized so The school diversifi ed. A Masters of Business that every year includes a career Administration program starts in January. An online development component, such program for adults is up and running. The Keystone as a career assessment, drafting Commitment was established too. a resume, an internship and job “We’re basically taking an insurance policy on you,” search. Coppola said of the school’s commitment to students. “By providing the ‘Stairs If a graduate doesn’t make to Success’ it was building $40,000 a year, the school on what we were already “The last piece I will help pay off the student’s strong at,” Coppola said. believe you really need loan. And if a graduate can’t The school and commu- to be civic minded. In fi nd a job after six months nity have a long tradition or get into graduate school, of coexisting and cooper- other words, it can’t they’re welcome to come ating, dating back to when be all about you. It’s back to Keystone for addi- it was founded around the got to be about you in tional classes at no cost. time veterans were return- “Ultimately we’re all about ing home after the Civil community, ” Coppola helping students get to that War. Coppola was commit- said. “That is the next rung, whatever that ted to strengthening those goal is,” Coppola said. relations as well. liberal arts tradition.” Keystone College in La Plume. Bill Tarutis | Times Leader It’s paid off with infra-

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.

80876202 LackawannaE14

14 Sunday, December 31, 2017 PRESIDENTIAL FILES: LAckAwANNA coLLEgE Times Leader Mark Volk

Location: 501 Vine Street Scranton, PA Enrollment: 1,600 Academic Programs: Bachelor’s Degrees, Associate’s Degrees, and Specialized Certifi cations

Volk’s goals for 2018 • Continue to look for ways to reduce the impact of student loans and cost of eduction on students, largest priority for the adminstration next year

• Collaborate with local school districts to fi nd ways to incease pathways for students at all levels into college or certifi cate programs to ensure that graduating high school seniors are college-level prepared

• New construction projects including renovation of a two-story building, which will be a Dining Commons and expansion of Culinary Tony Callaio | For Times Leader and Hospitality program Lackawanna College President Mark Volk shown above in his office. including new teaching kitchens and baking and pastry areas By Kulsoom Khan | [email protected] Quotable CRANTON —Lackawanna College President Mark Volk has lived in places such as “I love the quality Washington D.C., Oklahoma, Virginia, Germany, and Tunisia and yet he always knew he of life around wanted to come back to the Scranton area some day. S here,” he said. “The “I love the quality of life around here,” he said. “The availability of all the things that you availability of all would have if you lived in Washington or New York, it’s all within a very easy commute.” the things that you Originally from Easton, role of executive assistant to in higher education is his studies and have a drive to do would have if you Volk fi rst came to Scranton in vice president of operations passion for wanting to help well academically to reach the lived in Washington 1973 to pursue a bachelor’s and planning to executive and infl uence young people, long-term goal of improving degree in history at the Uni- vice president and was pro- so they can achieve their their lives and that it’s a plea- or New York, it’s all versity of Scranton. He also moted to his current role of dreams. sure for him to support them within a very easy received a master’s in history president in 2012. “The college itself for me through his job. from the university in 1980 Volk said that one thing — having grown up in a lead- “Being able to help facili- commute.” and met his wife while he was that he noticed during his ership position in the army tate that to me is immensely in school. time abroad that can be — one of the greatest parts rewarding.” Volk then spent 26 years applied to higher education of that experience as an army offi cer, travel- at Lackawanna and other for me was working ing and living in parts of American colleges is a bet- with young men the Middle East and North ter understanding of other and women,” he Africa and all over the United countries, views and cultures. said.“When it comes States as well. He also spent He spent two and half years to commencement seven years working at the learning Arabic when he was exercises and you Pentagon. Volk received in the Army. kinda see the smiles his a Master’s of Science in “I think sometimes we do on their faces as National Security Strategy forget how much we are part they walk across the from the National War Col- of that greater world culture, stage and they give lege in 1999. Present at the and how we could benefi t by you a hug, it all just Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, understanding it,” he said. brings very close to he was awarded the Soldier’s Even though Lackawanna the surface exactly Medal, the Army’s highest College does not currently what you’re doing non-combat award for hero- offer language courses, Volk for them.” ism, for his lifesaving efforts said the administration would Volk also said after the attack. consider adding them to the that Lackawanna’s After retiring from the curriculum as an elective students are very Army in 2004, Volk came in the future as the college serious about their back to Scranton and started expands its degree programs. working at Lackawanna Col- A similarity between Volk’s Tony Callaio | For Times Leader Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D, vice president Academic Affairs, meets with Lackawanna College’s lege. He moved up from the military career and his career President Mark Volk.

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Times Leader Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL FILES: marywood University Sunday, December 31, 2017 15 Sister Mary Persico

Marywood University President Sister Mary Persico, IHM. Bill Tarutis | Times Leader By Brigid Edmunds | [email protected] CRANTON — Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D, has a long history with Marywood University. Persico, who serves as the 12th president of the university, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Edu- Scation from Marywood. She served on the university’s “We’re always interested in the that she is constantly listening to board for eight years and taught as success of our students.” the demands of the students, and an adjunct in the education depart- Persico also believes the variety responding accordingly. ment. And as a member of the of athletic programs, as well as the She said there have been stu- congregation of the Immaculate sense of the arts at the university, dents certain majors, such as nurs- Heart of Mary, her bond with the make it unique. ing and pre-physician’s assistant, Marywood deepened on a spiritual “We’re very proud of that,” she that have expressed interest in level as well. said. resuscitation therapy, so they are Before stepping into her role Through Marywood’s curricu- exploring bringing that program to as president, Persico served as lum, extra curricular activities and the school. executive vice president for Trin- student programs, Persico believes Her favorite part of being Mary- ity Health, was the president of the work done at Marywood gets wood’s president? Location: Scranton the Congregation of the Sisters, students “fully activated as human “My favorite part would have Servants of the Immaculate Heart beings.” to be watching students grow and Enrollment: 3,500 of Mary, from 2002 through 2010, “It’s that care for the whole per- interacting with them,” she said. Academic Programs: Marywood offers a and the IHM Congregation’s trea- son,” she said. “Socially, it’s fun. Academically, wide variety of degree programs across 17 surer from 1994-2002. She said in that mission, there is they make us proud.” departments. Persico was elected president of a part of the university that needs She said seeing their success Athletics: Marywood offers 22 Division III the university in April 2016, and to be agile. gives her pride. varsity athletic programs. began her tenure on July 1 that “The name of the game is being “It brings energy to my life,” she year. nimble,” she said. said. “And I can see it every day of “I feel very excited about my With higher education changing my life if I want to.” 2018 Goals connection to this university rapidly, Persico said it’s important Her interaction with students because I believe very strongly in to be open to changing with the does not go unnoticed, either. • New changes to the core curriculum model the mission,” Persico said. times to make sure students are Persico created a Twitter • Adding men’s and women’s rugby to the She said the mission of Mary- getting a proper education. account shortly after her tenure sports roster wood at its core is to “lift people One of the biggest changes is began, @SisPrez, where she shares up,” through education, and in her Marywood’s core curriculum. photos of students around campus role as president Persico says she Traditionally, Marywood has had involved in various activities for Quotable is excited about moving that mis- a model where students picked the university, as well as congratu- sion forward. required classes, such as religion, lating sports teams on wins. “We try to meet each person Persico said she believes Mary- philosophy and language. Cur- Students are interacting with where he or she happens to wood’s faculty and staff, who help rently, there is a task force explor- her, as well. This past November, be. And we try to help them hone in on individual education ing avenues of integrating the core members of the student body as experiences, help set Marywood curriculum more directly into stu- well as faculty and staff, arranged accomplish their goals. We’re apart. dents’ fields of study. a surprise party for Persico in the always interested in the “We try to meet each person “That’s very exciting,” she said. Learning Commons. success of our students.” where he or she happens to be,” “And it really goes along with the “They seem to like me,” she she said. “And we try to help them way education is today.” laughed. accomplish their goals.” Persico said it’s also important

80874987 D academically andphysically. community andeconomicdevelopment. To that end, both groups. together withmembers ofthecommunitytobenefit diversity initiatives, bringinguniversity students with communityorganizations hasfacilitated several community leaders andorganizations. community involvement anddiversity, engaging with 16 Sunday, December 31, 2017 Penn State Worthington inDunmore. Wafa’s goal istopositionthecampusasaleaderin His willingnesstospearhead collaborative efforts During histenure aschancellor, hehasencouraged Penn State Worthington Chancellor Dr. Marwan A. Wafa spent thattimebringingbigchangesandimprovementstothecampus,both Worthington Scranton campusforjustmorethantwoyears,andhehas UNMORE —Dr.MarwanA.WafahasbeenatthehelmofPennState Dr. Wafa MarwanA. PRESIDENTIAL FILES: pennstate By GeriGibbonsfor Times Leader has initiated communityDiversity Circles; an annual ing inFall 2018. Project ChainManagement andSupply degree start to addthat numberinthenearfuture, withanew bachelor’s degrees, andadministrators are working offer withtheneedsofNortheasternPennsylvania. ings bymatching thefuture degrees thecampuswill he hasbeenexpanding thecampus’academicoffer Over thepasttwo years, Penn State Worthington At thistime,Penn State Worthington offers 12 Times Leader filephoto PS WorthingtonE16 and sidewalks. and repairs tooutdoorpatios – includingnew stairways and improved outdoorareas room andfaculty/staff lounge; along withanew conference in theDawson Building, vated administrative offices students. There are alsoreno and anew game room for remodeled studentlounge including anew entranceway, Study LearningCenter, renovations tothecampus’ diverse backgrounds. students ofinternational and dinator at thecampustohelp multi-cultural programs coor Awards program andhired a Excellence inDiversity at thecampus,anannual ebration andday ofservice Martin Luther KingDay cel- There have alsobeenmajor WORTHING T ON s - - - - management from Clemson University. degree inmanagement andhisPh.D. inindustrial neering from Kuwait University andamaster’s sociology andbiology. communications studies,andbachelor’s degrees in healthcounseling,in mental abachelor’s degree in a bachelor’s inmechanicalengineering,amaster’s sion ofthedegrees offered, includingthelaunchof ment andgraduating classes,aswell astheexpan- cellor ofthat IUPUC, heoversaw growing enroll- plishments. years ofacademicleadership experience andaccom- was vicechancellor anddean,hasmore than20 University-Purdue University Columbus,where he crant Dr. Wafa earnedabachelor’s degree incivilengi- During hisnearly sixyears asCEOandvicechan- Prior tojoiningPenn State, Wafa served at Indiana baseball, softball and volleyball. men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, athletic teams, includingmen’s and women’s Athletics: The campus features nine varisty the program atanother Penn State campus. for more than160 Penn State majors andfinish begin theirfirst two years of course work there and 4associate degrees. Students may also Worthington offers 12 baccalaureate degrees Academic Programs: Penn State Enrollment: 1,600 Location: Dunmore on Fred Adams | Times Leader Times Leader

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Times Leader Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL FILES: spring open houses Sunday, December 31, 2017 17 College Open Houses for Spring ‘18 KING’S COLLEGE - Saturday, January 20, 2018 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM For reservations or more information call 1-888-KINGS PA or email [email protected]. Also, see www.kings.edu.

LUZERNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Saturday, March 24, 2018 10 AM - 12 PM Campus Center (Building 14) The admissions office offers personal tours, group tours, open houses, and information sessions throughout the year. To schedule a visit call 1-800-377-5222 ext. 7337 or email [email protected].

MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY - Visit www.misericordia.edu for information about open houses and campus visits.

PENN STATE HAZLETON - Saturday, January 20 - 10 AM Learn about the admissions process, meet informally with faculty and staff, tour the campus and sit in on special sessions. Visit www.hazleton.psu.edu for more information.

PENN STATE WILKES-BARRE - Schedule an appointment to speak one-on-one with an admissions counselor. Learn about admissions, academic programs, campus life, and financial aid. Visiti www.wilkesbarre.psu.edu for more information.

SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL NURSING AND HEALTH CARE - Visit www.wbpracnsg.com for more information about scheduling a visit.

WILKES UNIVERSITY - Saturday, January 27, 2018 Open house sessions: Session 1 - 10 AM - 10:50 AM / Session 2 - 11 AM - 11:50 AM / Session 3 - 12 PM - 12:50 PM See www.wilkes.edu for more information.

CLARKS SUMMIT UNIVERSITY - February 15, 2018 at 7 PM - February 16. 2018 at 4 PM Check in at the Rotunda of Jackson Hall between 7 and 8 PM Spend a day in the life of a CSU student, attend classes, chapel, hear from students, financial aid and admissions staff members. Breakfast and lunch are included.

GEISINGER COMMONWEALTH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE - Register online at www.geisinger.edu for events or to schedule a tour. Call 570-504-9068 or email [email protected] for additional information.

JOHNSON COLLEGE - Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 9:30 AM To register by phone, contact Angela at 570-702-8856 or email [email protected], or register online at www. johnson.edu.

KEYSTONE COLLEGE - Saturday, February 24, 2018 Check in at 9:30, event begins at 10 AM and will conclude by 2 PM Register online at www.keystone.edu.

LACKAWANNA COLLEGE - Visit www.lackawanna.edu for information on upcoming events.

MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY - Information sessions/tours are offered at 10 AM and 2 PM each weekday. Appointments are recommended. Appointments with a faculty member and financial aid counselor may be available for those planning to enter Marywood in Spring 2018 or Fall 2018. To schedule a visit, call (866)279-9663 or visit www.marywood.edu.

PENN STATE WORTHINGTON - January 31, 2018 Event for prospective students to spend the day on the campus. Learn about admissions, financial aid, and career services. Share lunch and have your photo taken with the Nittany Lion. Visit www.worthingtonscranton.psu.edu to register.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON - Schedule a campus visit at www.admissions.scranton.edu or call 1-888-Scranton/1-888-727 2686 Group information sessions, personal appointment, campus tour, interviews, faculty meetings available. E18

18 Sunday, December 31, 2017 PRESIDENTIAL FILES: TImES LEADER gRADuATES Times Leader

Times Leader Media Group is proud to employ many Northeastern Pennsylvania College and University Graduates Wilkes University Graduates Kerry Miscavage, Wilkes University, Class of 1995 Dotty Martin, Wilkes University, Class of 1977 Robert Vanderveken, Wilkes University, Class of 2004 & 2006 Toni Pennello, Wilkes University, Class of 2018 Jennifer Learn-Andes, Wilkes University, Class of 1991 Stephen Morris, Wilkes University, Class of 1989 Joyce Langan, Wilkes University, Class of 1988 David Nieman, Wilkes University, Class of 1975 Gina Aleo-Gordon, Wilkes University, Class of 1990 King’s College Graduates Mike McGinley, King’s College, Class of 2008 Ed Lewis, King’s College, Class of 1996 Renee Sager, King’s College, Class of 2001 Adam McGahee, King’s College, Class of 2015 Jill Andes-Dudick, Kings College, Class of 2008 Mary Therese Biebel, King’s College, Class of 1982 John Erzar, King’s College, Class of 1985 Melanie Mizenko, King’s College, Class of 2013 Marywood University Graduates Haley Colarusso, Marywood University, Class of 2017 Brigid Edmunds, Marywood University, Class of 2016 Pat Kernan, Marywood University, Class of 2016 Penn State University Graduates Robert Tomkavage, Penn State – University Park, Class of 2008 Joe Soprano, Penn State – University Park, Class of 1988 Kulsoom Kahn, Penn State – University Park, Class of 2011 Angela Rackleff, Penn State – University Park, Class of 1991 Derek Levarse, Penn State – University Park, Class of 2006 Mark Guydish, Penn State – University Park, Class of 1982 Keystone College Graduate Eric Skelton, Keystone College, Class of 2015 Luzerne County Community College Graduates Elizabeth Baumeister, LCCC, classes of 2012 and 2014 Hartt Lang, LCCC Class of 2014 Tom Venesky, LCCC, Class of 1994 Diane McGee, LCCC, Class of 1990 University of Scranton Graduate Jerry Lynott, University of Scranton, Class of 1980 Misericordia University Graduates Jimmy Fisher, Misericordia University, Class of 2013 Anne G. Robinson, Misericordia University, Class of 1972 Wilkes Barre Business College Graduate Rosanne Domoracki, Class of 1977 80876235 University of ScrantonE19

Times Leader Times Leader PRESIDENTIAL FILES: ThE uNIvERSITy oF ScRANToN Sunday, December 31, 2017 19 Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J.

Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J., acting president of the University of Scranton. Tony Callaio | Times Leader By Patrick Kernan | [email protected] CRANTON — The Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J., makes for a different sort of Spresident than all the others featured in this special section. Keller is currently about half- In fact, Keller spent 18 years as remains visible to the university. way through his tenure as inter- the president of the area’s Jesuit- “I’m trying to be supportive of im president for the University of run high school, Scranton Prepa- our faculty and students through Location: 800 Linden St, Scranton Scranton. ratory School. Keller also serves this year,” Keller said. “And any- Enrollment:5,373 The university’s previous presi- as rector, or religious superior, of way that I can continue the mis- Founded: 1988 by the Most Rev. William G. O’Hara, dent, the Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, the Jesuit community in Scran- sion of the university will be of D.D., Scranton’s fi rst bishop. S.J., concluded his tenure as ton. service to the university.” president in May. Keller’s educational back- Keller says the university’s mis- became a university in 1938 and was The university made a deci- ground, his knowledge of the sion is deeply rooted in its status transferred to jesuit control in 1942. sion to bring back a previous Scranton area, and his four as a Jesuit institution. president, the Rev. Scott R. Pil- separate terms of service on the According to Keller, the Jesuits 2018 Goals larz, S.J., but Pillarz was unable university’s board made him the are a religious order focused on Although the main goal of Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J., to take over until the summer of perfect fi t for the university’s education, saying the Jesuits is to transition the University of Scranton to its next 2018. interim president. believe education is “transforma- president in 2018, Keller did say there are other Left without a president for Keller has served as the inter- tive.” major projects he is overseeing during the remainder a year, the university needed to im president since June, and will “We are here to transforms the of his tenure. fi nd someone who cold hold the continue to do so until July 2018. lives of the young people who Keller said committees at the University of Scranton proverbial fort for a year. Given that Keller’s tenure as come to us … so they may see will continue to work throughout 2018 on self-study So they turned to Keller. president is more constricted themselves, their world, their for the purposes of maintaining accreditation from “It was never something that I than that of other area presi- God in a new light,” Keller said. the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. ever imagined,” Keller said. “But dent’s, Keller’s goals are likewise Keller said that, while he is Saying that the period of self-study for Middle States the university community has more constricted. very proud of the accomplish- is an “intense” one, Keller said he was proud of being been very welcoming, very sup- “I feel that one of my main ments of the university’s stu- able to steer the university through it. portive.” goals, of course, is to prepare dents — adding that 96 percent While Keller has not served as the way for our ‘permanent of the class of 2017 has already Keller said the university will also be performing self-study for the Mission Priority Examen, an a university president before, he president,’” Keller said. “I’m found a job six months after examination done by Jesuit institutions of higher is well acquainted with the inner doing everything I can to make graduation — there is something learning to determine how well they are adhering to workings of Jesuit-run educa- his transition as smooth as pos- more important for him. the Jesuit mission. tional systems. sible.” “What matters to us (is) who “My professional life has been But this doesn’t mean that our students become, and what Finally, Keller said 2018 will be a period of working spent as an administrator at Keller is an “absentee” president, they decide to do with their on several projects for the university, including the hopeful completion of the Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., secondary educational schools,” holed up in his offi ce. Keller says lives,” he said. Athletic Campus, located in South Scranton. Keller said. he thinks it’s important that he

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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20 Sunday, December 31, 2017 PRESIDENTIAL FILES Times Leader

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