SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — For Penn State Schuylkill alumnus Seth Hubler, a career in public service began with a business degree, hands-on experiences, and a strong commitment to his community. Today, he serves as communications director to Sen. David G. Argall (R-29) in the Pennsylvania Senate, overseeing communications for the senator’s office and helping connect constituents with legislative updates, state programs and district priorities.
In his role, Hubler manages digital outreach, media relations, press releases, strategic messaging, social media, monthly columns, public engagement initiatives, and newsletters reaching more than 25,000 constituents. He also represents Argall at public events and community meetings, oversees special projects, conducts data analysis, and assists with event planning. Before becoming communications director, he served as outreach director and constituent relations specialist in the senator’s office.
Building a foundation at Penn State Schuylkill
A native Pennsylvanian and Schuylkill County resident, Hubler said Penn State Schuylkill was an easy choice.
“I knew Penn State Schuylkill would be where I went to college before even knowing what degree I wanted to pursue,” he said.
He graduated in 2023 with a bachelor of science degree in business, specializing in management and marketing, and a minor in political science. He said he chose business because of the degree’s broad applications and the opportunity to learn how organizations operate and how to manage them effectively.
Penn State Schuylkill also allowed him to remain close to home, stay involved in his community, and receive a Penn State education at an affordable price, Hubler said.
Learning through experience
Outside the classroom, Hubler took advantage of opportunities that helped prepare him for a career in public service. He completed internships with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Pennsylvania Senate, with the latter eventually leading to his first full-time professional position.
On campus, he served as communications director for the Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate Club, student body president, and government affairs chairperson within student government. He also was a member of the Honors Society.
His work with Associate Teaching Professor of Business Gina Whalen also had a lasting impact. Through an MGMT 497 course offered by Whalen and Kate Zimmerman, former director of cooperative education, he completed independent studies using autoethnography to explore topics including political involvement and working with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
“Dr. Whalen’s ability to blend technical expertise with human-centric soft skills to navigate demanding environments in all her courses has undoubtedly impacted my career in a positive way,” he said.
He also credited professors Valerie Schrader and Kathleen Fabrizi with helping him develop skills he continues to use.
Skills that continue to make an impact
While his Penn State Schuylkill education provided technical knowledge, Hubler said the soft skills he developed have been especially valuable throughout his career.
“Skills like active listening, adaptability, collaboration, communication, cultural intelligence, empathy, and time management have been paramount to my success in my professional and civic roles thus far,” he said.
Project management has also been an important skill in his work with the Pennsylvania Senate. Those skills have helped him move through three roles in the senator’s office while taking on greater responsibilities and expanding his professional capabilities.
He said the campus community played an important role in that development.
“The size and community atmosphere of Penn State Schuylkill is what made my experience on campus so special,” he said. “The one-on-one time with professors, staff and other students allowed for genuine connections and a deeper understanding of academic material and each other.”
A commitment to his community
One of Hubler’s proudest professional accomplishments, he said, has been working with Argall, the Schuylkill County House Delegation, community organizations, volunteers and students to preserve Penn State Schuylkill as an educational institution in the region.
“Penn State Schuylkill is extremely important to me, and working toward preserving and helping build its future has been extremely rewarding,” he said.
His connection to the campus continues through professional relationships with alumni and other members of the Penn State Schuylkill community. He said those connections provide opportunities to seek advice, share ideas, and maintain a strong professional network.
Advice for future students
For students considering Penn State Schuylkill, Hubler encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities available both inside and outside the classroom.
“My advice would be to build relationships with your fellow students, professors and alumni network, and seize every opportunity,” he said. “Penn State Schuylkill is a small campus that provides big, life-changing, world-class experiences for its students.”
He also said he encourages prospective students to consider the value of a Penn State education combined with individualized support and affordability.
“If they are interested in receiving a world-class education with individualized care that prepares you to enter the workforce, all at an affordable price, then Penn State Schuylkill is for you,” he said.