Newsroom

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.

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.

Nine Local High School Students Earn Full-Tuition Scholarship

We would like to congratulate the outstanding work of the area high school students that were awarded the College’s Board of Trustees Academic Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors in the region that demonstrate excellence in academics and extracurricular activities. Eligible students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in their high school career, participate in various activities, and demonstrate leadership throughout their community.

Scholarship recipients receive a full-tuition scholarship to attend Pennsylvania Highlands Community College to complete an associate’s degree. We would like to honor those who will receive the 2018 Board Academic Scholarship:

• Nick Brawley of Ebensburg, PA (Cambria Heights High School)
• Anthony De Jesus of Johnstown, PA (Greater Johnstown Senior High School)
• Michael Hartman of Windber, PA (Johnstown Christian School)
• Zachary Horwat of Clymer, PA (Penns Manor Area High School)
• Kateri Krise of Loretto, PA (Penn Cambria Area High School)
• Courtney Loughran of Carrolltown, PA (Cambria Heights High School)
• Evan Orr of Homer City, PA (United Junior-Senior High School)
• Sheena Pastuch of Boswell, PA (North Star High School)
• Thomas Tavalsky of Ebensburg, PA (Central Cambria High School)