Newsroom

Open House At Blair Center For Patient Care Tech Program

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Blair Center will be holding a Patient Care Technician Open House on Tuesday, December 11th at its Logan Valley Mall facility. Those interested in learning more about the college’s new certificate program have two times available to them: 9-11 AM or 3-5 PM.

The Patient Care Technician certificate allows students the ability to provide basic care, which includes emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual support to patients of all age groups in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates of the program will learn how to perform procedures in a safe and therapeutic manner while in compliance with federal/state mandates.

Details on the Patient Care Technician certificate will be readily available at this open house, along with the ability to speak with representatives about what the program has to offer.

For additional information on this open house or other opportunities in Blair, please contact Penn Highlands Blair at 814.201.2700 or blair@pennhighlands.edu.

IT Degrees In Cyber Security And Network Administration Coming To Blair

Beginning in Fall 2019, the Penn Highlands Blair Center will be adding to its diverse list of academic offerings with two tracks from within the Information Technology associate degree: Cyber Security and Network Administration.

Information Technology is an Associate of Applied Science degree that focuses on many of today’s technologies critical to business and industry. Blair will offer tracks in Cyber Security and Network Administration, providing students with a core foundation depending on which track they choose.

Cyber Security focuses on the most critical and quickly changing area of the industry, providing students with the ability to not only administer networks but also to secure those networks and conduct penetration tests to ensure they are not vulnerable to attacks. Graduates will have an understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, databases, programming, and defensive and offensive security.

Network Administration provides students with the ability to configure a variety of network devices, such as routers and switches. Graduates will have an understanding of local and wide area network technologies, telecommunications, wireless communications, and network connectivity.

“Our recent expansion paved the way for programs like Cyber Security and Network Administration in the Altoona area,” stated Julie Patosky, Blair Center Director at Penn Highlands Community College. “Many in-demand careers are found within Information Technology, and we are happy to offer these opportunities to the local population.”

Both Information Technology tracks will be offered at the Penn Highlands Blair Center, located in the Logan Valley Mall.

Four Medallion Awards Presented To Marketing & Communications Team

Sean McCool (left) and Raymond Weible, Jr. (right) accepting the medallion awards at the 2018 NCMPR District 1 Conference.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College would like to congratulate its Marketing & Communications Team on being awarded four (4) NCMPR District 1 Medallion Awards this year from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR).

The team took home medallions in the following categories: Website (silver), Novelty Advertising (bronze), Poster (bronze), and Viewbook (bronze).

“These awards recognize excellence in all aspects of the industry and make a profound statement about the creative capabilities of our staff,” stated Trish Corle, Vice President of Student Services. “The work this team does helps our college advance the region on a daily basis.”

Penn Highlands’ Marketing & Communications Department consists of three members.

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, 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 has become an integral part of the team, playing a part across all initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of Pittsburgh.

Since 2015, Marketing & Communications has won a total of thirteen (13) NCMPR Medallion and Paragon Awards, which recognizes excellence in the marketing, design, and public relations field at two-year schools.

NCMPR is the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges. They are one of the fastest-growing affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges, representing more than 1,550 members from over 650 colleges across the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Pennsylvania Highlands is a part of District 1, which includes schools from Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec, and United Kingdom.

About NCMPR
The National Council for Marketing & Public Relations is a professional organization for individuals involved in marketing, communications, public relations and enrollment management at community, junior, and technical colleges. NCMPR provides professional development opportunities, advocates on behalf of the profession and the institutions it serves, and recognizes professional excellence.

KEYS Program Honored With “Friends of Extension” Award By Penn State Extension

Photo includes Kaye Fink (left), Penn Highlands Community College, accepting the award from Tammy Garrett (right), Penn State Extension.

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College KEYS Program was presented with the “Friends of Extension” award by Penn State Extension. The award was given due to great collaborative efforts over the past years when providing additional training to the students within the program.

The KEYS program is designed to help TANF and Food Stamp recipients succeed in community college. It was developed in response to growing research that shows that individuals who earn a credit-bearing certificate or an associate degree are better able to get jobs at family-sustaining wages with benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Plans For Central Park Center Renovations Unveiled At Downtown Event

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College announced its plans for renovations to its Central Park Center at a small gathering of business and industry leaders. Officials from Penn Highlands, along with Representative Bryan Barbin, unveiled the $60,000 project, which includes classroom space and a conference room.

“This project demonstrates the continued efforts made by local leaders to develop a strong educational presence in the downtown area,” stated Representative Barbin. “Beginning in January 2019, Penn Highlands will be providing a variety of educational and training opportunities designed to meet the needs of all students.”

The classroom will seat 30 people, giving residents of downtown Johnstown easy access to courses and other programs offered by Penn Highlands. The new conference room will seat 12 and provide businesses with a centrally located, comfortable space to hold meetings and other small events.

“We expect that our downtown center will have an impact on Johnstown’s economy,” stated Dr. Walter Asonevich, College President. “Our Central Park Center is just the beginning of a larger role that Penn Highlands hopes to play in Johnstown.”

Construction on this project is set to begin shortly, with completion of the project scheduled before December. Penn Highlands plans to open the new space to the public in January 2019.

Project Funding Details
This project is being partially funded by a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant totaling $40,000. Representative Bryan Barbin initiated the DCED grant, with JARI providing assistance during the application process.

A $20,000 match was required for the grant. The matching funds were obtained from three sources. The Penn Highlands Community College Foundation contributed $8,000, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies grant contributed $7,000, and five local banks contributed $1,000 each (AmeriServ Financial, First Commonwealth, First National, Northwest Savings, and 1ST SUMMIT).