Newsroom

Two Students Selected to Lead New Black Bear Student Marketing Agency, Offering a Fresh Learning Experience

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College students Jacob Buckley and Morgan Hamel have been selected as founding leaders within the Black Bear Student Marketing Agency.

The Black Bear Student Marketing Agency is a new initiative within the Penn Highlands’ Marketing AAS program. Students complete real-world marketing projects for clients, covering areas such as research, digital marketing, social media, branding, and content development.

Buckley will serve as the first Agency Director, while Hamel will serve as the first Editor-in-Chief of the Black Bear Marketing Journal, the agency’s new online marketing publication.

“Jacob and Morgan are exemplary students who consistently go above and beyond, not only in their academic work, but also in their determination to make college a complete experience both inside and outside the classroom,” stated Mark Parfitt, Assistant Professor of Business. “They have embraced opportunities to learn, grow and get involved, and I’m confident they are the perfect team to lead the inaugural year of our new student marketing agency.”

Buckley, a second-year Marketing student from Huntingdon County, serves as founding Agency Director. He brings hands-on experience from an early internship at FOXPRO Inc. and currently manages social media and marketing for a local business.

“I enjoy marketing because it allows me to connect with people while turning creative ideas into real-world results,” Buckley stated. “I’m excited to continue developing my marketing skills through this semester’s projects and look forward to working with our student teams and business partners to create meaningful and effective marketing solutions.”

The Black Bear Marketing Journal is a new student-written online publication delivering practical marketing insights to individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses in the College’s service area. It also gives students experience in professional writing, editing, and digital publishing.

Hamel, of Blair County, serves as founding Editor-in-Chief. She is completing dual studies in Business Management and Marketing, with plans to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a career in Entertainment Business.

“Marketing gives me the opportunity to understand people, tell stories, and create ideas that make a difference,” Hamel stated. “To me, a future in marketing means expanding horizons and introducing individuals to the future.”

Together, Buckley and Hamel are shaping both initiatives from the ground up, gaining valuable leadership and project management experience in the process.

All Marketing AAS students are eligible to participate in both initiatives.

Sophomore Nicole DeArmitt Chosen As A 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College sophomore Nicole DeArmitt has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.

Funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, the Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges.

Each scholar will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help cover educational expenses as they complete a certificate or associate degree, preparing them to enter the workforce in a high-demand field.

“Earning this scholarship means the world to me,” DeArmitt stated. “I owe so much to my husband, my parents, my in-laws, and my brother and sister-in-law. They never let me give up. I want my kids to know that if you want something badly enough, you have to work for it, and that being a wife and mom doesn’t have to hold you back. The support I received from the staff and instructors at Penn Highlands has been truly special. I’m grateful for the College, and I’ll always be proud to call it home.”

A 2006 graduate of Greater Johnstown High School, DeArmitt is a lifelong resident of Johnstown. She is majoring in Medical Coding & Billing at Penn Highlands, where she has been named to the Dean’s List multiple times and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society while being a first-generation college student.

DeArmitt currently works full-time at a local elementary school as an aide.

“At the Chime Scholars Foundation, we believe that career and technical education opens doors to financial progress and long-term opportunity,” stated Jeni Izuel, President of the Chime Scholars Foundation. “We’re proud to support students who are working hard to gain in-demand skills and build better futures for themselves and their families.”

The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students preparing for high-demand careers that strengthen their communities and local economies. By helping students complete their education and earn workforce credentials, the program helps create a stronger pipeline of skilled workers in fields where they are needed most.

Penn Highlands contributes a strong foundation of academic excellence, innovative curricula, and a steadfast commitment to student success. With experienced educators and modern infrastructure, the College cultivates an environment that encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Nicole DeArmitt

Annual Cambria County College Fair Set For September 15

The 24th annual Cambria County College Fair will be held on Tuesday, September 15, from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the main gymnasium of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College’s Richland Campus.

This highly anticipated event, hosted and sponsored by Pennsylvania Highlands, is a must-attend for students, parents, and anyone looking to explore educational and career opportunities.

“This is a great opportunity for local high school juniors and seniors, plus anyone looking to find a new school or career, to come and see what is available,” stated Madelyn Oliver, Admissions Counselor at Pennsylvania Highlands. “The event will bring together vendors and representatives from across Pennsylvania and outside of the state, offering various perspectives and expertise. Attendees will have opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights.”

More than 65 representatives are scheduled to appear, including four-year universities, technical schools, business colleges, cosmetology schools, branches of the military, local businesses, and more. This gives everyone who attends the opportunity to find and discover the many educational and career opportunities that are right in their own backyard.

Representatives will be available to assist guests with their educational and career needs. The event will welcome more than 750 high school students.

The College Fair is dedicated to inspiring high school students, their families, and the community to explore higher education and future opportunities. We invite you to visit the Cambria County College Fair and discover the educational pathways and opportunities available in our region.

Click here for more details.

Foundation To Award Over $80,000 in Scholarships For The 2026-27 Academic Year

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is set to award over $80,000 in scholarships to deserving students for the 2026-2027 academic year.

This includes the Supporting Scholars program, which encompasses the Emerging Leader Scholarship ($2,000 annually per student) and the Presidential Scholarship ($6,000 annually per student) for both first-year and second-year recipients. The Foundation will also award 15 scholarships to students.

Those being awarded scholarships include:

Supporting Scholars – Presidential Scholarship

• Maraya Bittner
• Allison Remick
• Payton Roxby

Supporting Scholars – Emerging Leader Scholarship

• Matt Allen
• Markie Bender
• Bree Carnahan
• Lilliana Hardman
• Garrett James
• Brianna Litzinger
• Lakin Pierce
• Lauren Roxby
• Maleigha Younkin

Supporting Scholars – Destination Graduation Scholarship

• Erin Behe
• Zack Ryan
• Makiah Schartiger
• Kathy Walker

American Association of University Women (AAUW) Johnstown Branch Scholarship

• Rachel Kohn

College Employee-Supported Scholarship

• Hailey Johnson

Dale W. Miller Scholarship

• Jacob Buckley

Daniel and Diane Holtzman Scholarship

• Bruce Knisely

Dr. Anna D. Weitz Scholarship

• Kathy Walker

Dr. Edward Haluska Scholarship

• Garrett James

Dr. Walter and Kim Asonevich Scholarship

• Rachel Kohn

Ignite the Fire Culinary Scholarship

• Nathanael Bremer
• Gracie Pfeil
• Kathy Walker

Joe and Ruth Corle Memorial Scholarship

• Sierra Dale

Joseph and Joan Mangarella Scholarship

• Sierra Dale
• Bruce Knisely

Kathy Holtzman Memorial Scholarship

• Sarah Huber

Margaret J. Pardee Scholarship

• Kaitlyn Drass
• Kinley Rogal

Roth Family Scholarship

• Crystal Conner
• Kerstin Corle
• Abigail Rudy
• Arlina Whitaker

Sara & Salvatore (Sam) Valenty Scholarship

• Ashlyn Clayton
• Cayden Garman

Ursula Pawlowski Memorial Scholarship

• Markie Bender

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation is grateful to all donors whose generous contributions make these scholarships possible. Their support plays a vital role in transforming the lives of students and strengthening the communities they serve.

Click here for more information about the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation and its scholarships.

Kathryn Porter Appointed To College’s Board Of Trustees

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has appointed Kathryn (Kate) Porter to the College’s Board of Trustees as a Cambria County representative.

Porter is replacing former board member Carissa Westrick, who resigned in July. Her initial term will expire in December 2029, at which time she will be eligible for a six-year reappointment by the Cambria County Commissioners.

“We are pleased to welcome Kate Porter to the Pennsylvania Highlands Board of Trustees,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands. “She brings extensive experience in human services, behavioral health, community collaboration, and public service. Her commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals and families throughout Cambria County, combined with her understanding of the needs of our region, will provide valuable insight as the Board continues to guide the College’s mission and service to the community.”

Porter is currently the Administrator of the Cambria County Behavioral Health & Developmental Supports Program in Johnstown.

Prior to that, she was the Prevention Program Specialist at both the Cambria County Drug Coalition (2017-20) and the Cambria County Drug & Alcohol Program (2020-24) before serving as the Quality Assurance Risk Management Specialist for two years at her present employer.

“I believe that community colleges play a vital role in strengthening communities by expanding access to education, workforce development, and lifelong learning opportunities,” Porter stated. “Penn Highlands serves as an important catalyst for economic growth and individual achievement throughout our region. I care deeply about the future of our region and am committed to helping ensure that future generations have access to the educational opportunities and resources they need to succeed.”

Porter holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.