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Penn Highlands Recognized Among USA TODAY®’s Top 250 Vocational Schools

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has earned a spot on USA TODAY®’s list of the Top 250 Vocational Schools in the United States for 2025. This esteemed recognition highlights the college’s commitment to delivering high-quality workforce education and preparing students for success in today’s dynamic workforce.

Pennsylvania Highlands was one of only 12 schools in Pennsylvania to make the list, and one of only three public institutions to receive this recognition in the state.

The rankings, developed in collaboration with the research firm Statista, were determined based on key performance metrics, including graduation rate, graduates’ initial salary, the time required to pay off net costs, social mobility, and diversity.

Each institution on the list received a score based on the parameters, with Pennsylvania Highlands receiving 4 out of 5 stars. The final rankings highlighted the top performers, with those scoring in the top 10% earning a five-star rating, while those in the top 25% received a four-star distinction.

These measures highlight Pennsylvania Highlands’ dedication to fostering academic achievement and equipping students with the skills required to thrive in their respective fields.

“We are honored to be recognized among the nation’s top vocational schools,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, Penn Highlands President. “This distinction reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, career-focused education that meets the needs of today’s workforce. However, it is important to remember that we also remain equally dedicated to offering exceptional transfer degrees that prepare students for continued academic success at four-year colleges and universities. With our low tuition and strong focus on minimizing student debt, Pennsylvania Highlands delivers outstanding value and opportunity for learners across our region, no matter their academic goals.”

Pennsylvania Highlands serves as a vital resource for practical and career-focused education in West Central Pennsylvania, offering more than 40 academic programs that address key workforce needs in fields such as healthcare, technology, cybersecurity, culinary arts, business and other skilled trades.

The College’s emphasis on affordability, quality, and accessibility aims to attract students from diverse backgrounds and prepare them to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

Click here to see the full list of schools named and other details on USA Today®’s website. 

Four Athletes & Softball Team Receive NJCAA All-Academic Honors

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has unveiled its 2024-25 All-Academic Teams, celebrating the outstanding academic achievements of student-athletes nationwide.

This year, an impressive 13,915 student-athletes earned recognition for maintaining a GPA of 3.60 or higher. Among them were four representatives from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. Additionally, the Black Bears softball team achieved the distinction of being named an NJCAA Academic Team of the Year, joining an elite group of 1,347 teams honored for their scholastic excellence.

Student-athletes who recorded a 4.0 GPA were named to the First Team. Second Team honors were given for a GPA between 3.80 and 3.99, while Third Team sits between 3.60 and 3.79. Teams that earned a 3.0 Combined GPA or higher were named to their respective list.

The honorees from Pennsylvania Highlands include:

Second Team

Third Team

Team Awards

“We’re always proud of our student-athletes’ accomplishments, but their success in the classroom is especially meaningful,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities and Athletics. “Earning a 3.6 GPA or higher requires incredible dedication and discipline. Balancing classes, homework, practices, workouts, games, and long nights of travel is no easy task, and their hard work truly deserves recognition.”

The Black Bears softball team has earned an NJCAA Academic Team of the Year distinction in all three seasons of competition.

Since the reinstatement of athletics at Pennsylvania Highlands in 2010, a total of 73 student-athletes have earned NJCAA All-Academic honors, highlighting the College’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Christian Harding

Brooke Snyder

Christian Haberkorn

Jake Oglesby

About Black Bear Athletics
Black Bear Athletics, the official sports program of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, is dedicated to fostering excellence both on and off the field. As a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Black Bear Athletics offers a diverse range of sports, including basketball, bowling, cross country, esports, golf, softball, volleyball, and wrestling. 
 
Our mission is to help student-athletes succeed in sports, academics, and life. By focusing on teamwork, leadership, time management, and discipline, we prepare them for success in all areas. 
 
Black Bear Athletics is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) and NJCAA Region 20, competing against programs across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. 

Non-Profit Learning Center To Host Partnership Symposium

Non-profit organizations are the lifeblood of our communities, but navigating workforce shortages, budget constraints, and funding cuts has never been more challenging. To address these pressing issues, the Non-Profit Learning Center at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is hosting a one-day symposium designed to help non-profits overcome obstacles and strengthen their impact.

The symposium will take place on Wednesday, August 13, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM in the Large Group Instruction (LGI) classroom at the College’s Richland Campus (101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA 15904).

Coinciding with National Non-Profit Day, the symposium provides agencies with essential strategies and resources for workforce recruitment, effective training, and managing budget challenges. Designed as a collaborative platform, the event empowers non-profits with the tools they need to strengthen and sustain their community programs.

Attendees will hear from experts, including keynote speaker Nick Jacobs, of Senior Management Resources, who will deliver an address on Leadership and Resilience in the Face of Change. The event also features thought-provoking sessions led by industry leaders:

• Debbie Thompson, President of Strategy Solutions, will share insights on contingency planning
• Heather Maneval, Principal of Spur and Sprout, will discuss funding strategies amidst federal budget cuts
• Matt Ward and Matt Plummer will deliver updates on federal and state policies
• A Grantmakers Panel featuring Angie Berzonski of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Jodi Clark of Lee Initiatives, and Karen Struble Myers of United Way of the Southern Alleghenies

“The Non-Profit Learning Center’s role is to provide centralized resources that make a tangible difference,” stated Julie Davis, Director of Workforce Education at Penn Highlands Community College. “Through sessions led by experienced professionals, this symposium is designed to empower agencies with actionable strategies during uncertain times.”

This event is made possible by the Community Initiatives Fund at the Community Foundation for Alleghenies.

For more information on the Non-Profit Learning Partnership, contact Julie Davis at 814-262-3813 or via email at jdavis@pennhighlands.edu.

Click here for more information on the symposium.

College Receives MTTC Grant To Train Students In Manufacturing

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the Shapiro Administration is investing $40,000 through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) in the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Work Ready program to help build Pennsylvania’s future workforce. The Cambria County program works with local manufacturers to train students with the critical skills needed to successfully join the workforce, as well as career advancement training for those looking to take on leadership roles in the manufacturing industry.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will use the MTTC grant to train nearly 200 students in Cambria and Somerset counties through their Work Ready classes, in partnership with local manufacturers. In addition to on-the-job training, the courses will help students improve soft skills such as customer service, communication, time management, and professional etiquette.

“The Shapiro Administration understands that in order for our economy to thrive, we must invest in our workforce,” said DCED Secretary Siger. “Our students need skills to successfully begin their careers in Pennsylvania — filling critical positions and building up the Commonwealth’s future for years to come. Partnering with local industry leaders strengthens our workforce pipelines and ensures skilled professionals are meeting the evolving workplace needs of today and tomorrow.”

Governor Shapiro and his Administration are committed to investing in classroom-to-career and apprenticeship programs to provide skill-building opportunities for Pennsylvanians and a strong workforce for businesses. Having robust job training programs across Pennsylvania will provide pathways for workers to earn family-sustaining wages and help build vibrant communities.

“DCED’s Manufacturing Training-to-Careers grant represents a critical investment in the future of the program’s participants,” said Julie Davis, Director of Workforce Education at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “By bridging classroom instruction with real-world manufacturing experience, this grant provides participants with access to industry-aligned training. Participants will earn Essential Skills certificates that lead to employment or additional educational opportunities, as well as become equipped with the practical skills that today’s employers seek.”

With locations in Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Centre, and Somerset counties, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has local business and educational partners that are essential for providing feedback and guidance for this project, including BCL Manufacturing/Blue Diamond Holdings, GapVax, Inc., JWF Industries, Forest Hills School District, Greater Johnstown School District, Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center, and Windber Area School District.

“Work readiness skills are important to our company and staff because it takes an abundance of resources to onboard inexperienced individuals, lacking in skillsets that are necessary in manufacturing,” said Deborah Cover, Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Employee Development at GapVax, Inc.

The Shapiro Administration also believes there is no wrong path to finding success in the workforce, increasing funding for vo-tech, career and technical education, and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million over the last two years. Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget proposal places a special emphasis on investing in the future of our workforce, increasing competitiveness, strengthening communities, and addressing critical housing needs.

The budget includes:

• $12.5 million dedicated to WEDnetPA to expand our workforce and close critical workforce gaps
• $2 million for the creation of Career Connect to build internships at Pennsylvania companies
• $50 million to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and spur life science job growth
• $50 million investment in Housing Stock Restoration
• $10 million increase for the Act 47 Distressed Municipalities Program to support communities in financial recovery

For more information about the MTTC program or DCED, visit the agency’s website.

Original article was posted by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. To view the original article, click here.

Dr. Sara Conroy Named Vice President Of Academic Affairs & Student Services

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has appointed Dr. Sara Conroy as the College’s new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services.

Dr. Sara Conroy, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services.

Dr. Conroy joins Penn Highlands after a successful 13-year tenure at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in Pittsburgh. Since 2021, she has served as the Dean of the Business and Technology Academic Division, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.

As Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services at Penn Highlands, Dr. Conroy draws on her extensive experience to support student achievement and academic excellence. She is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes both educational quality and student success.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Penn Highlands,” Dr. Conroy stated. “I see tremendous opportunities here, not only in the strength of our existing programs, but also in how I can contribute through my own background and experience. Higher education has changed dramatically in just the last five to ten years, and I’m deeply aware of how important it is to stay forward-thinking and adaptable. I look forward to helping guide Penn Highlands into a strong and sustainable future.”

She holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Management and Leadership and a Master of Science in Taxation from Robert Morris University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Management Information Systems and a certificate in Leadership and Ethics from the University of Pittsburgh.

Outside of her profession, Dr. Conroy is heavily involved in the community, serving in three separate roles for Freeport Borough – Council Member, Chair of Finance Committee, and Co-Chair of Parks and Recreation Committee. She is also a member of the Freeport Renaissance Association, a mentor for PittBusiness, and has actively served on the University of Pittsburgh’s Business Alumni Advisory Board for six years, previously serving as the first vice-president of the board.

“What further confirmed my decision were the candid, strategic conversations I had with the President about the future of higher education, the evolving needs of our students, and how Penn Highlands is positioning itself to meet those challenges,” Dr. Conroy stated. “Those behind-the-scenes insights gave me a clear picture of a college that is not only aware of the shifting landscape, but is actively planning for it, and I knew I wanted to be part of that work.”