Penn College Diesel Instructor Latest 'Pathfinder' Honoree

An instructor in Pennsylvania College of Technology's diesel equipment technology department has been honored by the college and Caterpillar Inc. with the annual Pathfinder to Excellence award.

Justin W. Beishline, a faculty member in the School of Natural Resources Management, received the award earlier this month during an advisory meeting of Caterpillar officials and dealers at the college's Thompson Professional Development Center.

"It's always gratifying to a faculty member to be recognized by students for the work that he does," said Mary A. Sullivan, dean of natural resources management. "Justin has been with us for a few years and is showing tremendous potential. He is dedicated to his students and to Penn College, and it's great that his students recognize that."

Presented since 2003 on the basis of student nominations, the award recognizes a faculty member who "develops effective teaching techniques, enhances learning materials, demonstrates a keen sensitivity to student needs and maintains high academic standards." Beishline received a commemorative plaque and a cash award, made possible by matching contributions from the Caterpillar Foundation and consortium dealers.

"He pursues opportunities to integrate technology into the curriculum using YouTube, QuickServe, CAT Sis (a Caterpillar service information database) and uses lab equipment to give us tangible, visual learning experiences," one of his student nominators wrote. "Mr. Beishline is the real deal!"

For more about the programs offered by the School of Natural Resources Management, visit on the Web or call 570-320-8038.

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