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Three Faculty Members Earn Advancement In Rank

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has promoted three faculty members, recognizing their dedication to teaching excellence, advising, professional development, and service to both the college and the wider community.

Their work with students is exemplary and serves as an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. The new status of each faculty member will become effective in August 2025.

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

Faculty earning advancement in rank:

Dr. Morgan Dugan, from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education. Dr. Dugan began her career with Pennsylvania Highlands in August of 2018. Prior to that, she was employed as an elementary teacher at Greater Johnstown School District. She teaches courses in Early Childhood Education. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a M.Ed. from Saint Francis University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.

Marie Polka, from Associate Professor to Professor, Mathematics. Ms. Polka began her full-time career with Pennsylvania Highlands in August of 2015. Prior to that, she was an adjunct at Pennsylvania Highlands and Penn State Altoona. She has also taught at IUP. Ms. Polka teaches courses in Mathematics. She has a B.S. in Education with a Mathematics Concentration from The Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from IUP.

Matthew Stumpf, from Instructor to Assistant Professor, English. Mr. Stumpf began his full-time teaching career with Pennsylvania Highlands in August of 2022. Prior to that, he taught courses in Literature, Technical Writing, and Composition at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Highlands as an adjunct instructor. He currently teaches courses in Composition, Business Writing, and Literature. Mr. Stumpf has a B.A. in English Literature from California University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. in English Literature from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Morgan Dugan, Associate Professor

Marie Polka, Professor

Matthew Stumpf, Assistant Professor

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been serving the region since 1994 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Summer Open House Planned For July

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is hosting its Summer Admissions & Athletics Open House on Wednesday, July 16. This event will take place at the College’s Richland Campus, as well as its locations in Blair, Centre County, Ebensburg, and Somerset.

The Open House will have one session beginning at 2 PM. Those who wish to attend can RSVP here. The event is open to the public.

“If you’re considering starting classes in the fall, this is a great time to see how your local community college can benefit you,” stated Matthew Bodenschatz, Director of Recruiting & Admissions.

Attendees will explore the admissions and financial aid processes, gain insight into activities, academics, and athletics, enjoy a guided tour, and engage in one-on-one discussions with an admissions counselor to plan their future.

Those attending will have the chance to connect with a faculty member specializing in their area of study. The Richland Campus will host three to four faculty members, while others will have one or two.

Directions and addresses for all locations can be found here.

Those who fill out a survey after attending will be entered into a drawing for a $250 Fall 2025 scholarship.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been serving the region since 1994 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Athletics Program Receives Sport Opportunity Grant From NJCAA Foundation

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Foundation has awarded Pennsylvania Highlands Community College with a Sport Opportunity Grant for the upcoming academic year.

This $2,000 grant will assist in the development of the Men’s and Women’s Wrestling programs at Penn Highlands, which are slated to begin competition in Fall 2025.

“We are deeply grateful to the NJCAA Foundation for awarding us the grant,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities & Athletics. “Their generosity is sincerely appreciated and will make a positive impact on our student-athletes, many of whom are new to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.”

Wrestling will be the eighth sport offered at Penn Highlands since athletics were re-introduced at the College in 2010. The others include Men’s Basketball, Women’s Volleyball, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Bowling, Cross Country, and Golf, and co-ed Esports.

Black Bears Athletics play a vital role in higher education by promoting teamwork, discipline, and student engagement. At Penn Highlands, athletic programs foster personal growth and provide opportunities for students to excel both academically and athletically.

The college’s participation in athletics follows the NJCAA’s commitment to providing a competitive environment that supports student-athletes in achieving their full potential while emphasizing the importance of education and sportsmanship.

“The NJCAA Foundation is excited to further support the growth of NJCAA member colleges and the sport programs they offer through the NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant,” stated Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “The ability to provide this funding is a testament to the importance and growth of two-year collegiate athletics. The NJCAA Foundation looks forward to this initiative’s impact as NJCAA member colleges continue to create opportunities for student-athletes across the country.”

Click here to learn more about Athletics at Penn Highlands Community College.

About NJCAA Foundation
The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives, and community service.

Dual Enrollment Empowers Students For Future Success

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is transforming the academic futures of high school students through its dynamic dual enrollment program, offering them a unique opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school.

This initiative is designed to help students jump-start their education, save significantly on tuition costs, and prepare them for the challenges of higher education. The program offers three unique pathways for high school students to earn credits through Penn Highlands.

• Dual Enrollment (Accelerated College Education/ACE) – Students looking to explore their future opportunities can benefit from enrolling in dual enrollment courses. These classes, offered at their high school, allow students to earn college credits in a range of general education subjects, giving them a head start on their academic journey. To make the most of this opportunity, students and parents are encouraged to collaborate with a Penn Highlands advisor. Together, they can review available courses and select options that align with the student’s goals and aspirations.
• Penn Highlands Academy – Students can enroll in dual enrollment or ACE courses at their high school, at discounted rates, earning credits that count toward an associate degree at Penn Highlands. Through the Academy’s 3+1 model, students can complete their associate degree within just one year after graduating from high school.
• Associate in High School – To earn a degree from Penn Highlands, students must complete 34 credits (over 50% of the program) either online or at one of our locations. The remaining 28 credits may be fulfilled through dual enrollment or ACE courses offered at their high school, or by transferring credits from other accredited institutions.

“The dual enrollment program at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is more than just a head start to college. It’s an opportunity that empowers high school students to unlock their potential, build confidence, and shape their future with purpose,” stated Kay-Leigh Davis, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “Students are better prepared for navigating postsecondary education before they even begin.”

Emanuel Hill

One example of the program’s impact is Emanuel Hill, a junior at Greater Johnstown High School. Hill is the treasurer of the National Honor Society and a member of the Interact Club at his high school. He made the Dean’s List during both semesters of his dual enrollment with Penn Highlands Community College.

After he graduates with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences, Hill plans to continue his education and earn a bachelor’s degree.

“I’m really enjoying the opportunity to get a head start on the college experience,” Hill stated. “Getting in touch with the college world will be beneficial to me once I graduate from high school. The professors at Penn Highlands are always willing to help, and if you keep up a good work ethic, you’ll have a great feeling going through the process.”

Greater Johnstown is one of 54 high schools that participate in the College’s dual enrollment program, and it is one of 10 that allows students to acquire an associate’s degree in high school.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the College had 1,560 high school students enrolled in 8,335 credits. At Penn Highlands’ annual Commencement ceremony on May 16, nine Greater Johnstown High School seniors received an associate’s degree.

Click here to learn more. 

College Receives $1.1 Million Endowment From Margaret Pardee; Will Be Used For Student Scholarships

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been awarded a generous $1.1 million endowment from Margaret J. Pardee. This funding will establish a new scholarship program for Penn Highlands students, set to launch in the Fall 2026 semester.

The Margaret J. Pardee Scholarship will provide full tuition scholarships that cover the entirety of a full-time student’s tuition and fees for one year or two semesters. Students will have the opportunity to reapply for the scholarship the following year. Applications for the scholarship will be available starting in March 2026.

“We are deeply grateful for Ms. Pardee’s commitment to education and her belief in the potential of our students,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands Community College President. “This endowment will transform lives by providing students with the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must declare their intention to attend Penn Highlands Community College as a full-time, degree-seeking student, and demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and extracurricular involvement.

Graduates of Northern Cambria or Cambria Heights High Schools, whose legal residence is within the geographic areas serviced by either the Hope Fire Company and/or the Hastings Fire Company, will be given primary consideration.

The Foundation aims to award six full tuition scholarships per academic year.

“Ms. Pardee’s legacy will live on through the success of our students, who will benefit immensely from her generosity,” stated Carole VanMeter, Director of the Foundation at Penn Highlands. “We can’t thank her enough for her support of the College’s students and her community.”

To honor Ms. Pardee, the Foundation will place a commemorative plaque in both Northern Cambria and Cambria Heights high schools, if approved by the respective districts. The plaque will detail the life of Ms. Pardee and her desire to help others in her community receive higher education.

For more information on scholarship opportunities at Penn Highlands, visit www.pennhighlands.edu/scholarships/.

For over 30 years, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been a pillar of the region, offering accessible, high-quality education at an affordable cost. Central to Pennsylvania Highlands is the College’s Foundation, which plays a crucial role in supporting the College and its students, helping them achieve success and drive progress.

About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation
Established in 1995, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is a non-profit educational trust under Section 501(c)(3). The Foundation seeks and secures financial support to advance the mission of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College by fostering relationships and managing resources. It focuses on providing scholarships, supporting academic programs, and promoting faculty and staff development to meet the College’s and community’s educational needs. Through donations, events, grants, and deferred giving, the Foundation enriches student opportunities and strengthens community partnerships. 

About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a leading institution in higher education committed to empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and community impact, Pennsylvania Highlands has been transforming lives in West Central Pennsylvania since 1994 through a diverse range of over 40 degree and certificate programs with an array of resources to support student success. Pennsylvania Highlands has the highest graduation rate of all Pennsylvania community colleges.