On September 5th, 1994, Pennsylvania Highlands (then known as Cambria County Area Community College) held its first-ever classes. Just 25 years later, the College has now served over 56,000 community members across the region… and it continues to grow.
Once known as the college without walls, Pennsylvania Highlands established its first true home in 2007 (our Richland Campus). Today, the College has six distinct locations devoted to positioning its graduates to become exceptional members of the community and workforce.
Throughout this academic year, Penn Highlands will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary with community-based events and special occasions. Everything will culminate with Commencement in May 2020, celebrating the 25th Graduating Class.
This milestone is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the achievements of our students, staff, faculty, supporters, and alumni in bolstering our region and making the Southern Alleghenies a great place to live and work. Penn Highlands continues the mission of providing the region with affordable opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in work, day-to-day lives, and the pursuit of life-long learning.
Our Presidents
1st President
Dr. John O. Hunter
(1994 – 1999)2nd President
Dr. Kathleen V. Davis
(1999 – 2001)3rd President
Dr. Anna D. Weitz
(2002 – 2007)4th President
Dr. Walter J. Asonevich
(2007 – 2019)5th President
Dr. Steven C. Nunez
(2020 – )
25th Anniversary Picnic
On September 5th, 1994, Cambria County Area Community College held its first-ever classes. Twenty-five years later, the college now known as Pennsylvania Highlands Community College continues to thrive.
To honor this historic day, a 25th Anniversary Picnic was held for all members of the community! Penn Highlands will be celebrating 25 years throughout this academic year, culminating with Commencement in May 2020 honoring the 25th Graduating Class.
Twenty-Five Years: A Brief Look Back
First Classes Held
First classes were held on September 5, 1994.
1st President
Dr. John O. Hunter
(1994 – 1999)
2nd President
Dr. Kathleen V. Davis
(1999 – 2001)
Accreditation Granted
Full accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools had been granted.
3rd President
Dr. Anna D. Weitz
(2002 – 2007)
Name Changed to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Cambria County Area Community College was officially changed to Pennsylvania Highlands Community College on July 1, 2004.
4th President
Dr. Walter J. Asonevich
(2007 – 2019)
Richland Campus Opened
The College established its first true home base in 2007 with the opening of its Richland Campus.
Huntingdon Classes
Our first classes in Huntingdon were held on August 24, 2009.
Somerset Classes
Our first classes in Somerset were held on January 19, 2010.
First Women’s Volleyball Match
The College hosted its first women’s volleyball match on September 1, 2010. At one time, Athletics were under the banner of the Shawnee Cardinals when the College was known as Cambria County Area Community College.
First Men’s Basketball Game
The College hosted its first men’s basketball game as the Penn Highlands Black Bears on November 19, 2010. At one time, Athletics were under the banner of the Shawnee Cardinals when the College was known as Cambria County Area Community College.
Blair Center Opened
Our Blair Center opened its doors in the Logan Valley Mall on July 31, 2013. >> Read full story.
ACE Program Granted National Accreditation By NACEP
The National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships granted the College national accreditation for its Accelerated College Education concurrent enrollment program on May 12, 2014. >> Read full story.
Medical Assisting Program Earns Initial Accreditation
The Medical Assisting Technology program was awarded initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs on September 16, 2016. >> Read full story.
Accreditation Reaffirmed
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education acted to reaffirm the College’s accreditation on June 22, 2017
Central Park Center Opened
College announces the opening of Central Park Center on October 10, 2017. >> Read full story.
Men’s Basketball Team Wins Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference Title
Our Men’s Basketball team won the WPCC Title for the first time in Penn Highlands history on February 18, 2018. >> Read full story.
Blair Center Expansion
The 14,000+ square foot Blair Center expansion was unveiled on July, 26, 2018. >> Read full story.
Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security designated the College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE2Y). >> Read full story.
Updated Alma Mater Played For First Time
During the Convocation Ceremony on August 22, 2019, the new and updated Alma Mater was played for the first time to a group of incoming students. The song was written by Gary Boast, and was selected through a competition. >> Read full story.
5th President
Dr. Steven C. Nunez
(2020 – )