Penn State Lehigh Valley advances career readiness, AI leadership and growth

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley began the spring 2026 semester with an affirmation of strategic goals, campus expansion plans and a leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). Led by Chancellor Tina Richardson, the focus of the All Campus Day on Jan. 9 was clear: the mission of Penn State is amplified in the Lehigh Valley. 

“When we work as thought partners together, that is how we get things done — and this campus gets things done,” Richardson said. 

Career readiness at the heart of a Penn State degree

During the event, Penn State Lehigh Valley community members came together to discuss how the campus is spearheading a statewide initiative to expand work-based learning opportunities for students across the Commonwealth Campuses. Built on the strategic priorities established by University President Neeli Bendapudi and the Board of Trustees, the initiative aims to ensure that a four-year Penn State degree translates into multiple career pathway opportunities for graduates.

“Together, our community of dedicated faculty and staff will deliver a future-ready education that prepares our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” Bendapudi said in an article about the strategic plan.

The campus work-based learning program will be led at Lehigh Valley by Career Strategist Jamie Merida in coordination with campus leads from across Pennsylvania.

“The Work-Based Learning Program at Penn State Lehigh Valley will help students develop their education both inside the classroom and through meaningful experiential learning in the workplace,” Merida said. “Whether through formal internships, on-campus roles or community employment, our goal is to intentionally connect these experiences — equipping our future graduates to clearly articulate their skills, professionalism and readiness to stand out in a competitive job market.”

Through a combination of work experiences, career advising and classroom instruction, work-based learning will formalize the process of helping students present a compelling case to employers seeking Penn State graduates.

Faculty take the lead in AI training across the state

Penn State Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos has articulated a clear goal to “advance a bold, university-wide vision for AI literacy and AI-enabled discovery, grounded in ethics, human-centered design and societal impact.”

With support from the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence, Pedro Robles, assistant teaching professor of cyber analytics and operations, and Subhadra Ganguli, assistant professor of business, are leading a group of Penn State experts who developed the AI Toolbox — a semester-long series of learning sessions designed to deepen understanding of artificial intelligence and demonstrate how AI can be effectively used in academic settings.

As part of Penn State Lehigh Valley’s All Campus Day, Robles and Ganguli led faculty and staff through a presentation, expert panel and interactive discussion to launch the AI Toolbox series.

“It is important for faculty and students to understand, use, monitor and critically reflect on AI-generated content,” Robles said. “AI is not a substitute for learning; it is a new tool that has become part of how we learn.”

The AI Toolbox sessions are designed to help educators move beyond reactive responses to generative AI and toward a cohesive, intentional approach to teaching and learning in an AI-shaped academic environment. The sessions emphasize critical AI literacy, ethical awareness and thoughtful course design, ensuring students engage with AI responsibly, transparently and purposefully rather than as a shortcut. Across pedagogy, assessment, research and classroom practice, the shared goal is to preserve academic integrity while enhancing rigor, creativity and real-world relevance.

During an interactive panel discussion, experts shared insights into how AI is shaping today’s classrooms.

“AI is not going to replace the critical learning skills and human experiences that are essential to becoming an expert,” said Tracey Carbonetto, associate teaching professor of engineering. “But now, I consider how I can apply AI to make my work even better.”

By framing AI as a tool for inquiry, collaboration and deeper thinking — and by addressing issues of privacy, bias and governance — the sessions aim to prepare faculty and students to navigate AI as informed, reflective participants in an evolving academic and professional landscape.

Penn State Lehigh Valley’s commitment to academic excellence

Director of Academic Affairs Anibal Torres focused his remarks on the people who make the campus a success, highlighting the role faculty play in providing an education that extends well beyond the classroom.

“We create knowledge by doing,” Torres said. “We refine practice over time. We double down on what we do best. We help our students prepare for a world that is not static. We teach them how to adapt and be prepared.”

All campus day was also a chance to highlight projects that will enhance the student experience. Facilities will see new additions to support growing academic offerings. In the coming weeks, construction will begin on a second engineering lab to complement the facility completed last fall. The new space will be an integral part of the four-year engineering degree program that can now be completed entirely on campus.

Land-grant mission in focus in downtown Allentown

Penn State’s mission centers on providing broad access to education and public service in support of the commonwealth and communities beyond its borders. Through collaborative partnerships with private industry, educational institutions and government organizations around the world, the University generates, integrates, applies and shares knowledge that delivers meaningful value to society.

In 2026, Penn State Lehigh Valley will make a bold statement through its campus expansion into downtown Allentown. Located on Hamilton Street in the heart of the city, the new facility will house the Lehigh Valley LaunchBox and provide access to classes, community programming and partnerships with nearby businesses.

“The space highlights Penn State’s commitment and investment in the local community,” Richardson said. “With the support of the University, community and civic leaders, this new location will provide nearly limitless opportunities to create valuable and vibrant programming for the entire Lehigh Valley.”

The more than 8,500-square-foot space will include bright, modern co-working areas, meeting rooms, offices, classrooms and a makerspace — all intentionally designed for adaptability and year-round impact.

“The Lehigh Valley LaunchBox provides resources, programming, education and support to aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs,” said Director Cindy Evans. “The new space brings together the depth of LaunchBox expertise with the strength and recognition of the Penn State brand.”

About Penn State Lehigh Valley

Founded in 1912, Penn State Lehigh Valley brings together more than a century of academic excellence with personalized instruction delivered by industry-connected faculty. The campus serves students from Bucks County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, and surrounding regions, as well as students from across the country and around the world. Penn State Lehigh Valley offers 12 bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed entirely on campus and provides pathways into more than 275 Penn State majors through the University’s 2+2 program.