Newsroom

In-Person Open House Scheduled For April

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College will be holding an in-person Open House at its facilities on Monday, April 5th. Prospective students and their guests may choose to attend one of two sessions at either 2:30pm or 5:30pm.

Individuals will learn about Penn Highlands and its opportunities, including degree programs and coursework, transfer options, and financial assistance opportunities. Information on student life, including clubs, activities, and athletics, will also be presented. Faculty and alumni will be on-hand to discuss their personal experiences.

As an added incentive, prospective students will be eligible to win a 2021-2022 tuition voucher, good for a $250 discount, if they complete a survey while in attendance.

To attend, individuals must RSVP by clicking here.

No walk-ins are permitted due to COVID-19. Additionally, as a pre-caution to keep everyone safe, masks are required and social distancing protocols will be followed.

Open House locations include:

• Blair Center
  Logan Valley Mall (Next to Macy’s)
  5580 Goods Lane, Altoona, PA 16602
  814.201.2700 | blair@pennhighlands.edu

• Ebensburg Center
  881 Hills Plaza Drive, Suite 450, Ebensburg, PA 15931
  814.471.0010 | ebensburg@pennhighlands.edu

• Huntingdon Center
  6311 Margy Drive, Huntingdon, PA 16652
  814.643.6200 | huntingdon@pennhighlands.edu

• Richland Campus
  101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA 15904
  814.262.6446 | admissions@pennhighlands.edu

• Somerset Center
  Somerset County Education Center
  6024 Glades Pike, Suite 210, Somerset, PA 15501
  814.443.2500 | somerset@pennhighlands.edu

Penn Highlands has been serving the community with quality and affordable academic options in an inclusive atmosphere since 1994.

For additional information, contact any of the college locations directly, or call us at 1.888.385.PEAK.

College Expands Transfer Agreement With Francis Worldwide (SFU)

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and Saint Francis University’s (SFU) Francis Worldwide recently expanded its articulation agreement to now include fourteen (14) 3+1 and three (3) 2+2 pathway options.

Graduates of Penn Highlands will receive a 25% tuition discount for Francis Worldwide programs and courses included in the agreement. As an added bonus, these classes are offered in an online format for the convenience of working students.

The updated agreement expands on existing Penn Highlands educational pathways and allows students to complete up to 98 credits prior to transferring into a corresponding bachelor’s degree program offered by Francis Worldwide.

There are fourteen (14) 3+1 articulation agreements in place between the two institutions. These agreements allow for three (3) years of education at Penn Highlands, followed by one (1) year at SFU to complete a bachelor’s degree. Year three includes dual enrollment at both institutions. These 3+1 agreements include:

• Business Administration (A.S.) to Organizational Leadership (B.S.)
• Business Management (A.A.S.) to Organizational Leadership (B.S.)
• Criminal Justice (A.A.S.) to Criminal Justice (B.S.)
• Criminal Justice (A.S.) to Criminal Justice (B.S.)
• Entrepreneurship (A.A.S.) to Organizational Leadership (B.S.)
• Information Technology – Cyber Security (A.A.S.) to Computer Systems Management (B.S.)
• Information Technology – Network Administration (A.A.S.) to Computer Systems Management (B.S.)
• Information Technology – Server Administration (A.A.S.) to Computer Systems Management (B.S.)
• Marketing Management (A.A.S.) to Organizational Leadership (B.S.)
• Medical Assisting Technology (A.A.S.) to Healthcare Management (B.S.)
• Medical Assisting Technology (A.A.S.) to Health Studies (B.S.)
• Medical Coding & Billing (A.A.S.) to Healthcare Management (B.S.)
• Psychology (A.A.) to Behavioral Science (B.S.)
• Social Work (A.A.) to Behavioral Science (B.S.)

There are three (3) 2+2 articulation agreements in place between the two institutions. These agreements allow for two (2) years of education at Penn Highlands followed by two (2) years at SFU to complete a bachelor’s degree. These 2+2 articulation agreements include:

• Accounting (A.A.S.) to Accounting (B.S.)
• Early Childhood Education (A.A.) to Early Childhood Education (B.A.)
• Early Childhood Education (A.A.) to Early Childhood Education (B.S.)

“This expanded agreement shows the importance of partnering with local colleges; it allows our students to be positioned for success right here in our region,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Penn Highlands Community College. “Penn Highlands and SFU’s Francis Worldwide have been partners for many years, and this addition shows our continued commitment to each other and the communities we serve.”

“Penn Highlands and SFU’s Francis Worldwide will continue to focus on student success by offering dual enrolled programs that will allow students to have access to a bachelor’s degree at an affordable cost, all online,” added Dr. Karen Srba, Dean of Francis Worldwide. “This extended agreement between the two institutions means more adult students can access affordable education. Whether they are finishing up a degree they previously started or a new student who doesn’t want to transfer to a 4-year school, this extended program is the right choice.”

To learn more about this agreement, visit our transfer page.

Penn Highlands Community College has been proudly serving the Laurel Highlands and Southern Alleghenies regions for over 25 years.

Ashley Krinjeck Appointed Director of Student Financial Services

Ashley Krinjeck, Director of Student Financial Services

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Ashley Krinjeck as the College’s new Director of Student Financial Services.

In her role as Director of Student Financial Services, Ms. Krinjeck will manage all aspects of student account functions. Her position is charged with implementing and ensuring compliance of financial aid policies and procedures with institutional, federal, state, and accreditation regulations. Additionally, she will be overseeing the accurate and timely disbursement of student financial aid, while assisting with scholarship disbursements to eligible Penn Highlands students

“I’m excited to continue my career in higher education and join the team at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College,” stated Ashley Krinjeck. “I look forward to serving our students and creating affordable education opportunities for the community.”

Ms. Krinjeck has over 10 years of experience in higher education. Prior to Penn Highlands, she was most recently the Bursar at Saint Francis University. She also held the position of Accounts Receivable Specialist.

Ms. Krinjeck holds a B.A. in Management and Management Information Systems from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

New Year’s Resolutions For Personal Growth, Community Impact

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

Yes, it’s that time of year again – the time to create a list that inspires us to be better selves.

I’ve never actually created a New Year’s resolution list – so the one below will be my very first. So, what inspired me to create a list this year? Would it be that I was desperate for a topic for my January article?

Um, of course not.

In all seriousness, 2020 was a tough year for many. High schools cancelled proms and traditional graduation ceremonies – moments that high school seniors will never have the opportunity to experience again. K-12 and college students had to adapt to virtual learning – a method that is not well suited for every student or every teacher.

We had to learn to find new ways to entertain ourselves as movie theaters and many shops, bars, and restaurants had closed – at least temporarily – or operated at reduced capacity. Businesses had to adapt to a new way of, well, doing business. Many found it impossible and had to close shop.

Many lost their jobs – their livelihoods – and found themselves for the first time using a local food bank in order to feed their families. And some, tragically, saw their loved ones suffer and/or lose their lives due to COVID-19.

So, the new year brings hope and promise and hence my inspiration to write my own resolutions that focus on personal and professional improvement. Here is my list:

• Laugh more, worry less.
• Remain grateful for what I do have and not what I don’t have.
• Talk less, listen more. Actively listening and engaging with family, friends, and colleagues can bring great joy and wisdom.
• Tell and show my loved ones more often that I love and care for them. One thing my late father taught me is to never miss an opportunity for a hug. I think we’ve all missed having more of those opportunities in 2020.
• Be generous with my time and money. Giving back is key to a meaningful life.
• Join Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Once we return back to “normal”, I hope to be a positive role model and mentor for a young person who needs one.
• Continue to enjoy and explore the amazing, local natural resources that benefit my physical and mental wellbeing. Our outdoor recreational areas saw record numbers of visitors this year; let’s hope that trend continues.
• Improve my leadership skills. I’ve been in leadership positions for more than a decade and in higher education for 25 years, but there is always something to learn and something to improve.
• Get to know my community better. COVID has impeded my ability to explore and get to know west-central Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, in-person meetings and visits to restaurants and bars and local shops were mostly curtailed in 2020. I look forward to spending time exploring local businesses with my friends, colleagues, and partners. Supporting local business is key to our local prosperity.
• Seek fruitful, innovative, and mutually beneficial professional partnerships. Penn Highlands is dedicated to working with and improving the local community. Local partnerships can be a win-win-win for Penn Highlands, a local business/organization, and our community. Interested? Have an idea? Let me know.

What are your resolutions for a better you?

See you at Penn Highlands.

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. 

College Set To Purchase Richland Campus

After nearly 26 years of perseverance and growth, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College plans to make the Richland Campus a permanent fixture within the college’s regional footprint through a purchase of the facility.

The Richland Campus (101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA) has been considered its main site since Penn Highlands began leasing it back in 2007. The facility houses 101 employees, which includes full-time and regular part-time employees and all faculty. It is home to an annual average of 1,390 part-time and full-time students over the past three academic years.

“This will be remembered as a great moment in the history of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College,” stated Dr. Steve Nunez, President of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. “It provides Penn Highlands with the long-term stability needed for continued growth, and it shows the community that we plan to be a fixture in this area for years to come.”

Penn Highlands will purchase the main campus building and approximately 15 acres of property from the Richland School District for $6,000,000. The additional acreage will allow Penn Highlands to expand the facility and incorporate any future programming, if needed.

“The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce our plans to purchase the Richland Campus facility,” commented Greg Winger, Board of Trustees Chairperson for Penn Highlands Community College. “This purchase strengthens our 25-plus year commitment to better serve our students, staff, and various community stakeholders. It provides for long-term stability and continued growth in programs and services to meet the on-going educational and technical needs of the greater Johnstown and Cambria County areas.”

Arnold Nadonley, Richland School District Superintendent, agrees with Mr. Winger’s sentiment.

“This sales agreement ensures that Penn Highlands Community College continues as our trusted neighbor, educational partner, and an economic engine not only for our district, but for the entire region,” said Nadonley.

“Proceeds from this sale will be invested, making funds available for future capital projects so as to reduce the burden on taxpayers,” added Ray McCombie, President of the Richland Board of School Directors. “These future projects will benefit the Richland community for many years to come.”

This purchase helps further the mission of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, which is to provide students with affordable opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their work and day-to-day lives.