Ten employees earn Blue Belts in Innovation Engineering

Published 05.07.2024

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Ten Penn College employees have earned Blue Belts in Innovation Engineering, following completion of a 15-week Innovation Leadership Series. They are the third Penn College group to complete the training. Nine are shown here with their training facilitator (from left): Fletcher W. Farr, facilitator Chip D. Baumgardner, Kimberly S. Cordrey, Rantz R. Mahaffey, Shelley L. Moore, Howard L. Yost, Kathleen V. McNaul, Vii J. Rice, Daniel J. Clasby and Nate J. Lavalee. (Sue A. Mahaffey is not pictured but also received a Blue Belt.)

Ten Pennsylvania College of Technology employees have earned Blue Belts in Innovation Engineering, following completion of a 15-week Innovation Leadership Series. The Blue Belt certification is from the Innovation Engineering Institute and is recognized throughout industry.

The employees receiving Innovation Engineering Blue Belts in Spring 2024:

Daniel J. Clasby, assistant dean of academic operations
Kimberly S. Cordrey, aviation center assistant
Fletcher W. Farr, lieutenant college police
Nate J. Lavalee, HVAC/electrical/plumbing maintenance mechanic 
Rantz R. Mahaffey, external records evaluator
Sue A. Mahaffey, manager of special projects and planning: enrollment and academic operations
Kathleen V. McNaul, director of student success
Shelley L. Moore, senior director of the Center for Career Design
Vii J. Rice, instructor of plastics technology
Howard L. Yost, shipping/receiving worker

In addition to awarding the employees their certifications at a closing ceremony, Chip D. Baumgardner, associate professor of business administration and management, was honored for his work in leading the three innovation sessions. He received a plaque and small gift of appreciation. 

“Chip generously volunteered to lead the Innovation Leadership Series, facilitating three iterations so far, resulting in approximately 60 employees achieving their Blue Belts in Innovation Engineering,” noted Heather M. Shuey, senior director of employee success.

The Innovation Engineering Institute, part of Eureka! Ranch, awards a Blue Belt and Black Belt in Innovation Engineering. In addition to the Innovation Leadership Series for employees, Penn College offers a three-course competency credential in innovation leadership that can lead to a Black Belt in Innovation Engineering. 

Chip D. Baumgardner, associate professor of business administration and management, was honored for his work in leading the college's three innovation trainings. Joanna K. Flynn, vice president for academic affairs and provost, presented Baumgardner with a plaque and small gift of appreciation.