Clarion University has been around for 150 years, but the administration is devising plans so the university can remain viable for many more decades.
Venango College hosted a breakfast Tuesday in the Rhoades Auditorium lounge titled “What will Clarion University’s Venango Campus Look Like in 2046?”
The program outlined the plan for the next 30 years.
University president Karen Whitney and the academic leadership team were at the community breakfast to answer questions.
The discussion centered around initiatives designed to support Venango’s longevity, viability and sustainability, including development of new academic programming and a vision of the Charles R. Suhr Library as a one-stop location for student needs.
“We don’t know what the future will look like, but know there will be jobs and opportunities we haven’t learned about yet,” said Todd Pfannstiel, provost and vice president of student affairs for the university.
“We want to be ready when we do learn about new opportunities,” Pfannstiel added.
The staff at Venango College plans to do that by creating new programs in various areas of study.
Increased partnerships across Pennsylvania and expansion of outreach to assist adult, veteran and online learners were also a focus of the meeting.
Many of these adult learners are displaced workers from plants like Joy and General Electric.
“We are proud to be a host to the federally funded Small Business Development Centers,” Whitney said.
The program will welcome about 60 adult learners from the trade assistance adjustment program.
“We will continue to work closely with organizations for workforce development,” said Roxanne Gonzales, executive dean of Venango College.
The students are helping create the most varied student body Venango College has ever had, Whitney said.
“We have a student body that ranges from age 17 to 70 years old,” Whitney said. “We have to meet the needs of the community and give them what is needed from us.”