Faculty Honored with Promotions; Diesel Grads and Dental Hygiene Director Honored

Fifteen faculty members at Pennsylvania College of Technology have earned promotions in academic rank.

The promotions are as follows:

Dr. Gerald "Chip" D. Baumgardner, assistant professor promoted to associate professor, business administration; Jane J. Benedict, instructor promoted to assistant professor, medical/surgical nursing; Marc E. Bridgens, assistant professor promoted to associate professor, plumbing; Kirk M. Cantor, assistant professor promoted to associate professor, plastics technology; Billie A. Coffman, assistant professor promoted to associate professor, early childhood education; Linda L. Crayton, assistant professor promoted to associate professor, maternal/child health nursing; James E. Doebler, assistant professor promoted to associate professor, aviation technology; Dr. David L. Evans, associate professor promoted to professor, biology; William F. Geyer, instructor promoted to assistant professor, building construction technology; Candace B. Guilds, instructor promoted to assistant professor, practical nursing; Denise S. Leete, assistant professor promoted to associate professor, computer science; Patricia J. Martin, instructor promoted to assistant professor, occupational therapy assistant; Dorothy M. Mathers, assistant professor promoted to associate professor, medical/surgical nursing; Bruce G. Pratt, assistant professor promoted to associate professor, automated manufacturing, and Mary G. Trometter, instructor promoted to assistant professor, food and hospitality management/culinary arts.

In addition, Thomas M. McNally, who retired during the 1997-98 academic year, was granted emeritus status. McNally was a counselor in Counseling & Career Services who also held professor rank.

Morr Honored for Dental Hygiene Accomplishments
Kathleen E. Morr, director of dental hygiene at Pennsylvania College of Technology, is the recipient of the University of Pennsylvania's Dental Hygiene Alumni Award. The honor, given once a year, is based on service to and accomplishment in the dental hygiene field. Nominations are made by other University of Pennsylvania dental hygiene graduates. The award was presented to Morr at a luncheon held at the university's Faculty Club during the university's recent alumni celebration.

In another honor, Morr has been selected to participate in the 1998 American Association of Dental Schools Summer Program for Leadership. Her application was chosen from "a strong showing from institutions across the country." The activities consist of pre-workshop assignments and a week-long program.

Penn College Heavy Equipment, Diesel Graduates Honored
Matthew J. Smith, of Lock Haven, and Daniel L. Brown, of Loysville, were recently honored at Pennsylvania College of Technology, in Williamsport.

Smith, who earned an associate degree in heavy construction equipment technology, received the Heavy Equipment Advisory Committee Technician of the Year Award. The award is sponsored by Penn College's Heavy Construction Equipment Advisory Committee and awarded annually to the outstanding technician in the field of heavy equipment mechanics. The award winner receives a new torque wrench donated by Williamsport Automotive, of Williamsport.

Brown, who graduated with an associate degree in diesel technology, was honored with the Heavy Equipment Advisory Committee Operator of the Year Award. Also sponsored by the advisory committee and awarded annually, the award is given to the outstanding operator in the field of heavy equipment operation and site engineering. The recipient receives a new hand level donated by Yoas Engineering Services, Williamsport.

The names of both students are placed on a permanent plaque at the College's Earth Science Center.