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5K Run To Support College Initiatives Set For September

The Black Bear 5K Run, sponsored by Wessel & Company, is back and is scheduled for Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Richland Campus.

The race will begin at 9:00 AM, with registration occurring from 8 to 8:45 AM at the College’s main entrance. The course is an asphalt and macadam style course, and consists of three loops around our Campus and Richland High School. This race is sanctioned by the USATF.

The cost to pre-register for this event is $15, and is $20 the day of the race. Registration includes a t-shirt (guaranteed to all pre-registrants received by Monday, September 10th), post-race snacks, and awards for top finishers.

Non-competitive participants (no course timing) can complete any portion of the 5K; strollers are welcome.

Proceeds from the event will support student scholarships, program development, and college initiatives.

Any questions, please contact the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation at 814.262.6499 or by email at foundation@pennhighlands.edu.

Faculty Members Earn Promotion And Tenure

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.

Eligible faculty members go through a rigorous application and review process that assesses their effectiveness in full-time teaching/advising as well as service to Penn Highlands, the community, and professional development.

Faculty Earning Advancement In Rank:

• Dr. Russell Newman from Assistant to Associate Professor, English. Dr. Newman holds a Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. in English from James Madison University. He also holds an A.A. from Eastern Shore Community College. He began his career as a full-time faculty member in January 2014. He maintains memberships in The Thoreau Society, Modern Language Association, and the Northwest Language Association. Dr. Newman serves as a mentor for students presenting at The Beacon Conference for Student Scholars at Two-Year Colleges.
• Dr. Matthew Sisak from Assistant to Associate Professor, Biological Sciences. Employed full-time by the College since 2014, Dr. Sisak holds a D.C. from the Palmer College of Chiropractic and B.S. in Natural Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He maintains memberships in the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association and Human Anatomy and Physiology Society. Prior to his full-time appointment, Dr. Sisak served as an adjunct faculty member.

Faculty Earning Tenure:

• Mr. Richard Bukoski, Assistant Professor, Communication and Media Studies. Mr. Bukoski began his career as a full-time faculty member in August 2013. Mr. Bukoski holds a M.A. Adult and Community Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Speech Communication from Edinboro University. He was the founding faculty advisor for the Media Production Club and coordinated the first Black Bear Film Festival. Prior to his full-time appointment, he enjoyed a career in radio and television.
• Dr. Kevin Slonka, Assistant Professor, Computer Science. Dr. Slonka began his career as a full-time faculty member in January 2013. Dr. Slonka holds a Sc.D. in Information Systems & Communication, M.S. in Information Security & Assurance, and M.S. in Information Technology Project Management from Robert Morris University. He also holds a B.S. in Information Technology from Mount Aloysius College. Dr. Slonka holds a membership in the Association for Computing Machinery and has had several articles published for the International Association of Computer and Information Systems. He is certified as an Ethical Hacker and Cybercrime Investigator.

Pennsylvania Highlands has six locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region, serving residents of western Pennsylvania.

Dr. Russell Newman

Dr. Matthew Sisak

Richard Bukoski

Dr. Kevin Slonka

Updated PA Director Credential Helps Professionals Earn Industry Credential

Beginning this fall, early childcare professionals will have our PA Director Credential available to help them advance their careers, local families, and the region. This updated certificate program is built for current and future directors and owners of Early Childhood and Education facilities, and will teach them leadership, program quality, organization and administration, business management, and curriculum and pedagogy.

Graduates will be eligible to apply for the PA Key Director Core Certificate, which will allow them to be preferred candidates for director positions in programs participating in Pennsylvania’s Quality Initiative: Keystone Stars.

This program consists of three asynchronous courses (courses taken at the same time), allowing individuals to complete the program in just a few months. Since the program is strictly online, participants can complete the program at their own pace on their schedules.

Pennsylvania Highlands has six locations throughout the Southern Alleghenies region, serving residents of western Pennsylvania.

About PA Director Credential (Certificate)
To obtain the PA Director Credential a student must successfully complete nine (9) credits based on three (3) required courses. All courses are taken at the same time in an online format. Click here for program details.

Ribbon-Cutting Unveils Blair Center Expansion

The highly anticipated Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Blair Center expansion was unveiled on Thursday, July 26th during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Representatives from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Blair County Chamber of Commerce, and other local officials were on-hand for this momentous occasion.

The 14,000-plus square foot modern expansion includes five classrooms, one science lab, one computer lab, a student services area, and several comfortable areas for lounging or individual study. Penn Highlands Blair is located within the Logan Valley Mall, next to Macy’s. Click here for details on all of the programs offered and more.

Blair Expansion Highlighted At Open House Event

After months of construction, the highly anticipated Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Blair Center expansion within the Logan Valley Mall is nearing completion and will be open to the public this month. The 14,000-plus square foot expansion will be unveiled on Thursday, July 26^th, during an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The open house will take place from noon to 6pm, with the ribbon cutting ceremony taking place at 2pm. It will highlight the Blair Center’s modern expansion, which includes five classrooms, one science lab, one computer lab, a student services area, and several comfortable areas for lounging or individual study. Our black bear mascot will also be on-hand for photos from noon to 2pm, with refreshments and souvenirs available for attendees throughout the event.

Our Blair Center offers a variety of academic programs with new additions in the Healthcare industry. Fall classes begin on Monday, August 27^th.

“Post-secondary education is a catalyst for personal and professional growth,” said Trish Corle, Vice President of Student Services. “Our newly expanded location will provide advanced technology, hands-on learning opportunities, and enhanced student services aimed at developing a well-trained and educated workforce. It is our honor to be serving the residents, businesses, and leaders of Blair County.”

Penn Highlands Blair is located within the Logan Valley Mall, next to Macy’s. Click for details.