Newsroom

Partnership Allows Up To 90 Credits Of Transfer For Online Bachelor’s Degree

Original article appeared on the Pennsylvania Commission For Community Colleges website, written by Carolyn Simpson. Click here to see original sourced article.

During a digital signing and news conference, 14 Pennsylvania community college presidents announced a new partnership and articulation agreement with Southern New Hampshire University.

Under the agreement, students from all 14 Pennsylvania community colleges will be able to transfer up to 90 credits to Southern New Hampshire University and complete their bachelor’s degree online with a 10 percent tuition reduction.

“The mission of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is, in part, to provide affordable opportunities at gaining the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in today’s workforce,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “With even more jobs requiring some higher education, this articulation agreement with Southern New Hampshire University provides a great opportunity for students to earn a bachelor’s degree after completing up to 90 credit hours at Penn Highlands.”

Of the 90 credits that may be transferred toward an online bachelor’s degree, applicable military training is considered. The agreement also applies to employees and immediate family members of employees from all Pennsylvania community colleges. The 14 community college presidents hope that the agreement will help Pennsylvania achieve its attainment goal of 60 percent of Pennsylvanians aged 25-64 with a postsecondary degree or industry-recognized credential by 2025.

“At Southern New Hampshire University, we seek to streamline the transfer process for community college graduates across the nation and we are excited to team up with all 14 community colleges in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Jennifer Batchelor, D.Mgt., Vice President of Academic Programs, Global Campus, Southern New Hampshire University. “Through this new partnership, students will be able to continue on a transformational journey, which will not only impact their lives but also those of their families and communities.”

The agreement will provide transfer students the opportunity to pursue an online bachelor’s degree at a rate more affordable than many other public options in Pennsylvania, depending on the student’s program of study and credit load. At the time of signing, the partnership between Pennsylvania’s community colleges and Southern New Hampshire University represents the only statewide articulation agreement of its kind in the Commonwealth.

“I am pleased that our students have been afforded this opportunity to conveniently earn a bachelor’s degree at a reasonable price,” stated Dr. Nunez.

Southern New Hampshire University is already a popular transfer destination for Pennsylvania’s community college students, with more than 1,500 community college students currently enrolled. Nearly 500 Pennsylvania community college students transferred to Southern New Hampshire University in the 2018 – 2019 academic year, and Southern New Hampshire University awarded 166 Pennsylvania community college graduates a bachelor’s degree last year. Currently enrolled transfer students from Pennsylvania community colleges are eligible for the 10 percent tuition reduction. Under the terms of the articulation agreement, new community college transfer applicants will receive a waiver of the standard application fee to Southern New Hampshire University.

“Thousands of articulation agreements are already in place with higher education partners here in Pennsylvania to help students realize their postsecondary achievement goals and we fully expect those longstanding partnerships to continue,” said Elizabeth Bolden, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. “The academic preparation, success, and focus of Pennsylvania’s community college students is appealing to many national higher education institutions, as these students are typically motivated and high-performing.”

Marketing & Communications Team Earns Four Regional Awards

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College would like to congratulate its Marketing & Communications Team on being awarded four (4) NCMPR Medallion Awards this year from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR). The department received these awards at NCMPR District 1’s annual conference recently held in Providence, Rhode Island.

The team took home awards in the following categories: Website (gold), Video Shorts (silver), Television/Video Advertisement (silver), and Social Media or Online Marketing Campaign (bronze).

“These medallions show the commitment and effort put forth on a daily basis to highlight Penn Highlands as a premier institution in western Pennsylvania,” stated Raymond Weible, Jr., Director of Marketing & Communications.

The Penn Highlands website was recognized for its creative design and strong navigation. The College was also commended for their recent branding campaign, titled “Discover You”, in each of the other award categories.

“Being recognized in this manner is a tremendous honor for the entire team,” Weible said.

The members of Marketing & Communications that participated in these initiatives consist of the following:

• Raymond Weible, Jr. is the Director of Marketing & Communications, and he has spearheaded a multitude of web, digital media, and overall brand initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Advertising and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications, both from West Virginia University.

• Sean McCool is the Creative Services & Marketing Specialist and focuses heavily on photography, graphic/web design, video production, brand integration, and more for the College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Emerging Technology and Multimedia from Slippery Rock University.

• Andrew Podolak is the Marketing & Communications Assistant and serves as an integral member of the team, playing a role across all initiatives. His focus includes writing, social media, campaign planning, and more. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Pittsburgh.

Penn Highlands collaborated with Wade James of Adliv Collective during the production of the video pieces that garnered these awards. Adliv Collective provides professional photography and videography services in Johnstown, PA. Also, the College teamed up with Prime Design Solutions, of Johnstown, in the initial development and support of their website.

Since 2015, Marketing & Communications has won a total of seventeen (17) NCMPR Medallion and Paragon Awards, which recognizes excellence in the marketing, design, and public relations field at two-year schools.

Marketing & Communications Team(L to R): Sean McCool, Creative Services & Marketing Specialist; Raymond Weible, Jr., Director of Marketing & Communications; Andrew Podolak, Marketing & Communications Assistant

Sean McCool receiving the medallion awards at the recent NCMPR District 1 Conference.

Close-Up Image: NCMPR District 1 Gold Medallion for Web Design.

Cure Violence Training Held At Penn Highlands

You may see them walking the streets of Hornerstown or Moxham, talking to young people, and interrupting any potential violent activity. These individuals are the Cure Violence outreach interrupters.

Funded through a grant received by the City of Johnstown, with training facilitated by Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, these interrupters are poised to reduce the crime that is occurring in the Hornerstown and Moxham neighborhoods.

The grassroots group, Hope 4 Johnstown, identified the Chicago-based Cure Violence as a model that could work in Johnstown to address crime and drug problems. This model addresses fighting crime in the same manner that doctors fight medical issues, by interrupting the behavior that contributes to the acts of violence and change the norms within a community.

Marcus McAllister, Cure Violence Global Trainer, was recently at the Penn Highlands Community College Richland Campus training three interrupters and one outreach caseworker. Marcus has been with Cure Violence Global for 16 years. For nine of those years, he has been a trainer for the organization.

“The trainings have been great. This has been a perfect way to share the model that Cure Violence Global utilizes,” stated Marcus McAllister, Cure Violence Global Trainer. “During my time here, we have taken a close look at the history of the area, finding ways to help reduce violence numbers by working to change the atmosphere and culture in the target areas. The individuals I’m training have great relationships and credibility in their neighborhoods, which will help deescalate violence.“

Yvette Madison, Professor of Human Services and Hope 4 Johnstown representative, added that the primary goal is to change the outlook and perspective of the target neighborhoods.

“We want these communities to recognize there are alternatives to violence, and Cure Violence’s model is a tool to help,” Madison said. “The partnership between Penn Highlands, Cure Violence, and Hope 4 Johnstown is one that will help improve the culture for years to come.”

It is anticipated that additional interrupters will be trained during the spring of 2020 as part of the grant’s second year.

While it is too early to know if these interrupters will have an impact, they are connecting with residents in the two neighborhoods and are considered a welcome sight on the streets. They are busy building relationships with young people and serving as role models.

As results are achieved, the Cure Violence model will be extended into neighboring communities. When it comes to violent crime, the goal of the group is simple: “Zero is the standard.”

Dr. Steve Nunez Named Fifth President

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Dr. Steve Nunez has been appointed and will serve as the fifth President of Penn Highlands, effective January 6, 2020. The Board welcomes Dr. Nunez’s leadership as we enter a new chapter at Penn Highlands Community College. Dr. Nunez brings a deep personal and professional background in community college education, along with an engaging personality and enthusiasm for the position.

Dr. Steve Nunez

Currently, Dr. Nunez is Vice President of Academics and Student Services at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, IL. During his 23-year career in higher education, Dr. Nunez has served as a faculty member and senior administrator where he supervised multiple and diverse areas of Sauk Valley Community College. Dr. Nunez earned a Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan; a Master of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia; and an Associate of Science from Southwest Virginia Community College in Cedar Bluff, Virginia.

“I am truly honored to be selected as the next President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College,” stated Dr. Nunez. “I am excited to work with our community, as well as with the faculty and staff at the College, to celebrate the last 25 years and to plan and set the stage for the next 25 years of success.”

The Board of Trustees would like to share our wholehearted appreciation to every member of the Presidential Search Committee and the Penn Highlands Community College staff, faculty, students, and administration who put in their time and dedication on behalf of the Institution. The comments and participation in the forums were carefully considered and valued by the Board.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the College community, and our public stakeholders, we welcome Dr. Nunez in his new position and look forward to his arrival in January.

Erica Kovalik Wins Region XX Division III Cross Country Individual Championship

Congratulations to Erica Kovalik (Forest Hills) for winning the NJCAA Region XX Division III Cross Country Individual Championship at Hagerstown Community College on Saturday, October 26th. She won the championship with a time of 23:07.9.

Kovalik finished sixth among all runners which included Region XX runners from both Division I and Division III community colleges. She is the first individual Region XX champion in Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Black Bear history.

“Erica was able to peak at the right time thanks to the training she received from her father, Daniel,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities and Athletics. “Erica is an excellent example as to what is truly possible when you commit yourself to excellence.”

Kovalik will travel to Stanley Park, MA, on November 1st and 2nd to compete in the NJCAA National Cross Country Meet, hosted by Holyoke Community College.