Faculty & Staff Articles

Capturing the "arcs and sparks" of Pennsylvania College of Technology's largest major, "Welding & Beyond" taps the knowledge and expertise of Michael R. Allen, welding instructor and co-department head. The second guest of the second season of the Tomorrow Makers podcast, Allen shares his journey from welding on the family farm to teaching in Penn College's cutting-edge, industry-infused welding program.

Icebreakers and interactions galore have filled the days and nights for Penn College's Wildcats as the fall semester gets in gear. Among the hoopla and help captured by college photographers: "Hot Dog, You're Here!," the beloved tradition of four-legged visitors; the IMALIVE Mental Health Fair, raising awareness of resources and support available to students; and a Paint Party, mixing music and a splash of color.

Christopher J. Holley, associate professor of automotive technology at Pennsylvania College of Technology, is one of three college faculty members interviewed by MOTOR magazine for its article, "Back-to-School at Automotive Colleges." The article aims to share advice with automotive students, preparing them for a successful new school year. In addition to Holley, two other veteran automotive professors are featured; they hail from colleges in Illinois and Oregon.

API (the American Petroleum Institute) has donated access to its standards for industry best practices to Pennsylvania College of Technology for use in the curriculums of various academic programs in the college’s School of Engineering Technologies. Representatives of API were on campus in Penn College’s welding lab in the Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center on Aug. 28 to formally present the standards.

A new initiative to increase visibility has been implemented by Penn College Police: the use of “cruise lights” on top of patrol vehicles. Cruise lights are dimmer than emergency lights and do not flash. Only the red and blue lights on the ends of the vehicle’s rooftop light bar are on.

Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Matthew D. Bradford (D-Norristown) visited Pennsylvania College of Technology on Saturday, enjoying a main campus tour prior to taking in the U.S. championship game at the Little League Baseball World Series with his family.

Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies at Pennsylvania College of Technology, has been named to The 2024 Trailblazers in Building & Infrastructure list, released Monday by City & State PA. “Meet the people helping us work, get around and live better,” the announcement reads. Beau M. Lazzo, a 2017 Penn College construction management graduate, is also included on the list.

Nate Woods Jr. has a way of encouraging and uplifting, and if you’re seeking a deep dose of inspiration, listen to “Let the Transformation Begin.” As the new academic year begins, consider taking “a pause for the cause” with the latest episode of the Tomorrow Makers podcast. As part of his role of taking care of others, the special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation shares his thoughts on the importance of self-care and empathy.

For the second time this week, a chairman of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee visited Pennsylvania College of Technology to learn more about the impressive developments occurring at the institution’s main campus, Lumley Aviation Center and Schneebeli Earth Science Center. State Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford), who serves as the committee’s Republican chair, received a tour of several instructional areas and also enjoyed a stop at the Little League Baseball World Series complex.

Pennsylvania College of Technology alumnus and illustrator Brian Lutz is coming full circle, opening the 2024-25 season at The Gallery at Penn College. The artist’s “Full Circle” exhibit, illustrating his professional journey, runs through Oct. 4. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Lutz will speak at a 3:30 p.m. lecture in Penn’s Inn and a 5 p.m. reception in the gallery. He will also engage with students and faculty in two Illustration classes.