Newsroom

College Embraces Artificial Intelligence To Drive Innovation & Student Success

In 2024, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College began its usage of artificial intelligence (AI) across key software systems and daily operations, and has continued advancing its commitment to innovation and student success ever since.

The AI rollout streamlines administrative processes, enables personalized learning, and strengthens faculty and student support, positioning the College for the next phase of modern, learner-centered education.

“The College’s investment in AI technology will empower students with personalized learning and support tools, while providing the College with data-driven insights to ensure success for our students,” stated Gary Boast, Associate Vice President of Technology and Analytics at Penn Highlands.

Penn Highlands is implementing this work through collaborations with leading education technology providers and cloud partners, ensuring secure, scalable systems that meet higher education standards.

These operations include utilizing secure, private, and generative AI for research and planning efforts, embedding applications into the College’s phone system and virtual meeting spaces, and initiating after-hours support for students via an AI Chatbot.

The College has adopted clear AI use and governance practices, including data privacy safeguards, faculty and staff training, and ongoing review to ensure responsible use of AI.

As the rollout continues, the College will expand AI features in advising, career services, and campus operations, guided by feedback from students, faculty, and staff. Penn Highlands remains focused on the results of better service, meaningful learning, and clear pathways to opportunity.

Golf & Cross Country Release 2025 Schedules

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Golf and Cross Country teams have released their respective 2025 season schedules, rounding out the remainder of the College’s fall sports.

The Black Bears golf team is set to compete in seven Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) matches, with the match on October 3 at Windber Country Club serving as Penn Highlands’ lone home contest of the season.

All seven matches will be against WPCC opponents Butler County Community College, Community College of Allegheny County, and Westmoreland County Community College. The schedule is as follows:

The WPCC Tournament is set to take place October 6 and 7 at The Links at Spring Church in Apollo, PA, where individual and team conference champions will be crowned. Following that, the Black Bears will gear up for a spring season, running from March to June 2026. During this time, schools will vie for the Region 20 Championship and a spot in the NJCAA Golf Championships.

Cross Country will compete in four invitational races beginning on August 29 at Westmoreland County Community College. The full race schedule includes:

Penn Highlands will then travel back to Westmoreland on October 25 for the WPCC/Region 20 Meet. There, the Black Bears will have the opportunity to qualify for the NJCAA Cross Country Championships held on November 8 at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Click here for more information and schedule details. 

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.

Women’s Volleyball Unveils 2025 Game Schedule

The Pennsylvania Highlands Women’s Volleyball team has released its 2025 season schedule, consisting of 15 matches spanning August through October.

The Black Bears will play seven of their contests at home. Penn Highlands begins the season on the road at Butler County Community College on Friday, August 29 at 6 PM. The home opener will be Tuesday, September 2 against Westmoreland County Community College.

Home games will be played inside the main gymnasium at the College’s Richland Campus. All scheduled dates and times are subject to change. The full home schedule is as follows:

After the regular season, the Black Bears will host the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference/Region 20 Tournament on October 25. The winner becomes the conference and regional champion and will advance to the Mid-Atlantic District Championship for a chance to earn a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament.

For the full schedule and more details on volleyball, click here.

Personal Enrichment Classes Schedule Set For Fall 2025

Community Education at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has released its Fall 2025 class schedule, packed with opportunities for personal enrichment and hands-on learning. Running from September 10 to November 19, this lineup features 20 non-credit classes designed to inspire creativity, build skills, and connect the community.  

The community can choose from classes within three subjects: Arts & Crafts, Computers, and Food & Baking. For those looking to dive deeper, the program offers bundled package options, providing discounts for participants who enroll in multiple related classes.  

“These classes offer people the chance to gain some new experiences,” stated Matthew Pudliner, Pennsylvania Highlands Continuing Education Manager. “Participants enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, and often large groups attend together, making the experience even more enjoyable for everyone. These classes also foster connections, with many attendees forming new friendships along the way.” 

Several exciting new classes have been introduced to the schedule since spring, offering fresh opportunities to learn and explore. These include three Cricut classes, a new calligraphy class, and a class dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence (AI). 

Attendees can register for each class up to one week before the start date.

Click here to view the full class list.

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.