Twenty Penn College co-workers earn Blue Belts in Innovation

Twenty Pennsylvania College of Technology employees received Blue Belts in Innovation Engineering, certification from the Innovation Engineering Institute that is recognized throughout industry, during a May 4 ceremony in the Thompson Professional Development Center.

The employees were part of an original group of 29 accepted to complete a 15-week Innovation Leadership Series that began in mid-January. The group included two members of the Fall 2022 cohort who completed their Blue Belt requirements during the spring semester.

Chip D. Baumgardner, associate professor of business administration and management, taught the hybrid program, which included online assignments and two required in-person sessions. Application was open to all full-time employees looking to enhance creativity, develop new ideas and become more innovative.

The Innovation Engineering Institute, part of Eureka! Ranch, awards both a Blue Belt and Black Belt in Innovation Engineering. In addition to the Innovation Leadership Series for employees, Penn College offers a three-course competency credential in innovation leadership that can lead to a Black Belt in Innovation Engineering.

Employees earning their Innovation Engineering Blue Belts in Spring 2023:

Tanya Berfield, director of K-12 outreach
Jason K. Bogle, director of construction and planning, General Services
Brian L. Cygan, executive director for assessment, research and planning
Meghan R. Delsite Coleman, assistant director of student engagement
Ashley E. Day, manager of grants and communication, College Relations
Lindsey A. Harner, program coordinator, Clean Energy Center
Justin M. Ingram, associate professor, biology
Alexandra M. Lehman, training consultant, Workforce Development
Tammy A. Miller, instructor, biology (general biology and microbiology)
Jessica U. Oberlin, librarian, information technology initiatives
Michael A. Porter Jr., training consultant, Workforce Development
Erin S. Shultz, career and alumni engagement manager, College Relations
Tammy R. Smith, manager, strategic projects, Clean Energy Center
Thomas F. Speicher, writer/video producer, Public Relations & Marketing
Nicholas L. Stephenson, instructor, graphic design
Frank M. Suchwala, associate professor, hospitality management/culinary arts
Kathy L. Wentzler, training consultant, Workforce Development
Bryce W. Winder, coordinator of admissions event and communications
Nate Woods Jr., special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation
Joshua D. Young, learning systems administrator, Educational & Emerging Technologies