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Life Journey With Community Colleges Leads To Penn Highlands

The original column appeared in the Tribune-Democrat , written by Dr. Steve Nunez. Click here to see original sourced column. 

The day before my interview, as I drove into Cambria County for the first time, I began to see the rise and fall of the majestic mountains of the Alleghenies.

Seeing those Allegheny mountains reminded me of my own personal journey – one that has most recently ended at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College as the school’s president.

I grew up in Bear Town Mountain, about 20 minutes east of Lebanon, Virginia. Life was simple, and generally uneventful.

At the time, my family had access to two TV channels – maybe three if the antenna was facing exactly the right direction. I spent my days reading, riding my bike with my friends, and gallivanting in the woods my parents owned. On summer days, I only came home to eat and to periodically check in with Mom.

In some ways I was sheltered from the outside world, partly because of choice (I was a shy one who was mostly uncomfortable in his skin), and partly because I was raised in the hills and “hollers” of southwest Virginia – where things moved slowly. Luckily, I had parents who supported and mentored me along the way and showed considerable patience as their son crawled, ever so slowly, from his shell.

I was an average student in high school; I feigned interest in most subjects and did just enough to get by.

I completed three years of Spanish and I’m not sure the teacher even knew I existed, as I hid behind my fellow students to avoid being called upon. I had friends, just enough, but I certainly wasn’t the popular kid.

And then, one day, I graduated from high school totally unprepared for what came next. I had no plan. After teasing with joining the Army, I decided to attend my local community college – not because I was necessarily interested in post-secondary education, but because I couldn’t imagine any other choices.

I was paralyzed by choice and so I picked the easiest one. It turns out that going to Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) was one of the most important “choices” I have ever made, as it was the proverbial “fork in the road” moment for me.

I recognize that community college isn’t for everyone, but it was the best choice for me.

First, it provided me a safe haven. For a shy, introverted young man – I needed kid gloves. I received that and more at SWCC.

The college provided me with a family that supported and mentored me. Some of those staff and faculty members I am still friends with today.

Second, the instructional quality of education provided to me at SWCC was exceptional and possibly the best I have ever received collectively. I thrived there and soon I elevated my educational game from average to outstanding.

Third, my educational journey provided me the opportunity to identify where my talents and my interests crossed. For me, it was the subject of biology.

Fourth, it allowed me the time I needed to grow and see the beginnings of the person I was to become. In those two years at SWCC, my emotional maturation accelerated.

It is at SWCC that I first fell in love with the community college mission to provide quality post-secondary educational opportunities at a reasonable price. And after a couple more degrees earned, I found myself in the community college biz for the next 24 years – first as a professor and then later as a senior administrator.

As of Jan. 6, I was appointed by the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees as their fifth president and I’ve been getting to know the folks of this community ever since.

Written By Dr. Steve Nunez, College’s Fifth President. This monthly series appears in The Tribune-Democrat, and will allow Dr. Nunez to provide his perspective on the value of education and of a community college. 

Three New Members Added To Board Of Trustees

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Ms. Linda Thomson, Mr. Marc McCall, and Mr. Mike Puruczky.

“Our new board members are extremely active, community focused, and bring welcomed expertise and energy to the group,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Penn Highlands. “We are fortunate to have them on our team as we continue to expand our offerings throughout the region.”

Ms. Linda Thomson has been the President/CEO of JARI, a full-service economic development agency headquartered in Johnstown, PA, for 20 years. As CEO, Linda has worked collaboratively with the education sector by preparing community individuals and businesses for future and current workforce needs. Ms. Thomson received a bachelor’s degree from Waynesburg (College) University and a Master of Public Administration from Lehigh University. Linda is a member of the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board, the former president of the PA Economic Development Association, and a current member of the ECAC Philadelphia Federal Reserve. Ms. Thomson resides in Westmont with her husband David and her two daughters.

Mr. Marc McCall is a Sales Executive at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in downtown Johnstown. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and received a Master of Business from St. Francis University. Marc has worked in hospitality, healthcare technology, and insurance. A resident of Johnstown since 2002, Marc currently resides in Westmont with his wife, Kelly, and two daughters.

Mr. Mike Puruczky, a lifelong resident of Johnstown, is the Chief Financial Officer of Laurel Holdings, Inc. He dual majored in accounting and finance at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Mike started his career as an accountant for Wessel & Company, and he has worked for Laurel Holdings for the last 20 years, holding the title of CFO since 2005. Mike currently resides in Richland Township with his wife and two daughters.

Linda Thomson

Marc McCall

Mike Puruczky

The new trustees filled three vacant positions after trustees Steve McAneny, a trustee since 2006, John (Jack) Cavanaugh, a trustee of 19 years, and Pat Farabaugh, a trustee since 2014, did not renew their terms this past December.

“Penn Highlands is extremely grateful for the service and dedication that Steve, Jack, and Pat provided to the college,” stated Greg Winger, Board of Trustees Chairperson. “We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”

In addition to the announcement of the three new board members, new officers were also elected:

• Mr. Greg Winger, Chairperson
• Dr. Janet Grady, Vice Chairperson
• Mr. Carl D. DeYulis, Secretary/Treasurer
• Mr. Alan Cashaw, At-Large

Sophomore Guard Matthew Forbes Earns National Player Of The Week Honors

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College men’s basketball player Matthew Forbes (Pittsburgh, PA) has been named the NJCAA Division III National Player of the Week (January 6-12, 2020).

During his play last week, he averaged 29.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 steals, and 4 assists. Forbes shot 71% from three-point range and 62.8% from the field.

“Matt has had a great start to 2020,” stated Landon Loya, Head Coach of the Black Bears. “His versatility allows us to play him at multiple positions. He’s tough and resilient, and his athletic abilities allow him to finish at the rim while also being a great shooter.”

Overall, Forbes is averaging 16.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in 13 games played this season.

Forbes is a graduate of Penn Hills High School.

Penn Highlands competes in Region XX and is a part of the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC). The WPCC was founded in 1972 and currently consists of 10 member institutions.

Dean’s List For Fall 2019 Announced

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce that the following students have made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester.

Acme – Charles Robert Heckman II

Alexandria – Kendra Jo Norris

Altoona – Garrett Steven Burns, Justin Paul Cruthers, Miranda Michelle Cruthers, Kendra Culp, Edward Michael Drzewiecki, Gavin Charles Harding, Lynn Edward Hight, Trená S. Johnson, Janice D. Jorge Matos, Priscilla Paige Lamertina, Crystal Eileen Melton, Joshua Scott Redinger, Lisa Rae Reed, Todd Raymond Rice, Cody Scott Rossman, Erica Breana Smith, Jordan Ashley Starbird, Christian Toth, Imani Vaughn, Angela E. Weber, Emilee Wertz, Jessica Joanne Samantha Worley

Armagh – Luke William Means, Felicity Noelle Regan, Kallista Joy Regan, Noah Michael Slippy

Ashville – Angela Marie Musselman

Bedford – Eric Gabriel Hooper, Chad Allen Weakland, Hannah Wenslau

Bellefonte – Alexis Clifford

Berlin – Maria Katherine Engleka, Kaitlyn Leigh Ferko, Tyler Scott Landis, Megan Lynn Miller, Sydney Lynn Shaulis, Elizabeth M. Stoltzfus, Jennifer Ann Swope

Blandburg – Bethany Kay Smeal

Boswell – Scarlet Sasha Auble, Josie Autumn Lehman, Nicholas Benjamin Miller, Hannah Marie St. Clair

Cadogan – Christopher Matthew Serafine

Calvin – Aryan Marie Oakman

Carrolltown – Courtney R. Loughran, Amanda Lee Morchesky

Cassville – Morgan Pheasant David-Meece

Central City – Cody Gumbita, Briana Lyn Pakstis

Cherry Tree – Angie Dawn Moyer

Claysburg – Kayla Breanne Fluke

Clearfield – Kimberly J. Wilsoncroft

Clymer – Sarah N. Brown, Tavia E. Henry, Zachary Michael Horwat

Coalport – Maria Jewel Henry

Colver – Lee Ann Krumenacker

Confluence – Madison Ashley Fabian, Nick Shafer

Connellsville – Justin Thomas Thornton

Corry – Kreg Allen Schreckengost

Cresson – Kayla Marie Borque, Katherine E. Napier

Davidsville – Jordan P. Miller, Marisa Lynne Wagner

Deltona – Jorge Jonnathan Castro

Duncansville – Lily Evelyn Bradford, Dalton Charles Kratzer, Autumn Cierra Cheyenne Leader

East Freedom – Leah Loreine Giebelstein

Ebensburg – Nicholas Ryan Brawley, Veronica R. Chumrik, Mary Danielle Gittings, Jenelle Marie Hanlon, Brandon C. Hritz, Noah Joseph Leheny, Hope Marie Sodmont, Cody James Sral, Justin Michael Tavalsky, Richard Emil Tavalsky, Thomas William Tavalsky, Korin Arielle Templeton

Flinton – Jennifer Marie Cavalet, Maiya Jasmine Shaffer, Mikasa Jade Shaffer

Ford City – Tyler Aaron Smeltzer

Frenchville – Katelynn R. Smith

Friedens – Kelsey Katherine Emerick, Matthew Steven Hoyman, Katelynn Elizabeth Swank, Derek Michael James Zolla

Garrett – Jade Frances Hetz

Gillett – Kayla Rae Kendall

Hastings – Nicolas W. Bradley, Tyler Christopher Huber

Hollidaysburg – Cynthia Elizabeth Bundy, Kara Elizabeth Gallagher, Makayla Sierra Langenbacher, Mikayla Renee McIntosh, Abraham William Onkst, Erika Olivia Wilkie, Christopher Alexander Winters

Hollsopple – Declan L. Cullen, Bradley Eli Gearhart, Ashley L. Malkin, Madison Blair Walker

Homer City – Madison Brooke Marcus, Evan Patrick Orr

Hopwood – Nathaniel Joseph Erminio

Huntingdon – Heather Dawn Allen, Anneliese Danae Aurand, Cecilia Lane Crayosky

Hyndman – Joseph A. Guercio

Indiana – Sydney Rebecca Wells

James Creek – Doak Abram Hoenstine

Jerome – Caleb Ezekiel Brehm, Uriah Shane Peruso, Erin Maria Sutton

Johnstown – Tyler Stephen Alt, Zacheri Gabriel Anderson, Stephanie Dawn Ashbrook, Cassidy Faye Bailey, Luke R. Belz, Nathan Hunter Berkebile, Kirstyn Ayla Berkey, Justin Dylan Bezek, Haley Alexis Blough-Cycyk, Hannah Noelle Boring, Ashley Nichol Boyle, Joshua Lynn Brant, Samiyah M. Britt, Gregory Otho Brown, Grant Phillip Buynack, Stephan B. Caputa, Mya Frances Makana Ceballos-Palmer, Bradley Hugh Collier, Mary Irina Constantino, Liam Alexander Costa-Malcolm, Lauren Rosella Dallape, Anthony Michael De Jesus, Kolby Ann DeGrange, Christopher Ceylon Durham, Peter O. Echon, Justin Thomas Eckenrod, Keeley Isabella Elliott, Mariah C. Ernst, Kyle Lee Feliciano, Rylan J. Felosky, Caitlin Nichole Flowers, Ethan Francis Forster, Kayla Jean Gerney, Brandon Lee Gindlesperger, Cara Corinne Gnagey, Elaina M. Grosik, Bradley James Haberkorn, Francisco P. Hernandez, Sierria Lynn Hoover, Joel Allen Horner, Bryce Michael Huss, Zorin A. Istvan, Brett Daniel Jewett, Mia K. Jordan, Jed Alan Karalfa, Carson D. Kaufman, Tonya Louise Kaufman, Chandler M. Keefer, Ty Frederick Keilman, Taylor L. Kennedy, Ashley J. Kolar, Sarah Elizabeth Konicky, Jonathan Ray Leckey, Gavin Parker Lewis, Jacob Scott Lushko, Abigail Anna Majercsik, Shane A. Malinish, Amber L. Mangus, Nicole Lynn McAdams, Ethan Paul McClafferty, Sean R. McIntire, Jeffrey Wayne McKissick, Beth Ann Millare, Kristopher Matthew Mulvehill, Alexes L. Naylor, Aliyah L. Naylor, Kelly Lynne Null, Meagan E. Ohler, Sheena Marie Pastuch, Jessica N. Pelkey, Lindsey Marie Pullin, Liana Nicole Roland, Elizabeth A. Ruszkoski, Susan A. Sanders, Bret Alan Sarlouis, Jacob L. Scaletta, Tyler Caleb Schmidtetter, Noelle M. Smith, Sophie Rose Sprankle, Sophia Miles Straw, Alana Faith Taylor, Jack Thorn Thomas, Heather E. Tomasko, Alisha Nicole Trantham-Tittle, Brianna Marie Tustin, Daniel Andrew Tvarozna, Candyce Mackenzie Vannatter, Kayli Elizabeth Warshel, Grace A. Weinzierl, Christopher John Weld, Bianca E. Wright, Lynda K. Yanosky

Kittanning – Matthew James Brumbaugh

Lilly – Victoria Elise Phillips

Loretto – Brooke A. Driskel, Casey Marie Ellis, Kateri Autumn Krise, Morghan Theresa Krug

Manns Choice – Olivia Danielle Miller

Mansfield – Colton James Pierce

Mapleton – Karrigan P. Woodward

Mapleton Depot– Hannah Marie Gladfelter

Martinsburg – Nicholas Allen Bechtel

Mayport – Zane Smith Rapp

Meyersdale – Eliza Adeleine Darnell, Alan Andrew Mognet, Erika Nicole Ritchey, Jeremiah C. Shroyer

Mineral Point – Aileen Ashurst, Kaylee J. Meier, David Morley, Danika Marie Polka, Travis Roy Varner

Mount Union – Michael Anthony Dell, Brooke E. Delo, Taylor P. Grove, Crystal Leann Parsons, Kevin G. Sherwood

Nanty Glo – Shaylynn Nicole George, Madison Rae Salvaggio

New Florence – Cheyanne M. Gregorich

New Kensington – Timothy Richard Conroy

Northern Cambria – Jeffrey Stephen Degol, Tanya Nicole Deyarmin, Tessa Marie Kratzer, Chelsea M. Lute, Chloe Maines, Michael Andrew Penksa

Orbisonia – Garrett Victor McMath

Osterburg – Addison B. Weyant

Parkhill – Kylee Nicole Hamilton

Patton – Jacob Leo Beebe, Emma Marie Garrison, Maddelyn Paige Hoover, Cassidy Erin Ringler, Angela Marie Wharton

Penn Run – Seth E. Fyock, Khylee Lynn Maglione

Petersburg – Reagan Christine Lightner

Portage – Autumn Nicole Beck, Adam E. Dixon, Brooke Lynn Kennedy-Brecht, Corey Kopnicky, Emily Paige Krisko, Joshua A. Krumenacker, Jenna Ann Moratti, Isabella Nicole Nagy, Madison Elise Piatak, Anissa Lynn Rosemas

Punxsutawney – Kelly Jo Day

Roaring Spring – Melony Linn Brantner, Cody Rhodes

Rockwood – Savannah Marie Clawson, Drew Alexander Meyers, Shelby Allyson Nicholson

Saint Benedict – Ashley N. McLucas

Saint Michael – Alayna R. Plaza

Salix – Kelly Antionette Blalock, Brock Joel Miller, Priscilla L. Ryman, Tammy Yvonne Young

Saltillo – Megan Dawn Kough

Seward – Isabel Katheryn Fernando, Lacee L. Jacobs

Shelocta – Joseph D. Spohn

Sidman – Lindsey R. Alochney, Ashley Marie Knepper

Somerset – Sarah Renee Fleegle, Jeannette Elizabeth Metz, Alexis Elaine Murphy, Mykell Angel Reese, Grace Marie Samler

South Fork – Judy Lynn Ciampa, Kody Clifford, Nicole Rae Kinsey, Lauren Michelle McGrath

Spring Church – Justin Thomas Donelow

Stoystown – Briana Marie Baumgardner, Lily Patricia Grace

Summerhill – Alex D. Cornman, Keara L. Hollingsworth, Jude David Schrift

Templeton – Brittney Renee Kepple

Three Springs – Mason R. Farine, Jordyn L. Kubovcsak, Wyatt Preston Long

Twin Rocks – Evan Michael Bencosky, Nevin John McIntosh-Higgins

Tyrone – John Andrew Lehner, Jon Dennis Vandevander

Valencia – Summer McBride

Vintondale – Garrett D. Smith

Westover – Rachel Belle Moyer

Williamsburg – Amber Marie Tate

Windber – Tyler Nicholas Brown, Tyler Robert Bush, Brooke Nicole Elliott, Caitlyn N. Guercio, Michael Jeffrey Hartman, Adriane S. Hautz, Matthew David Kaiser, Madison R. Leitenberger, Andrew M. Mattis, Samantha Elaine Miller, Tanner Jackson Wagner, Jonas D. Wissinger

Partnership Allows Up To 90 Credits Of Transfer For Online Bachelor’s Degree

Original article appeared on the Pennsylvania Commission For Community Colleges website, written by Carolyn Simpson. Click here to see original sourced article.

During a digital signing and news conference, 14 Pennsylvania community college presidents announced a new partnership and articulation agreement with Southern New Hampshire University.

Under the agreement, students from all 14 Pennsylvania community colleges will be able to transfer up to 90 credits to Southern New Hampshire University and complete their bachelor’s degree online with a 10 percent tuition reduction.

“The mission of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is, in part, to provide affordable opportunities at gaining the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in today’s workforce,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “With even more jobs requiring some higher education, this articulation agreement with Southern New Hampshire University provides a great opportunity for students to earn a bachelor’s degree after completing up to 90 credit hours at Penn Highlands.”

Of the 90 credits that may be transferred toward an online bachelor’s degree, applicable military training is considered. The agreement also applies to employees and immediate family members of employees from all Pennsylvania community colleges. The 14 community college presidents hope that the agreement will help Pennsylvania achieve its attainment goal of 60 percent of Pennsylvanians aged 25-64 with a postsecondary degree or industry-recognized credential by 2025.

“At Southern New Hampshire University, we seek to streamline the transfer process for community college graduates across the nation and we are excited to team up with all 14 community colleges in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Jennifer Batchelor, D.Mgt., Vice President of Academic Programs, Global Campus, Southern New Hampshire University. “Through this new partnership, students will be able to continue on a transformational journey, which will not only impact their lives but also those of their families and communities.”

The agreement will provide transfer students the opportunity to pursue an online bachelor’s degree at a rate more affordable than many other public options in Pennsylvania, depending on the student’s program of study and credit load. At the time of signing, the partnership between Pennsylvania’s community colleges and Southern New Hampshire University represents the only statewide articulation agreement of its kind in the Commonwealth.

“I am pleased that our students have been afforded this opportunity to conveniently earn a bachelor’s degree at a reasonable price,” stated Dr. Nunez.

Southern New Hampshire University is already a popular transfer destination for Pennsylvania’s community college students, with more than 1,500 community college students currently enrolled. Nearly 500 Pennsylvania community college students transferred to Southern New Hampshire University in the 2018 – 2019 academic year, and Southern New Hampshire University awarded 166 Pennsylvania community college graduates a bachelor’s degree last year. Currently enrolled transfer students from Pennsylvania community colleges are eligible for the 10 percent tuition reduction. Under the terms of the articulation agreement, new community college transfer applicants will receive a waiver of the standard application fee to Southern New Hampshire University.

“Thousands of articulation agreements are already in place with higher education partners here in Pennsylvania to help students realize their postsecondary achievement goals and we fully expect those longstanding partnerships to continue,” said Elizabeth Bolden, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. “The academic preparation, success, and focus of Pennsylvania’s community college students is appealing to many national higher education institutions, as these students are typically motivated and high-performing.”