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Bringing The Power To Community Colleges

The original column appeared in the Tribune-Democrat, written by Dr. Steve Nunez. Click here to see original sourced column.

I had lived in either Illinois or Virginia for my entire life before I moved to Pennsylvania in early 2020. While I was very excited about starting my new role at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, I was nervous because I was moving to Pennsylvania alone and leaving behind my entire support system of friends and family.

I thought when I got here that it was important mentally and emotionally for me to immediately connect with new people, find new mentors, and develop new friendships. I’ve been blessed to connect with so many good people since the move.

Being a community college president in Pennsylvania is like being a member of a very small social club – there are only 15 of us. But as I have come to know them, I’ve realized that some of the brightest minds in higher education are presidents at our Pennsylvania community colleges.

We are lucky to have such talented educational leaders in Pennsylvania.

I have had more than one of them reach out to me during my first 18 months at Penn Highlands. Nick Neupauer was one of the first. President at Butler County Community College (BC3) for 14 years, Dr. Neupauer has provided and continues to provide me with straightforward, commonsense, and smart advice. He and I have chatted several times, and each time I come away feeling better.

He just has one of those personalities. He’s easy to talk to, open, quick to laugh, and genuinely a nice guy.

I had a chance to talk with him more in-depth recently, using my superpowers to extract, selfishly, as much knowledge from him as I possibly could, and what impressed me the most was his understanding and devotion to the community college mission of providing affordable, accessible, and quality educational opportunities to the communities we serve.

He believes, as do I, that education is one of the best ways to change and improve a person’s life, and he fully embraces the community college “open door” concept with a focus to remain affordable to all constituents.

As we chatted, Nick continuously brought our conversation back to “service” – to his students and communities.

While being president inhibits him from regular, direct interaction with students, he stated that his focus – every single day – is on students and their successes. He’s particularly focused on providing students with an excellent return on their educational investment and keeping student loan debt low.

Nick said that if students can graduate from his college with a meaningful credential and little to no debt, they will be set up for professional success. Community colleges can provide that pathway, just as it did for his own two daughters.

Some predict that, over the next several decades, many higher education institutions will close or merge with other institutions as our population demographics evolve. However, Neupauer believes that community colleges, focused on their mission of providing affordable, accessible, and quality education will become even more important and necessary because of their value and because of their “ROI.”

Regardless, I certainly feel more confident about the future of community colleges when I speak with education leaders such as Neupauer who care so much about students and the communities we live in.

Thanks for your mentorship, Nick.

Written By Dr. Steve Nunez, College’s Fifth President. This monthly series appears in The Tribune-Democrat, and will allow Dr. Nunez to provide his perspective on the value of education and of a community college. 

Penn Highlands To Distribute Additional $1.8M in COVID-19 Relief Funding

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Penn Highlands Community College recently received an additional 1.8 million dollars for direct student aid from the Higher Education Relief Fund III. To date, Penn Highlands has already awarded over $880,000 directly to students impacted by the pandemic during the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters.

Penn Highlands Community College will disperse the additional COVID-19 relief funding to enrolled students for the Summer 2021, Fall 2021, and Spring 2022 semesters.

All enrolled for-credit students are eligible for COVID-19 relief payments. No Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to receive the relief funds; however, students that show exceptional need based upon their FAFSA status will be prioritized. Special consideration will be awarded to Pell Grant eligible recipients in the overall funding formula, which will be calculated for each student.

All students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and contact the Penn Highlands Financial Aid Office to discuss how their current financial situation may or may not have changed due to the pandemic. These relief funds are designed for anyone who has put off their education due to a loss of income or insufficient childcare options as a direct result of the pandemic, to name a few.

“Penn Highlands is here to help our student population, whether it is earning an associate degree or certificate, or just taking a few classes to upskill their current job,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Penn Highlands Community College. “These COVID-19 relief funds are beneficial as they help our students overcome barriers caused by the pandemic, such as covering the cost of tuition and books, or other educational needs.”

In addition to COVID-19 relief funds, Penn Highlands also offers over 20 scholarships for each academic year, as well as payment plans designed to assist a student’s individual needs.

Our fall semester starts this August, and enrollment is currently underway. Click here for details.

New Honors Program Coming To Penn Highlands

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will continue its commitment to academic excellence this fall with the introduction of an Honors Program.

The Honors Program will allow students to explore cultural and societal issues through new, distinct, and challenging academic programming opportunities. Students in the Honors Program will encounter enhanced experiential learning, seminars, interdisciplinary research, and community-engaged service projects.

Honors students’ classes employ a collaborative and cross-disciplinary research approach. These courses are designed to fulfill core and major requirements across a variety of academic majors. Additionally, these students will be challenged to think creatively and critically both inside and outside of the traditional classroom.

“This Honors Program will provide students with an academic experience enriched by working with faculty on projects that are of interest universally across all settings,” stated Robert Farinelli, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Penn Highlands Community College. “Students will leave with an academic resume that they can take as they transfer or enter the workforce.”

The Honors Program is a testament to the quality and strong educational foundation Penn Highlands offers students throughout the region. This new distinction allows Penn Highlands to recognize and expand opportunities for the highest achieving students. Penn Highlands believes the new designation will add prestige to current degrees, while enhancing current programming to create motivated life-long learners.

The Penn Highlands Community College Honors Program is open to all current and incoming students in any academic program. Academically talented and ambitious students are encouraged to apply to be a part of the inaugural class.

For more information, click here.

Dean’s List For Spring 2021 Announced

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 semester.

Acme – Charles Robert Heckman, II

Alexandria – David Lee McGuire

Altoona – Megan Marie Anslinger, Christopher Michael Bearer, Kaylin Nikole Becker, Emma Leigh Bender, Garrett Steven Burns, Lindsay Victoria Chamberlain, Julia Elizabeth Dambeck, Kyle Ashton Dennis, Edward Michael Drzewiecki, Alicia Ann Friedenberger, Karmiel Latoya Jackson, Herman Johnson, Scott Anthony Jurcik, Shaina Elizabeth Lear, Maura Marie Lowey, Katherine Rose Markel, Diamond Makaylah Mercer, Nickolas Douglas Overdorff, Taylor Rae Peters, Tam-Mara Madeline Stevens, Tanner John Dayne Umbower, Imani Vaughn, Angela E. Weber, Abigail White

Apollo – David Michael Sylvia

Armagh – Ashlyn N. Bowers, Luke William Means, Emily Patricia Ponchione, Kallista Joy Regan, Noah Michael Slippy, Berkley Noel Sutton

Ashville – Hannah Grace Krug

Aurora – Alyssa Erin Hoffman

Beaverdale – Melissa L. Haslam, Erica L. Kovalik

Bedford – Spencer Michael Jacobs

Belsano – Ira Lee Sickles

Berlin – Jennifer Ann Swope

Blairsville – Alyssa Marie Debnar

Blandburg – Bethany Kay Smeal

Boswell – Madison Jade Burkholder, Hannah Marie St. Clair, Cassidy Elaine Washabaugh

Broad Top – Makayla Paige Hinkel

Cadogan- Christopher Matthew Serafine

Cairnbrook – Christy Lou Fleegle, Brooke Rhianne Marek

Carrolltown – Andrew J. Cidor, Melissa A. Finet, Samuel R. Sottile

Cassville – Ryan Bookheimer

Central City – Briana Lyn Pakstis

Cherry Tree – Makayla Marie Price

Clarion – Joshua Taylor

Claysburg – Mackenzie Rose Clemens, Justin Michael Mauk

Coalport – Maria Jewel Henry

Colver – Emma Leigh Davis, Lee Ann Krumenacker, Lucas Kenneth Taylor

Confluence – Rebekah Lindsey Phillippi

Connellsville – Justin Thomas Thornton

Corry – Kreg Allen Schreckengost

Cresson – Kayla Marie Borque, Mary Lee Courtot, Kaitlyn Marie Eger, Angela Marie Forlina, Alison E. Gailey, Katrina Dawn Anne Smith, Rachel C. Verchereau

Davidsville – Kayla Mae Yoder

Dayton – Eric Dean Eckman

Delta – Jacob A. Puglia

Duncansville – Jade Kathryn Corbin, Erika Olivia Wilkie, Christopher Alexander Winters

East Freedom – Amber L. Weyant

Ebensburg – Brandy Lee Eckenrod, Cassidy Goshey, Amanda Blake Hart, Lauren Elizabeth Kiepert, Matthew Paul Kuzilla, Bridget Ann Llewellyn, Austin Gene McCready, Lewis William Prather III, Hope Marie Sodmont, Cody James Sral, Korin Arielle Templeton

Emeigh – Courtney Breeanna Williams

Export – Eric Jeffrey Hyland

Fallentimber – Katie Lynn Ness

Fenelton – Hunter Alan Miller

Friedens – Jennifer L. Grabill, Derek Michael James Zolla

Gallitzin – Andrew James Eger, Sherry Christine Hines, Julie Ann Madonna

Greensburg – Jesse F. Gruber, Abbigale Hunter Wentzel

Hastings – Alexander David Blake, Nicolas W. Bradley, Tyler J. Charney, MaKala Lee Stafford

Hesston – Angeline Nicole Grove

Hollidaysburg – Emily Grace Campbell, Kara Elizabeth Gallagher, Tiffany Lynn Kennedy, Joseph M. Mattern, Mikayla Renee McIntosh, Paige Jean Senne

Hollsopple – Kelsey Raye Branch, Renee Ivy Eash

Homer City – Braden Boothby, Christopher Allen Dutschmann

Hooversville – Autumn Rose Yuzwa, Hannah M. Zorn

Hopwood – Nathaniel Joseph Erminio

Houtzdale – Alex Francis Capitos

Hudson – Phillip Thomas Grainger

Huntingdon – Colby Paul Grubb

Hyndman – Nicole Bumbarger, Joseph A. Guercio

Indiana – Sydney Rebecca Wells

Irvona – Samantha Sue Leamer

James Creek – Doak Abram Hoenstine

Jenners – Joseph B. Hornick

Jerome – Kalie Morgan Lysic, Uriah Shane Peruso, Jennifer Sue Stouffer

Johnstown – Taylor N. Ahlborn, Gillian Elizabeth Ambroe, Vincent E. Andolina, Cassidy Faye Bailey, Abigail Rose Bartis, Omar Benslimane, Nathan Hunter Berkebile, Justin Dylan Bezek, Selena Marie Blough, Allyson Boring, Hannah Noelle Boring, Ashley Nichol Boyle, Elizabeth Irene Breen, Breanna M. Brittingham, Liam T. Coyne, Megan Rose Cunningham, Ian Christopher Danchanko, Hannah M. Davis, Heather A. Donatelli, Christopher Ceylon Durham, Gavin Robert Eash, Peter O. Echon, Justin Thomas Eckenrod, Ashley Lynn Eppley, Benjamin M. Feathers, Drewann Marie Gaydos, Kali Gladys Giebfried, Morna M. Haluska, Brady Matthew Harrison, Chelsea Rae Helsel, Hayden Charles Holsopple, Corey Lynn Hrivnak, Benjamin Blasé Johnson, Emily Kathryn Keiper, Brian Scott Kennedy, Shelly M. Kerchner, Thomas Raymond Keyser, Taylor Diane Kirby, Cameron M. Kleczek, Caleb Nethaniel Knaze, Ryan Alan Kniss, Lacey N. Krouse, Jerri Joy Leslie, Gavin Parker Lewis, Abigail Anna Majercsik, Teresa A. Marion, Aliyah L. Naylor, Laura Lee Neatrour, Thomas Albert Opdenhoff, Lauren Michele Ozog, Pooja Anil Parekh, Jenna Marie Pavlosky, Dawn M. Pringle, Lindsey Marie Pullin, Hannah Elizabeth Rietscha, Jason Paul Rilogio, Tyler James Rodman, Shane J. Ross, William F. Roth, Elizabeth A. Ruszkoski, Rylee Morgan Sabo, Lucas Robert Sabol, Joshua Aaron Schalles, Jennifer L. Schario, Adrian P. Shane, Alexis Kira Shank, Emily Paige Sherry, Jordan Elizabeth Slavick, Victoria Frances Smothers, Sophia Miles Straw, Elizabeth Ann Stricker, Joseph J. Stringent, Star L. Surma, Emma Mae Tavalsky, David Michael Truscello, Amber Nicole Turner, Brianna Marie Tustin, Taelur Marie Vargo, Emmalie F. Vitalie, Nancy A. Webb, Grace A. Weinzierl, Alexander Michael Wherthey, Zachary David Whitcomb, Victoria Marie Winfield, Brent T. Zierer, McKenzie R. Zukus

Kunkletown – Nicole Schifano

Ligonier – Lexie A. Ambrose

Lilly – Lauren Marie Suchta

Loretto – Jeannie M. Crane, Morghan Theresa Krug

Mansfield – Colton James Pierce

Mapleton Depot – Kaitlin N. Arnold, Trey William Bennett

Martinsburg – Nicholas Allen Bechtel, Jessi M. Delozier, Kayla Ann Imler

McVeytown – Connor Nicholas Fultz

Mechanicsburg – Alexis Clifford

Meyersdale – Eric Steven Beckner, Carissa Nicole Miller, Alan Andrew Mognet, Lakyn Elizabeth Roadman, Lillian M. Whitacre

Mineral Point – Aaron Michael Fenchak, Kenneth Glenn Findley, Ty Frederick Keilman, Lauryn Mae McCullough, Kaylee J. Meier

Mount Union – Devin R. Delo, Nicholas Scott Hurley, Chloe Lane Schiffel

Nanty Glo – Emerson Mary George, Kira M. Gongloff, Stephen James Hauck, Jennifer Diane Kinter, Michaella N. Smick, Isaac Michael Thomas, Haley Michael Rhine

New Florence – Payton Krishelle Colson, Cheyanne M. Gregorich

New Kensington – Timothy Richard Conroy

Newry – Donny Hoffman

Northern Cambria – Ariel Martina Dospoy, Jeffrey Stephen Degol, Tanya Nicole Deyarmin, Reilly P. Hill, Delilah Lee Laney, Liana N. Laughard, Brennen James Lee, Joel G. Ludwig, Sydnee Laurel Miller, Abigail Theresa Montanaro, Johniemarie Olenchick, Gabriell Cassandra Peles, Hannah Elsie Phillips, Sydney Madison Sheredy, Lauren A. Sichko, Richard James Wiewiora

Patton – Jacob Leo Beebe, Zachary J. Farabaugh, Maddelyn Paige Hoover, Nicolas Scott Painter, Kelsey Louise Rematt, Cassidy Erin Ringler, Robert Eugene Tinker

Penn Run – Seth E. Fyock

Petersburg – Tricia May Farine, Gabriel David McMahon, Brittany Marie Waite

Portage – Skyler Daniel Baran-Wozniak, Richelle Irene Brown, Lucas William Jubina, Corey Kopnicky, Emily Krall, Joshua A. Krumenacker, Bella Nicole Nagy, Madison Elise Piatak, Garrett David Sanner, Cody James Schrift

Revloc – Danielle A. Hardsock, Ashley Michelle Patterson

Ridgeley – Logan Edward Corwell

Roaring Spring – Jenna Marie Carder, Katelynn Frye Carter, Waverly Elaine Harshbarger, Breana L. Weimert

Robertsdale – Devin Jeffrey Swope

Rockwood – Stephanie Christine Dwire, Hanna Lee Hoover, Molly R. Hostetler

Saint Benedict – Kelly Jo Bassett, Ashley N. McLucas

Saint Marys – Allison Rae Vollmer

Saint Michael – Christopher Kyle Kurchak, Alayna R. Plaza

Saint Petersburg – Jacob Isaiah Kriebel

Salix – Maria Hope Carosi, Levi Grigg, Priscilla L. Ryman, Noah Michael Webb

Saltillo – Brantley Lee Collins

Scottdale – Lee Eric Newcomer

Seward – Justin Robert Higgins, Tessa G. Rudnik

Shelocta – Joseph D. Spohn

Shirleysburg – Caylin Reeder, Griffin Frederick Scott, Kendra Wertz

Sidman – Ashlyn Hope Hamara, Livia Faith Hamara, Michelle Marie Schmidt

Six Mile Run – Marlee Deborah Wallace

Somerset – Melanie Cathryn Downing, Sarah Renee Fleegle, Tyson J. Hostetler, Krystal Elizabeth Knupp, Colby Graham Myers, Erin Elizabeth Pyle

South Fork – Allison Denise Gustkey, Jessica Dawn Ickes, Sara Nicole Units

Spring Church – Justin Thomas Donelow

Stoystown – Lily Patricia Grace, Casey A. Romus

Summerhill – Kendra Nicole Fox

Three Springs – Mason R. Farine, Wyatt Preston Long

Todd – Catherine Estella Cavanaugh

Twin Rocks – Stephen A. Karal

Tyrone – Jonathan Crocefoglia, John Andrew Lehner, Devin Matthew Phillips

Uniontown – Cassandra M. Filcheck

Vintondale – Garrett D. Smith

Wells Tannery – Maiah Mellott

Westover – Brandon Arnold

Williamsburg – Danelle Florence Roberts

Windber – Michelle Rose Bartkovich, Kacey Marie Berdomas, Tyler Robert Bush, Haley Nicole Crum, Brooke Nicole Elliott, Evie Adelia Johnson, Matthew David Kaiser, Trinity Paige Krause, Ronald L. Mayo, Marlayna Grace Miller, Dylan Jack Napora, Alyssa Marie Ott, Colton Steele Platt, Kayla Shuster, Debra M. Slagle, Matthew James Walker, Jonas D. Wissinger

The Mother Of All Support Systems

The original column appeared in the Tribune-Democrat , written by Dr. Steve Nunez. Click here to see original sourced column.

With both commencement ceremonies completed at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College for this year, I cannot help but reflect on the graduating class of 2021.

The graduates had so many obstacles to overcome, and yet, despite them, graduated anyway. I am proud of their accomplishments, and it was great to get to meet many of them in person.

During my 25-year career in higher education, I have learned that very few students graduate without the support of some mentor or loved one.

The transition to and through higher education is a difficult one, and most of us on that journey need a cheerleader to encourage us to persevere during the hardest of times. I was lucky, as I had two parents who encouraged and supported my educational journey – and the journeys of my sister and brother.

As I mention often, I attended a local community college, where a small teacher-to-student ratio and excellent student support systems allowed me to thrive academically and grow into my own skin. After graduating from the community college, I transferred to Virginia Tech, a university of more than 25,000 students. However, I quickly felt diminished to a student identification number, and in some cases, was relegated to classes with hundreds of other students.

I received a fabulous education from Virginia Tech, and I have many fond memories there, but I had a very difficult transition from my community college, where I had personalized attention, to this large university, and consequently, I struggled academically my first semester.

Parenting is a gratifying but difficult job – and is an imperfect science at best. As most parents will attest, raising a family is hard work, which I confirmed when I helped raise two boys of my own. I have enormous respect for what my mother did, seemingly without much complaint, as she worked as a full-time elementary school teacher and helped raise a family. She worked all day, shopped for groceries, cleaned the house, and cooked for her family, and yet, I never felt alone. Somehow mom was always there when I needed her. Sometimes it was as simple as giving me a hug or a peanut butter sandwich. Other times, well, I may have required a literal kick in the pants. But simply being there for me was, and continues to be, enormous.

So, I was a young man at Virginia Tech, seemingly in over his head, who had lost confidence in his abilities. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted and ready to give up. It was clear to me that I was out of my element, and so, I called my mother to tell her I wasn’t cut out for Virginia Tech, that this wasn’t the place for me, and I was coming home. It was a declaration, not a question.

I sometimes wonder if my mother even remembers this phone call. But I do, and it was short and to the point – paraphrasing, she replied to my declaration, “You aren’t giving up. You aren’t coming home. Figure it out.”

We then went on to discuss some strategies to help me move forward and be successful. My mother gave me some “tough love” that day and it was exactly what I needed. The easy thing to do was to quit – the more difficult path was to figure it out.

Even today, I consider my mom a great friend and confidant, and I recognize that she will always love and care for me as much today as a 50-year-old adult as her awkward 5-year-old son. But one of my mom’s greatest gifts was to raise us, her children, with the confidence to go pursue our dreams and conquer the world.

Congratulations to all the local graduates!

Written By Dr. Steve Nunez, College’s Fifth President. This monthly series appears in The Tribune-Democrat, and will allow Dr. Nunez to provide his perspective on the value of education and of a community college.