February 2021

Despite the difficulties 2020 presented to our region, the world began to use a new word to describe career and technical education graduates---ESSENTIAL. At Laurel, this is a recognition that we have known about our alumni for a long time. Our students perform important work, train with hands-on skills, use the latest technology in critical fields like healthcare, skilled trades, information technology, cosmetology, entrepreneurship and culinary arts. As our nation prepares to rebuild the economy, LTI has remained open readying graduates to meet the surging demand in our hospitals, building trades and small businesses. Our school is uniquely

poised to serve our community of students, employers and educators in a way that meets their learning needs. In 2021, our flexible learning options have expanded to offer new online programs, blended learning for on-ground classes and virtual live streams for those who need it.

At Laurel, our education delivers Learning YOU Experience. Our portfolio of work-based learning gets you the experience you need to land the career of your dreams. LTI’s curriculum has a system to not only get you the degree but also the on-the-job training that sets you apart. Whether it’s internships, clinical rotations, school-based enterprises or virtual reality simulations, in this

competitive job market, the LTI’s experiential learning makes the difference.

Not only do we have immense pride for the work our graduates have done during this pandemic, we are also extremely proud that we have been able to remain open, safely, to educate and prepare the new line of essential workers. Following all CDC guidelines, we remained open for our students and provided them with support, positivity and safe learning spaces for all.

Although 2020 proved to be difficult for many, we are delighted and humbled by the good fortune we were graciously blessed with in order to move out of 2020 and into new possibilities in 2021.

How Laurel is Moving Forward and Creating Opportunities from Challenges

Learning for the 21st century students are not satisfied simply hearing about a topic.

They want to see it, touch it and feel it. By bringing the textbook to life with virtual reality creates a level of interest that textbooks or tests struggle to do. Imagine being able to take a virtual field trip inside the human body. Medical care providers have minutes or just seconds to act in order to save a patient’s life and the ability to know “what to do when”, and to “think on one’s feet” can make the difference between life or death. Practice makes perfect VR tools allow providers to simulate situations that rarely occur in order to apply their knowledge gained through theory and keep their lifesaving skills sharp, even if they’re only needed once in a while. Virtual environments provide students with the valuable ability to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them. VR can sharpen key skills including critical

thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity. VR can enhance these employability skills that some hiring managers have found lacking in today’s students.

As both a respiratory therapist working on the frontlines and a healthcare educator, I have seen implications during Covid-19 pandemic. I have experienced the challenges it has presented within the economy, healthcare and education, but with every challenge lies opportunity for growth. Acadicus provides the flexibility of both synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. It is a cost-effective tool to enhance hands on skills. Medical equipment does not come cheap, a simulation manikin alone can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Mary Mittwede BSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RPFTDirector of Allied Health & Program Director,

Respiratory Therapy

LTI Hermitage Respiratory Therapy Program Director Publishes “Visions for the Future of Virtual Simulation”Our LTI Hermitage Respiratory Therapy

students celebrated Respiratory Care Week October 25th-31st. The students celebrated the whole week with activities, a celebration and by working on their Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications.

2020 Respiratory Care Week

What’s new at LTI Sharon? Well that is a loaded question, what isn’t new and innovative there and how do we explain in words the many collaborative projects happening in Sharon PA?

Despite the setbacks of the nationwide pandemic, LTI Sharon has been making leaps and bounds and are ready for whatever 2021 brings. LTI started by changing the on ground program of Accounting and Business Administration to the Entrepreneurship and Business Administration (EBA). The goal is to educate and incubate

business/product ideas from the students while earning their degree.

In addition to the Sharon location housing the Shenango Valley FabLab (SVFL), they have added a 40’ greenhouse (collaboration with Whole Life Services), 1/2 market garden and hope to open their Culinary program’s student restaurant GiGi’s Table by March 2021 to serve the local community. All of these projects compliment both the EBA program as well as the Culinary program led by chef Roger Clatterbuck.

Laurel Technical Institute’s Sterling Building Buzzing with New Life

New Name, New Title and New ProgramsFormerly known as Laurel

Business Institute Morgantown Satellite, this location has made some major leaps in the past few months. With a new name, new status and new location underway,

our Morgantown location is pleased to announce our new name change from Laurel Business Institute Satellite to Laurel College of Technology, now a branch campus! We have also invested in a new

campus location, meaning we are bringing in new programs! Starting this spring we will now be offering Clinical Medical Assistant and Network Administration & Security!

Laurel News

Laurel Business Institute - LBI’m Ready

New Name for One of Laurel’s Online Programs

Degree in Accounting & Business Administration

Ryan Hall – Meadville, PARebecca Kray – Conneaut, OHNichol Loucks – Centerville, PA

Diploma in Clinical Medical AssistantSamantha Connor – Franklin, PAMackenzie Miller – Greenville, PAEmma Newhard – Meadville, PAAshley Watterson – Fredonia, PATori Wheeler – Sandy Lake, PA

Breanna Anglin – Meadville, PAMariah Davis – Meadville, PA

Harley Johnson – Meadville, PARebecca Siple – Saegertown, PAHaylie Songer – Cooperstown, PA

Hannah Wermlinger – Meadville, PA

Degree in Early Childhood EducationKaitlyn Willis – Saegertown, PA

Degree in Medical AssistantKennedy Christofferson – Conneaut

Lake, PAAlexis Mitchell – Meadville, PA

Anna Fox – Polk, PAMikayla Marks – Meadville, PA

Raychel Lepley – Cooperstown, PA

Degree in Health Information Technology

Morgan Eakin – Cochranton, PAPaula-Marie Valdez – Meadville, PA

Leslie Lattner – Atlantic, PA

Diploma in CosmetologyHope Sires – Franklin, PA

Erica Stininger – Meadville, PAKarleigh Ashbaugh - Meadville

Jenna Burchfield – Cochranton, PAIvie Cramer – Meadville, PA

Rachel Eldred – Titusville, PANicole Patterson – Fredonia, PA

Diploma in Esthetician/Nail Technician

Ainsley Ames – McKean, PANicole Condron – Pittsfield, PAJenna O’Brien – Titusville, PA

Bonette Smith – Union City, PA

Diploma in Master TeacherLauren Davis – Sandy Lake, PA

Dana Foster – Oil City, PA

Degree in Network Administration

Jacob Plummer – Greenville, PARichard Stapinsky – Meadville, PA

William Galt – Saegertown, PABrian Palmer – Linesville, PA

Steven Palmer – Linesville, PAShawn Yochum – Hermitage, PA

Diploma in Phlebotomy Technician

Andrew Beatty – Titusville

Diploma in Veterinary Assistant

Abigail Babcock – Conneaut Lake, PABeverly Balsiger – Conneaut Lake, PA

Miah Ewing – Meadville, PAKatelynn Ferricks – Reno, PA

Stevie Hargenrater – Meadville, PAAdriana Heath – Oil City, PA

Tricia Munnings – Cochranton, PACourtney Sprenkle – Meadville, PAJoleenia Wasser – Meadville, PA

Executive Vice President of Operations Douglas Decker awarded the following students Specialized Associate

Degrees, Associate in Specialized Technology Degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas:

Hermitage Campus:Degree in Accounting

& Business AdministrationJessica Lenhart* (Sharon, PA)

 Diploma in Clinical Medical Assistant

Melissa Cunningham (Masury, OH)Deonnia Hall (Farrell, PA)

Jessica Keene (New Castle, PA)Rachel Kirkwood (New Castle, PA)

Carleigh Milcic (Mercer, PA)Megan Mishata (Farrell, PA)

Amber Reddick (Grove City, PA) Joyce Reiter (Hubbard, OH)

 Diploma in CosmetologyHope Ansell** (Stoneboro, PA) Kaitlyn Burgett (Emporium, PA)Mackenzee Dye (Grove City, PA) Jessika Harenchar (Sharon, PA)

Patricia McQuiston (Hermitage, PA)Marisa O’Dell (Vienna, OH)

Morgan Robinson (Sharpsville, PA)Julia Stell (Greenville, PA)

Degree in Electrical TechnicianJ. Christian Andres** (Brookfield, OH)

Keith Campbell** (Grove City, PA) Nikia Carbone (Warren, OH) Devin Dorton (Hadley, PA)

Alicia Douthit** (Sharon, PA) David Gardocky** (New Castle, PA)

Nate Krall (Greenville, PA)Tami Kronauer** (Brookfield, OH)

Bryce Leach (Hermitage, PA) Patrick Lamb (Greenville, PA)

Jessica McCreary (Hermitage, PA) Jason Rosendary* (Mineral Ridge, OH)

Tobias Simmonds** (Warren, OH) Christopher Vadala (Hubbard, OH)

Brendan Watson (West Middlesex, PA) Stephen Zaucha (Cortland, OH)

 Certificate in EstheticsAmanda Ferlin (Jackson Center, PA)

Leah Gaston (Sharon, PA)Madison King (Hermitage, PA)

Danielle Mielcusny (New Castle, PA)Alaina Thomas (Hermitage, PA)

 Certificate in Esthetics/Nail TechnicianAlexandra Brandt (Sharon, PA)

Kaylee Callahan-Gearhart (Sharon, PA)Kyra DeNoi (Clark, PA)

Deozhanae Jones-Suggs (Hermitage, PA)La Toya Lyles (New Castle, PA) Emily Morrison (Edinbrug, PA)

Tierra Thorpe (Farrell, PA)

 Degree in Health Information Technology

Tammy Lindemuth (Sharon, PA)

 Diploma in Massage TherapyJessica English (Wheatland, PA)

Alexis Gross (Sharon, PA)Tess Shelhamer (Carlton, PA)Kaylee Taylor (Greenville, PA)Raven Yusko (Sharpsville, PA)

 Degree in Medical Lab Technician

Marc Bellucci** (Hermitage, PA) Amanda Borton** (Hubbard, OH) Charlotte James** (Hubbard, OH)

Rachel McCrillis** (Saegertown, PA) Joshua Roden** (Mineral Ridge, OH)

Amy Rypczyk (Sharon, PA) Joanna Theodor (Hermitage, PA)

 Certificate Nail TechnicianAmber Rapp (Shippenville, PA)

 Degree in Network Administration and Security

Sam Hoesl (Volant, PA)Noah Miller (Kinsman, OH)

Tanisha Pagan (Youngstown, OH)

 Diploma in Pharmacy TechnicianGinni Cree* (Masury, OH)

Jasmine Devadan (Niles, OH)

Diploma in PhlebotomyShala Adams (New Castle, PA)Marisa Baer (New Castle, PA) Serena Bolois (Sharpsville, PA)

Kayci Cornell (Cortland, OH) Terri Coxson (Sharon, PA)

Cheyenne DeMuth (Hermitage, PA) Jeffrey Hershberger (Grove City, PA)

Mark Hiler (West Pittsburg, PA) Zoi Waite (Wheatland, PA)

Degree in Respiratory TherapyJaclyn Busin** (New Castle, PA)

Katelyn Caldwell (New Castle, PA)Rebecca Ewing** (Sharon, PA)

Teirra Ferris (Girard, OH)Alexis Gross (Sharon, PA)

Megan May** (Masury, OH) Bailie Pago (Greenville, PA)

Allison Pitts (Niles, OH) Amber Tolnar (Hubbard, OH)

Diploma in Welding & Fabrication

with Pipeline TechnologyBrody Davis** (Harmony, PA) Shari Hiler* (New Castle, PA)

Daniel Irby (Sharon, PA) Ryan Taylor (Youngstown, OH)Qua’raun Thomas (Farrell, PA) Jacob Titus** (Hermitage, PA)

Specialized Associates Degree:

Accounting & Business

AdministrationJoshua Hanzes

Brianna WlitKeyarra Winfrey

Specialized Associates Degree: Medical Billing &

CodingLaura Baysinger-Miner

Jamie BennettShari Morgan

Melissa RamseyTara StrosniderKathleen LongoPhilip Starchok

Specialized Associates Degree:

Network Administration

& SecurityArmand Ezzi

Mathew SoissonNathan TucolskiSeth Williams

Kristen NicholsKelly Schwegner

Specialized Associates Degree: Respiratory Therapy

Amanda BellChristina Bertovich

Jay BalyneyOrlando CarrJoshua ClarkJohn ClawgesTaylor Grimm

Tiffanie HershbergerEmily Homer

Mark Johnson

Alyssa MillerChristy MyersRachel Ream

Angela WillmingtonKatlyn Yanowsky

Specialized Associates Degree:

Electrical TechnicianSaiquan High

Diploma: Clinical Medial

AssistantDawn RoofnerSieraa McBeth

De-Seana FlowersEmily Kropp

Jordan McCargoLavasia RayKelli Sabitini

Kaylee SoftcheckBrittany Tarr

Diploma: Cosmetology

Geri FikeCaroline RyanSelena SpittalJordan BarnesHattie Hughes

Diploma: EstheticsJulia Keefer

Sydney KosharJenny Sizer

Megan KuglerStacey Pugh

Mercedes BlackwelderCaleigh Eagle

Victoris KarwastskeAbigail GummNatalie Bloss

Diploma: Massage Therapy

JenniLee Craig

Sara FriendAlexis Good

Emily HeniginNatasha TravillianGabrielle Duncan

Marco MoriciRebecca Holderbaum

Amanda Jury

Diploma: Nail TechnicianEmily Gaut

Katie ShearerJenny Sizer

Diploma: Phlebotomy Technician

Christine SmithShanya Williams

Alisa BentonNathan Burkhart

Amy DavisonHaylei Mickey

Tara RippelAngela Slusarczyk

Tasia Villarreal

Diploma: Pharmacy TechnicianThomas Soltis

Diploma: Welding & Fabrication

with Pipeline Technology

Colby KernKyler PisczekJeren Baker

Kenneth BurrsJacob Greco

Isaiah McCragoLydia Pirl

Dean SijtsmaMegan Traxler

Dana White

Director Amy Braymer awarded the following students Specialized Associate Degrees and Diplomas:

Meadville Campus

Laurel Announces Spring and Summer Graduates

The following students were awarded Specialized Associate Degrees and Diplomas:

Uniontown Campus

2 The Insider February 2021

Specialized Associates Degree:

Electrical TechnicianTrevor ChickJohn Craig

Joshua W. DavisJacob HughesAdam Schrout

Benjamin SnyderChristopher Sphar

Diploma: CosmetologyAudrey BowdersShawna BrahamMakenna Cozad

Madisan GainBrittany Hegedis

Anasha LobbMegan McCullough

Jessica Daisy McCuneMorgan PhillipsTennieal Porter

Angela TipiMaya Yobaggy

Diploma: Hair Styling

Makayla StantonMorgan WassickKaylee Weigner

Diploma: Massage Therapy

Gabrielle BurgoyneLinda Byrne

Joseph CouncilAlexis Etchison

Francisco Valenzuela

Diploma: Nail Technician

Sarah Gamble

Laurel’s online program formerly known as Computer Software with Digital Media and Design has had a name update to Digital Media Specialist! The updated program fuses together the interaction design, development, and delivery of rich media content through the internet to desktop computers and

mobile devices. Our newly updated curriculum gives you the tools to develop social and web content that drive today’s small business’ advertising portfolio. Learn media content creation, creating and editing videos, designing promotional ads, and developing strategies for social platforms. Learn the ins and outs of

paid internet advertising, planning and coordination for services like Google Adwords, Bing and other online search display campaigns as well. As a reimagining of our previous Computer Software with Digital Media and Design program, we are excited to offer this updated curriculum program as one of our online options.

Congratulations to Respiratory Therapy student Haley Poling for receiving the 2020 Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care (PSRC) Student of the Year award. The award is presented to a student who not only demonstrates academic excellence, but commitment and dedication

to the profession, excellence in clinical patient care, and professionalism.  Haley is recognized with other RT students in the state as a 2020 recipient. Way to go, Haley!

Laurel Business Institute Student Wins PSRC Award

Laurel News

Director Sherri Rimel awarded the following students Specialized Associate Degrees and Diplomas:

Morgantown Campus

February 2021 The Insider 3

Laurel Technical Institute - LTI’m Ready

Culinary Arts Student Restaurant – Gigi’s Table Set to Open in The Spring

Laurel Technical Institute Sharon Satellite is pleased to announce the opening of the Culinary Arts student restaurant, Gigi’s Table in March of 2021. The space will be open to serve the public as well as prepare takeout meals for the community. Gigi’s is the finishing line for all our students hard work. Preparing delicious dishes such as healthy soups, light

lunches and hearty dinners all while learning about food and beverage operations. The campus greenhouse has been erected, Laurel’s garden is prepped and planned for spring plant and microgreens and mushrooms are growing…all at 200 Sterling. We really look forward to making you a delicious meal to showcase our student’s hard work!

Laurel Technical Institutes Respiratory Therapy students and graduates are not only Healthcare Heroes who serve on the front lines of the COVID crisis in our region’s hospitals, but they are also heroes in their community. LTI`s Respiratory Therapy program has been presented with the 2020 Community Service Award from PAPSA. Mary Mittwede, Director of Allied Health & Respiratory Therapy Program Director says, “The Shamrock n Run 5K/10K race was started 7 years ago when Laurel Technical Institute wanted to find a way to give back to their students & community, because in times like this what better way to

help than to serve others”. LTI partners with Primary Health Charitable Foundation to put on the event. Proceeds from this event help to fund healthcare scholarships and to support the charitable mission of the PHNCF. This event benefits the community by helping to ensure that our most vulnerable will be able to get the healthcare they need through raising funds for programs offered at primary health networks such as “provide a ride” and “caring for our neighbors”. The event was a hit from the beginning and has been growing ever since with a total of 250 runners this year!

Laurel Holds Annual Imagination Library

PAPSA Hall of Fame Award Recipient

Lydia Taylor, New Career Services Supervisor

As the year of COVID rolled on during the Halloween season, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce brought us the first ever Virtual Halloween Parade! The ability to hold an in-person event to bring the community together was almost impossible- so, in an effort to continue to share the fun of Halloween they had to get creative. The virtual Halloween Parade was open to all local businesses, schools and organizations. Everyone was given the opportunity to send in pictures of their costumes as a group or individuals! Our LBI Cosmetology department decided there was no way they could pass it up! They had so much fun applying their Zombie makeup and staging the student salon up in a way everyone could enjoy it! They were featured on air via Fayette County Television and shown over multiple media platforms. Not only did our students, and instructors, have a good time- THEY WON A PRIZE!!!

Laurel is excited to bring our newest program to our Morgantown location, coming this March, we will be starting our A.D.N Nursing program! Laurel’s new 20-month Nursing program will help you build the skills to become a Registered Nursing after successful completion of our program and passing the NCLEX. This program was built to address nursing values, not just from a book, but with hands-on experiential learning. It will teach communication skills, competent

care techniques, technical care, and the highest standard of ethics. Our program, and the students in it, will be held to rigorous expectations for the safety of future patients and the care our students will provide the community. Laurel’s Nursing program has provisional status with ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) at this time, and is currently accredited through Laurel’s educational accreditors ACCSC (Accrediting Commission of Career School

and Colleges). We have adopted Virtual Reality simulation units for in class learning to provide educational and useful scenarios. Along with our simulation labs, students will take courses in Human Growth & Development, Fundamentals of Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and much more! With small class sizes and great faculty, we have high hopes of helping build great healthcare workers for our community and surrounding areas!

Laurel Business Institute held its 9th annual charity golf outing that benefits the Imagination Library of Uniontown! This event was created 9 years ago in memory of Christopher Decker, who helped to establish the program at the Uniontown Library.  The golf outing was held on Friday, July 31st, 2020 at Duck Hollow Golf Course. The golf outing helps to raise funds to provide books to children ages 0 to 5, all proceeds go directly to providing books for children in Fayette County.  Every $30 raised by the outing provides one child 1 book per month for one year. We hosted around 112 golfers who came out to have a fun day of golf, fellowship and to help raise funds for this great cause.  Through several sponsorships from local businesses, a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, a few fun side games and golf registration, we were able to raise $21,616.73, our highest total to date!! In 9 years, the event has raised approximately $112,348.75, which has sponsored 3,744 children in Fayette County to receive books!

Golf Outing

Uniontown Cosmetology Department Participates in Virtual

Uniontown Holds Annual Door Decorating Contest

Each holiday season LBI in Uniontown holds a festive and friendly holiday Door Decorating Contest. Students, staff and faculty get to vote on which door they like the best in a Penny War style! Making pennies positive votes and silver coins’ negative votes. Each participating door must provide a container to collect their change. The winning door get to choose a charity to donate all of the collected money to! This year, our CMAs were the biggest losers. With $46.90 in silver and $16.72 in pennies, totaling $63.62 in total donations, but NETTING -$30.18 when you subtract

the silver from the pennies! Our RT’s came in second, with $12.15 in silver and $10.81 in pennies, NETTING -$1.34. Mrs. Marsh had the only net positive total.  With $5.85 in silver and $9.88 in pennies, her NET was a positive $4.03, which was the winning total according to the rules of the game! From all 5 of the participating doors, we collected over $120, which will be donated to Uniontown City Mission!

LTI’s Respiratory Therapy program has been presented with the PAPSA 2020 Community Service Award

Morgantown Campus Welcomes Our Newest Program

Each year, the PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (PAPSA) presents a Hall of Fame Award to a graduate of a PAPSA member school who has made clearly identifiable and documented contributions to their career field and community. The 2020 award went to LBI graduate John McManus at their annual conference at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa in Farmington, PA.

John enrolled at Laurel Business Institute (LBI) on September 11, 1996, as one of the first three students to enter

the new Computer Management associate degree program, and he quickly distinguished himself by his sense of humor, dedication to his studies, and care for his fellow students. After graduation, he was hired as a computer technician at LBI. During his tenure as a technician, John implemented procedures and processes for file sharing, data security, and resource management—providing the foundation for infrastructure still used on campus today.

From those humble beginnings, Mr. McManus moved to the Washington D.C. area, and in 2008 was hired as

an IT contractor supporting the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Over his tenure with TSA, he was competitively selected as a federal employee and has received multiple awards for team spirit, customer service, and dedication to the TSA mission. Continued education and career advancements into positions of increasing responsibility led him to his current position as TSA’s IT Field Support Branch Manager, managing a team comprised of six federal Regional IT Managers and 90+ Field IT contractors who

support TSA IT operations at nearly 700 locations worldwide.

Our Laurel family congratulates Lydia Taylor on her promotion to Career Services Supervisor! She will have oversight of the career services processes and will be responsible for training the career services administrators at the other

Laurel campuses.Lydia has a bachelor’s degree

in Computer Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is quite technologically savvy. She has really taken the lead on making Laurel’s Career Services processes

more effective and efficient; and moving forward, she will be focused on strengthening Laurel’s relationships with students and local employers.

Laurel Business Institute - LBI’m ReadyImportant information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students can be found at www.laurel.edu/consumer-information

Laurel’s Working SpotlightM

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Laurel Welcomes Online Instructional Designer

Laurel College of Technology Welcomes Director of Nursing

With the newest program coming on board at our Morgantown campus we are also pleased to have Dr. Michelle Borland joining us as the Director of Nursing! Dr. Borland is a resident of Uniontown, PA and has 3 sons. Her husband and sons are all in the medical field as well. She owns and operates a rehabilitation and fitness center where she has taught aerobics and martial arts for 17 years, she also holds a 4th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do! Dr. Borland is also an avid reader, loves exercising, and spending time with her family. She has over 20 years of teaching experience; teaching in high schools, hospitals, and universities. She also has an extensive educational background including a Doctorate

in Nursing Practice, a Master’s degree as Nurse Practitioner, a Master’s degree in Nursing Education, Bachelor degrees in Nursing, Physical Education, and Athletic Training! She has a certification as Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, ACLS & BLS instructor as well as a license as RN in WV and PA, APRN, FNP WV and PA license as Family Nurse Practitioner. She has multiple publications in journals, text, and online editorials. Dr. Boland says “I am very excited to begin this new journey with LCOT/LBI.” We’re excited to have Dr. Michelle Borland leading the way for our new Nursing program!

Dr. Timothy Pardue is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience in education administration and online instruction. His experience includes leading virtual teams as an Associate Dean, a full time faculty and a subject matter expert (SME). Dr. Pardue also has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement and aviation training. Serving as an Associate Dean, Dr. Pardue supervised more than 5 academic chairs and 300 online faculties. In summary, his career has been focused on a multitude of areas including administration, course development, programmatic

accreditation and student success. Dr. Pardue resides outside Charlotte NC, and when he is not working, he enjoys the company of his wife and five children. He has an extensive educational background including, Ed.D., Leadership and Management, St. Thomas University, MBA., North Central University, M.S., Criminal Justice, Central Missouri State University Communication, B.S., Criminal Justice, Georgia State University. We’re excited to have Mr. Pardue join our Laurel family!

11 E. Penn St.Uniontown, PA 15401724-439-4900

Uniontown Announces NISOD Award of Excellence Winners

The NISOD Excellence Awards celebrate faculty, staff and administrators that make a difference on our campuses! This year we recognize four extraordinary people on our campus, including: Electrical Instructor Nathan Doss, CMA Instructor Dawn Sape, Administrative Assistant Michele Ritchey, and Career Services Supervisor Lydia Taylor. Congratulations to you all and thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to your campus!

Each year we recognize people who have made a difference on our campus, not only to our students but to everyone. We recognize four awards for these outstanding employees that go above and beyond: Administrative Employee of the Year, the Twig Award, the Starfish Award, and the Instructor of the year.

UNIONTOWN MEADVILLE HERMITAGE

DAWN SAPE IRENE LEWIS CODY DEJULIA

The 2020 Twig Award Recipients are:

UNIONTOWN MEADVILLE MEADVILLE HERMITAGE MORGANTOWN

NATHAN DOSS DAWN MUNTEAN SUE KELLER PORTIA SHEPHARD CAROL HULTON

The Instructor of the Year Award is designed to recognize an instructor that students feel provide exceptional learning experiences: offering support for student success, exhibiting

outstanding instructional qualities, and focusing on helping students achieve their career goals.

UNIONTOWN MEADVILLE HERMITAGE MORGANTOWN

MICHELE RITCHEY AMY BRAYMER DOUGLAS DECKER CORI COWAN

UNIONTOWN MEADVILLE HERMITAGE

LYDIA TAYLOR MELISSA BLAIR SARAH WRIGHT

Administrative Employee of the Year

The 2020 Starfish Award Recipients are: The Starfish Award is presented to an employee that has made a difference in a student or other employee’s life throughout the year. As the story goes, “One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The

surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…. “I made a difference for that one.”

The 2020 Instructor of the Year Award Recipients are:

The Twig award is given to an employee who goes the “extra mile” to help a student, another employee or LBI.

PRSRT MKTU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPITTSBURGH PAPERMIT #503