Legacy Gala

Celebrating Davie Jane Gilmour, Ph.D.

Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour served as President of Pennsylvania College of Technology from 1998 to 2022, guiding the institution through a period of robust growth and dynamic innovation while overseeing its development into a national leader in applied technology education.

Academic Impact

During her tenure, Penn College, a special mission affiliate of The Pennsylvania State University, has substantially increased its baccalaureate degree offerings and established its first graduate-level program (a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies), with a Master of Science in Nursing launching in Fall 2021. The College is a recognized leader in apprenticeship development through its Workforce Development department, co-administering an $8 million federal grant program to create industry-driven strategies for apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing fields and serving more than 3,200 apprentices in the process.

Industry Impact

The College’s partnerships and support from business and industry have grown exponentially during Dr. Gilmour’s time as president, as have the number of employers (including many Fortune 500 companies) visiting campus to recruit students at Career Fairs and other events. Penn College’s “tomorrow maker” graduates address critical skills-gap shortages in a diverse range of career fields led by manufacturing, health care, plastics and polymers, and transportation.

College Expansion

Dr. Gilmour has directed a significant expansion of main campus through construction of a new main entrance, a Student & Administrative Services Center, the Madigan Library, College Avenue Labs, the Center for Business & Workforce Development, the Construction Masonry Building, Rose Street Commons student housing complex, the Field House, UPMC Field, and an expansion of the Welding Lab within the Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center. She has also overseen extensive renovations to a number of campus facilities including Klump Academic Center, the Hager Lifelong Education Center, the Thompson Professional Development Center, Le Jeune Chef Restaurant, Larry A. Ward Machining Technology Center and Bardo Gymnasium. Penn College at Wellsboro, a recently renovated and retrofitted facility donated by UPMC Susquehanna, is serving vital workforce education needs in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier.

Development

Under Dr. Gilmour’s leadership, and sparked by her advocacy efforts with elected officials and the state Legislature, Penn College’s appropriation funding has risen to nearly $27 million. The College’s own fundraising efforts logged record growth in 2018-19, and student scholarship assistance, administered through the Penn College Foundation, also grew to the highest level in the institution’s history.

Career and Education

Dr. Gilmour joined the College in 1977 as an instructor and curriculum developer in the Dental Hygiene Program. In 1983, she was appointed to the first of many administrative positions including Coordinator of Dental Hygiene, Division Director for Health Sciences, and Dean of Instruction. In 1993, she became the College's highest-ranking academic officer, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and in 1996, she assumed the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. On May 4, 1998, Dr. Gilmour became President of Pennsylvania College of Technology.

She holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in health education from The Pennsylvania State University, and she earned a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene education and an associate degree in dental hygiene from West Liberty State College. Prior to her career in education, she worked as a dental hygienist for several Harrisburg-area dentists.

Personal Life

Dr. Gilmour is married to Frederick T. Gilmour, a professional artist and a retired Penn College employee and alumnus.

Community Affiliations & Professional Activities

Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Chair
Little League International, Director and Past Chair
UPMC in North Central Pa., Vice Chair
First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, Director and Governance Committee Chair
Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, Past Chair (two terms), Executive Committee, Economic Community & Growth Corporation Chair, Emerson Project
Journey Bank Community Arts Center, President
Penn College Foundation, President
United East Conference Presidents Council, Member and Past Chair
NCAA Division III Presidents Council, Member
UPMC System-wide Quality & Safety Committee, Member

Awards & Recognition

Wall of Honor, West Liberty University, 2021
President’s Award, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, 2016
Commander’s Award for Public Service, U.S. Department of the Army, 2013
Volunteer of the Year, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, 2012
East Pennsboro Panther Alumni Hall of Fame, inaugural member, 2009
Lycoming County Brotherhood Citation, 2002
Celebration of Life Award, State of Israel Bonds, 2002
Wise Woman of the Year Award, Williamsport YWCA, 1999