Newsroom

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.

Four Students Chosen To Represent The College In The America250 Innovation Challenge

Congratulations to Hailey Giuffre (Johnstown), Alexandra Lambrinos (Johnstown), Bret Sarlouis (Johnstown), and Richard Tavalsky (Ebensburg) for being chosen to represent Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in the regional round of the America250 Direct Effect Innovation Challenge (DEIC).

The American250 DEIC is an event where student teams from Pennsylvania colleges and universities compete to design and launch the integrated marketing campaign strategy for the America250PA initiative. The three-round competition will end with the final DEIC competition being held live on stage at the Wilkes-Barre Connect Conference, on November 19^th.

These students will travel to Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA on October 24th to compete. The campus round was held on October 3rd, where this team was chosen out of the five competing teams.

These students will compete against other college teams at the next level to design, develop, and pitch a concept that will highlight an integrated marketing strategy for the America250 PA campaign. For additional information about the America250 PA campaign, please refer to the website at www.america250pa.org.

Erica Kovalik Wins the WPCC Cross Country Title

Congratulations to Erica Kovalik (Forest Hills) for becoming the first Black Bear to win an individual Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) cross country title in Penn Highlands’ history. She is now the 2019 WPCC 22019 Cross Country Champion!

Erica ran a 22:57:1 in less than perfect conditions. In addition to being the WPCC Champion, Erica has earned a spot on the WPCC All-Conference Team.

Erica will compete next in the NJCAA Region XX Championships in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Erica Kovalik (Forest Hills), 2019 WPCC Cross Country Champion

Annual Community Trick Or Treat Planned; Free To Public

Fall is here and Halloween is almost upon us. Penn Highlands Community College is celebrating the season with its annual, family-friendly Community Trick or Treat event, generously sponsored by Wessel & Company. It will be held on Monday, October 28th, from 5:30pm to 7pm, at the college’s Richland Campus (101 Community College Way, Johnstown).

Intended for families with children who are 12 years old and under, this event is an experience that is not easily forgotten. Faculty, staff, and students will be on-hand to give out free treats (while supplies last) and provide a unique Halloween experience to visitors.

As well as trick or treat, we will have special areas dedicated to creating Halloween crafts, intently watching a special Halloween puppet show, and experiencing our one-of-a-kind “Twisted Fairytales Haunted Hallway.” All activities considered, there is something for children of all ages to get in on the fun.

Last year, we had over 1,200 happy visitors. This year, we are prepared for that number to continue to grow as we create not only a community tradition, but also a family tradition.

We kindly ask that visitors park and enter through the East Hills Recreation entrance. Lastly, we are asking for you to leave your pets at home as pets are not permitted on our campus (service animals are allowed).

Further details can be obtained by contacting Pennsylvania Highlands Student Activities at 814.262.6463 or studentactivities@pennhighlands.edu.