WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Pennsylvania College of Technology leaders highlighted the vital role of the institution in the age of artificial intelligence and automation at the recent Global Impact Forum in Pittsburgh.
Penn College President Michael J. Reed and Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies, hosted a 45-minute session titled “Automation in Action: Educating the Next Generation of Innovators.” The multimedia presentation introduced attendees to the college and described how the institution’s curriculum and industry partnerships help empower the AI economy.
The three-day conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center attracted students and leaders in education, industry, government, philanthropy, investment and community. The forum’s speeches, panels, workshops and networking opportunities all related to workforce readiness in an era increasingly dominated by AI.
“I believe Dr. Reed and Dr. Webb made a lasting impact, not only with the material they presented, but also the passionate way they delivered the content,” said Loni N. Kline, senior vice president for college relations. “They were able to deftly mix statistics with real-life accounts of industry partnerships, Penn College students and our alumni all making a difference in the AI economy. Their message resonated.”
Reed and Webb identified three pillars of the AI economy – core infrastructure, enabling industries and AI delivery – before relating how Penn College programs serve as a conduit to rewarding careers in the sectors. They did so by showcasing some of the college’s 150-plus learning labs, revealing the influential role played by over 4,000 industry partners and citing alumni excelling in the fields of on-site power generation, software development and networking, and building automation.
Two video profiles reinforced their points. One featured electrical/mechatronics instructor Jack C. Dincher, and the other focused on Marissa R. Rupert, of Danville, who is seeking bachelor’s degrees in both automation engineering technology and software development & information management.
Dincher described how he used his strong industry connections to equip the newest real-world automation lab on campus. Rupert explained how her Penn College education empowered her to be a leader during her internship with an industrial automation integration company.
“It’s one thing to say that Penn College has a 98% graduate placement rate. It’s quite another to be introduced to some of the people – whether they be faculty or students – behind that impressive number,” Kline said. “I think all who witnessed the presentation left with a strong desire to learn more about the institution and our role with AI and automation.”
Information related to the presentation by Reed and Webb, including their PowerPoint, is available at www.pct.edu/TGIF.
Earlier in the conference, Reed was part of a panel discussion that centered on a future-ready workforce. The panel was moderated by Larry D. Terry II, vice president for Penn State Outreach and a member of Penn College’s Board of Directors.
In addition to Reed, Webb and Kline, Penn College was represented at the forum by Alison Diehl, vice president of Penn College Workforce Development; Shanin L. Dougherty, senior corporate relations officer; and Chenchen Huang, dean of business, arts & sciences. Huang participated in a group session, where he discussed the impact of AI curriculum on workforce preparedness in business graduates.
The Global Impact Forum was presented by Penn State.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education and a special mission affiliate of Penn State. Visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.