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Board of Trustees Adds Two New Members

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees has added two new members in Lladel Lichty and Jennifer Mitchell, with their terms having begun in August.

Lichty, who is the Somerset County Director of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, will serve as the board representative for Somerset County. Mitchell, who is the Superintendent of Huntingdon Area School District, will represent Huntingdon County.

“I am excited to welcome Ms. Lichty and Ms. Mitchell to the Board of Trustees,” stated Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands President. “Their talents, experiences, and understanding of Somerset and Huntingdon Counties will greatly benefit me as President, the College, and the Board.”

Lichty and Mitchell will replace Tyson Cook and James Foster, respectively. Cook served on the board for four years, while Foster was a member for nearly 11 years. Lichty and Mitchell will both serve three-year terms that close in August 2026.

Lichty is currently a member of six different volunteer boards, including the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Somerset Advisory Committee, a spot she has held for two years.

In total, Lichty has served on nine volunteer boards, while also holding more than 25 years of experience as a director of organizations such as the American Cancer Society and United Way of the Laurel Highlands.

“I am very pleased and honored to serve on the Board of Trustees at Penn Highlands,” Lichty stated. “While serving on the Somerset Advisory Committee the past few years, I quickly realized the value of this quality institution in Somerset County and well beyond. Having first class, affordable, and beautifully appointed locations and facilities, while allowing our students to continue their education among family and friends, is all the more reason to support and grow Penn Highlands. I look forward to that opportunity while working alongside the Trustees and staff.”

Mitchell has served as the superintendent of Huntingdon Area School District for nearly two years. She began her career in education as a kindergarten teacher in 1999 and has steadily advanced in rank since.

Mitchell holds a bachelor’s degree from Juniata College, master’s degrees from Kaplan University and Edinboro University, and also received her Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Edinboro University in 2016. She plans to earn her doctorate in educational leadership beginning this fall.

“I am honored to become a member of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees from the Huntingdon County region,” Mitchell stated. “I, myself, have been a life-long learner seeking opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I fully support the mission and vision of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, which is to provide opportunities to pursue life-long learning, to act as a catalyst for regional renewal, and position graduates to be exceptional members of the community and workforce.”

Lladel Lichty

Jennifer Mitchell