Board of Trustees

The 2019-2020 academic year presented significant challenges to the Pennsylvania Highlands community. The Board of Trustees is grateful to the faculty and staff who have not only persevered but who rose above those challenges to advance the College forward during its 25th Anniversary year. While 2020 will always be remembered as “the year of COVID,” it cannot and should not overshadow the accomplishments of the College.

This year was marked by the hiring of many new faces at the College. In January, Dr. Steve Nunez was appointed the College’s fifth President. Dr. Nunez, a product of a community college himself, came with 24 years of experience in higher education having worked at a small, rural community college for his entire professional career. Additionally, we added two new members to Dr. Nunez’s leadership team. Kathy Morrell joined in September 2019 as the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, with over 20 years in media marketing experience. Robert (Rob) Farinelli joined Penn Highlands in July 2020, just after the 2019-2020 academic year, as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs. Rob brings 30 years’ experience overseeing academic affairs at a variety of institutions. We look forward to their continued leadership at the College.

In addition to leadership team changes, the College welcomed three new members to the Board of Trustees. New Trustees include Marc McCall, Linda Thompson, and Mike Puruczky. The Board is pleased to have attracted three individuals who are committed to leading the College’s mission in providing quality, affordable higher education to Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties. These additions, coupled with the continuous support from our county commissioners, is greatly appreciated.

We are also pleased with the growth and enthusiasm of the College’s Foundation and welcome John Polacek and Carol Tokar to the Board of Directors. While the majority of the 25th Anniversary and fundraising events were canceled this year due to COVID, the Foundation is well positioned to be stronger than ever in 2021.

Finally, Penn Highlands would like to recognize our 2020 graduates and their families who have supported them in their journey. Over 350 students earned degrees or certificates which will allow them to transfer to universities, earn a bachelor’s degree, or enter the workforce. The quality teaching of the faculty and the tireless support of the College staff helped these students reach their goals.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, my thanks to the graduates, their families, and to the faculty and staff of Penn Highlands.

Sincerely,

Greg Winger Board Chairperson Greg Winger, Board Chairperson

Greg Winger (Chairperson) Dr. Janet Grady (At-Large 2019 / Vice Chairperson 2020) Carl D. DeYulis (Secretary / Treasurer 2020) Dr. Kathleen O’Rourke (Secretary / Treasurer 2019) Alan Cashaw (Vice Chairperson 2019 / At-Large 2020)

John Augustine Edwin Bowser John H. Cavanaugh (2019) Tyson Cook Dr. Pat Farabaugh (2019) James Foreman James Foster Carissa Itle Westrick Jacqueline Kulback Steven J. McAneny (2019) Marc McCall Mike Puruczky Linda Thomson Sophie Sprankle (Student Trustee)