College Names Dean of Industrial and Engineering Technologies
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Donald O. Praster has been appointed dean of industrial and engineering technologies at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Praster, who joined Penn College in 1976, had been serving as interim dean of the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies since 2007. Before becoming interim dean, he had been assistant dean of the school for 10 years, as well as an assistant professor and instructor of welding.
Prior to his career in higher education, Praster was employed with several firms in the Williamsport area as a professional welder, welder/fabricator and inspector.
"Don is an excellent choice to lead the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies," said Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour. "His knowledge of industry, gained from real-world work experience, coupled with his teaching and administrative abilities, will serve him well in this new role."
"Don brings to the position excellent leadership and educational and industry experience, as well as long-term commitment and familiarity with the school," said Lizabeth S. Mullens, vice president for academic affairs and provost. "He will work effectively with his colleagues to continue to strengthen the school as a leader in industrial and engineering technology education."
Praster plays a key role in securing and monitoring the National Science Foundation grant that supports the college as a National Center of Excellence in Welding Education and Training, an initiative to increase the number of welding technicians to meet workforce needs.
He also teaches courses in quality assurance and serves as a member of the Governance Task Force and the Business Process Improvement Task Force at the college.
"The School of Industrialand Engineering Technologies has a great faculty and staff to work with, and I am honored to have been given this opportunity," he said.
Praster holds a bachelor of science degree in vocational industrial education from The Pennsylvania State University and is nearing completion of a master's degree in education at Wilkes University. He is a member of the American Welding Society.
For more information about the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies, visit online or call (570) 327-4520. For more information about the college, visit on the Web , e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.