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Faculty Members rewarded for their Commitment to Excellence

Posted July 18, 2016 at 9:08 am

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College recently promoted and granted tenure to select faculty members who have, over time, demonstrated a commitment to excellence in teaching, advising, professional development, and service to the College and the community. Their work with students is exemplary and serves as an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. They are involved in the community in many ways and several are serving in leadership roles within their areas of expertise state-wide and nationally. These advancements will take effect at the start of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Mr. Richard Bukoski has earned the rank of Assistant Professor, Communications and Media Studies. Mr. Bukoski began his career with Pennsylvania Highlands as a full-time faculty member in August 2013. He was previously employed as News Director and Copywriter at Forever Broadcasting in Johnstown. He teaches courses in Communication Studies and Media Production. Mr. Bukoski holds a B.A. in Communications from Edinboro University, an M.A. in Adult Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Communications Media and Instructional Technology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Kevin Slonka has earned the rank of Assistant Professor, Computer Science. Dr. Slonka began his career at Pennsylvania Highlands as a full-time faculty member in January of 2013. He previously served as an adjunct faculty member at Mount Aloysius College and was employed at Northrop Grumman as a Cyber Software Engineer. He teaches courses in Computer Science. Dr. Slonka holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Mount Aloysius College, dual Master’s Degrees in Information Security and Assurance and Information Technology Project Management from Robert Morris University, and a Doctor of Science in Information Systems and Communications from Robert Morris.

Ms. Gaynelle Schmieder has earned the rank of Associate Professor, Healthcare Professions. Ms. Schmieder began her career with Pennsylvania Highlands as a full-time faculty member in August of 2007. Prior to that, she was employed as a Clinical Research Coordinator, Director of Clinical Services, Director of Nursing Services, and Staff Nurse. She teaches courses in Health Care Professions. Ms. Schmieder has a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Clarion University and a B.S. in Nursing from St. Francis University.

Mr. William Wolff has earned the rank of Professor, Natural Sciences, Chemistry. Mr. Wolff began his career with Pennsylvania Highlands as a full-time faculty member in August of 2006. Prior to that, he was employed as a Laboratory Director, Quality Control Coordinator, and Chief Chemist. He teaches courses in Chemistry. Mr. Wolff has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Chemistry from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Robert Clark, has earned tenure as an Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice and Social Sciences. Dr. Clark began his full-time career with Pennsylvania Highlands in August of 2011. He is the Lead Faculty for the Criminal Justice program. He holds several positions and titles including Certified Diplomate Child Forensic Interviewer through the National Association of Child Forensic Interviewers, Chair of the Critical Criminal Justice section for the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, ACE Faculty Liaison, and member of the Cambria County Child Death Review Team. Prior to this appointment, he taught for St. Francis University, California University of Pennsylvania, and Washington & Jefferson College. He also currently teaches undergraduate and graduate-level leadership and sociology courses on a part-time basis for Duquesne University. Dr. Clark earned his Ph.D. in Administration and Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to teaching full-time, he worked in the child welfare system and victim services, as well as the juvenile and criminal court systems in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia.