As the fall semester gets underway, let’s look back at the busy and successful summer our students, faculty and staff had across the PASSHE system.
Success Highlights
Despite the crucial role teachers play, Pennsylvania faces a challenge with a decline
in newly certified educators. Cheyney University aims to address this issue through its Paraprofessional Pathways Program, which helps
to inspire new talent in the classroom.
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Commonwealth University a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.
On a sunny summer morning at the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, interns Ella Brennan and Karson Smith searched for wood turtles, which they are tasked with protecting as environmental science majors from East Stroudsburg University. Using a metal tracking device that picks up signals from transmitters on the turtles, they navigated dirt paths, streams, and dense vegetation across the 5,500-acre refuge.
Following three years of self-study, analysis, and evaluation by a visiting team of educators representing the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, IUP’s accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education has been reaffirmed.
Kutztown University's Early College Academy launched in Fall 2024 as a new take on dual enrollment. It celebrated its first graduating class while welcoming the majority of participating students as new Golden Bears this fall.
Hailey Peirce’s fellowship with the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership, part of Millersville’s University College, has led to some great networking and an opportunity to serve on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement.
Lauren Bryant, a communication major at PennWest California, spent her summer in the heart of the media world – New York City, where she interned with FOX Corporation. Originally from Koppel, Pennsylvania, Bryant contributed to FOX Weather, a national network, by creating social media content, developing segments, and gaining insights into the inner workings of the broadcast industry.
Devin Zerbe fondly remembers his childhood in Franklin, Venango County. Now a junior at PennWest Clarion, majoring in communications, he eagerly sought an internship with the Community Development department this summer. During this internship, Zerbe assisted with marketing and events to help others create lasting memories.
Char Brower, a psychology major with a minor in sociology from Erie studying at PennWest Edinboro, has experienced significant personal and academic growth through an impactful internship at Refuge Therapeutic Services. This opportunity has allowed Brower to excel while helping others, reinforcing academic goals and deepening understanding of service.
Shippensburg University received a $700,000 grant from US Housing and Urban Development to renovate Kriner Hall into an entrepreneurial and innovation hub, with support from Congressman John Joyce, MD. The former dining hall will house the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Mr. and Mrs. Milton K. Morgan III Makerspace, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
As an institution at the forefront of preparing professionals to enter the highly skilled cybersecurity workforce, Slippery Rock University has been recognized by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, a program housed in the National Security Agency, with the NCAE-C Cyber Defense designation for its validated program of study, Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity degree program.
The closing ceremony for the West Chester University Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) was held on July 9. During this event, over 30 students, accompanied by their faculty mentors, had the opportunity to present their research findings from the five-week program.
For more highlights of success, go to www.passhe.edu/systemsuccess.
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Commonwealth University a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.
On a sunny summer morning at the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, interns Ella Brennan and Karson Smith searched for wood turtles, which they are tasked with protecting as environmental science majors from East Stroudsburg University. Using a metal tracking device that picks up signals from transmitters on the turtles, they navigated dirt paths, streams, and dense vegetation across the 5,500-acre refuge.
Following three years of self-study, analysis, and evaluation by a visiting team of educators representing the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, IUP’s accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education has been reaffirmed.
Kutztown University's Early College Academy launched in Fall 2024 as a new take on dual enrollment. It celebrated its first graduating class while welcoming the majority of participating students as new Golden Bears this fall.
Hailey Peirce’s fellowship with the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership, part of Millersville’s University College, has led to some great networking and an opportunity to serve on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement.
Lauren Bryant, a communication major at PennWest California, spent her summer in the heart of the media world – New York City, where she interned with FOX Corporation. Originally from Koppel, Pennsylvania, Bryant contributed to FOX Weather, a national network, by creating social media content, developing segments, and gaining insights into the inner workings of the broadcast industry.
Devin Zerbe fondly remembers his childhood in Franklin, Venango County. Now a junior at PennWest Clarion, majoring in communications, he eagerly sought an internship with the Community Development department this summer. During this internship, Zerbe assisted with marketing and events to help others create lasting memories.
Char Brower, a psychology major with a minor in sociology from Erie studying at PennWest Edinboro, has experienced significant personal and academic growth through an impactful internship at Refuge Therapeutic Services. This opportunity has allowed Brower to excel while helping others, reinforcing academic goals and deepening understanding of service.
Shippensburg University received a $700,000 grant from US Housing and Urban Development to renovate Kriner Hall into an entrepreneurial and innovation hub, with support from Congressman John Joyce, MD. The former dining hall will house the Charles H. Diller Jr. Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Mr. and Mrs. Milton K. Morgan III Makerspace, and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
As an institution at the forefront of preparing professionals to enter the highly skilled cybersecurity workforce, Slippery Rock University has been recognized by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, a program housed in the National Security Agency, with the NCAE-C Cyber Defense designation for its validated program of study, Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity degree program.
The closing ceremony for the West Chester University Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) was held on July 9. During this event, over 30 students, accompanied by their faculty mentors, had the opportunity to present their research findings from the five-week program.
For more highlights of success, go to www.passhe.edu/systemsuccess.