Board OKs audited financial statements, names interim VP, approves mission, vision, values

During the Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors meeting on Dec. 4, the board accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 audited financial statements and authorized a list of banks to serve as depositories of college funds. The board also appointed Kyle A. Smith as interim vice president for college relations and approved the college’s mission, vision and values for 2026-30. The shared governance annual report was presented, and the board authorized the college to enter into a memorandum of understanding and right-of-way easement agreement for Airport Road in Montoursville.

The board approved the 2026-30 Strategic Planning Committee’s recommended mission, vision and values, which were presented by Jennifer McLean, dean of students, and Andrea M. Campbell, assistant dean of curriculum & instruction.  

The approved mission, vision and values are as follows:  

• Mission: Pennsylvania College of Technology’s mission is to inspire and prepare the next generation with industry-focused, real-world experience and innovative spirit.
• Vision: To further our reputation as a national leader in applied technology education by offering an array of industry-aligned learning pathways that inspire innovation, drive impact, and launch meaningful, lifelong careers.
• Values:  
  • Strength Through Respect: We celebrate our differences, foster a culture of belonging and recognize that mutual respect is the foundation of our learning community.
  • Real-World Education: We empower students by providing an education that blends theoretical principles with hands-on applications. We endeavor to stay current with the latest workforce needs, technologies and innovations while also providing our students with the essential skills necessary to make them fully prepared for their future careers.
  • Student-First Culture: We prioritize holistic student success by fostering inclusive learning environments, responsive support systems, and meaningful engagement that empowers every learner to thrive academically, socially and personally. Our focus on students is a fundamental characteristic of our existence.  
  • Business & Industry Collaboration: We collaborate with business and industry to ensure students gain real-world skills, access cutting-edge technologies, and make meaningful connections with employers – driving workforce readiness and economic growth.

The board has a fiduciary responsibility to accept the college’s independent audit on an annual basis. Jon A. Nichols, vice president for finance/CFO, reported on the audit performed by Baker Tilly. The college received an unmodified audit opinion for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025 – the highest level of assurance given in an audit.

The board authorized the college to enter into agreements with 10 banks as depositories of college funds. Approved banks are:  

• C&N Bank (Susquehanna Community Bank is merging into C&N Bank)
• First Citizens Community Bank
• First National Bank
• Fulton Bank
• Northwest Bank (Jersey Shore State Bank merged into Northwest Bank in July 2025)
• Journey Bank
• M&T Bank
• PNC Bank
• Truist Bank
• Woodlands Bank

During the meeting the board approved the appointment of Kyle A. Smith as interim vice president for college relations, effective Jan. 29, 2026. Loni N. Kline, senior vice president for college relations, will be leaving the college on Jan. 28, 2026, to take on a leadership role with Journey Bank. President Michael J. Reed noted Smith has over 14 years of progressive leadership experience, along with a strong business and economics background. Smith currently serves as the senior executive director for college relations, and during his eight-year tenure, the Penn College Foundation has grown from $15.5 million to $36.5 million, and from $750,000 to $2 million in scholarship support.

Smith thanked the board for its support, expressed his gratitude for Kline’s leadership and mentorship, and showed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the next chapter for the College Relations team.

Patrick Marty, chief government and international relations officer, presented information on a Williamsport Regional Airport Authority project, requesting and receiving approval from the board to enter into  a memorandum of understanding and related right-of-way agreement for Airport Road in Montoursville.  The agreements would support a proposed project by the authority that plans to make use of federal funding to open a secondary access to the airport at the southern end of Montour Street.  

The agreements would enable the authority to perform the necessary road construction, and will further ensure the College would be made whole for any parking or property required for development of the secondary access road. They also assign all maintenance responsibilities to the authority, and they protect the College's rights and perpetual access – before, during and after any construction.    

Nicole S. Warner, chair of College Council, provided the board with a 2024-25 governance executive summary. A few highlights included the continued strengthening of collaboration between College Council and college administration, noting monthly meetings with President Reed and increased transparency. She also highlighted successful use of the myVoice tool, a mechanism for students and employees to submit questions, thoughts and concerns for consideration. Revised bylaws were approved by President Reed and College Council, and the council’s online newsletter keeps campus informed of governance activity. The Curriculum Committee has supported numerous program revisions and the addition of new certificates and courses. Warner expressed her pride in the council’s work and impact and looks forward to continuing the group’s progress into next year.

Reed expressed his sincere gratitude for Kline’s contributions to Penn College, highlighting some of the significant impacts she has made, including raising approximately $90 million in support during her tenure, increasing scholarship support by 275% and increasing industry partners to over 4,000. Reed also commended Kline for her leadership and the exceptional team she has built to ensure its continued success and positive momentum.  

Kline shared her gratitude for President Emeritus Davie Jane Gilmour providing her with the opportunity to join Penn College nine years ago. Kline’s greatest point of pride in her career included the team and their collective accomplishments for the good of our students and community. She reinforced her confidence in the appointment of Smith as interim vice president, noting their steadfast partnership throughout the years and emphasizing the importance of his consistency and leadership. She thanked the Board, Reed, President’s Council and team for their support and trust, and shared she will forever be a champion of Penn College.

Reed thanked McLean and Campbell for their efforts in leading the Strategic Planning Committee and process on behalf of the college. He also highlighted his pride in the work the team continues to achieve in support of Penn College students, noting the college’s 98% placement rate and an 11% increase in enrollment over the last three years, among other accomplishments.  

In closing, Reed extended special thanks to state Sen. Gene Yaw; state Rep. Clint Owlett; Mike Stefan, vice president for government and community relations at Penn State; Patrick Marty and others for their diligent support in securing a much-needed increase to Penn College’s state appropriations. The support they provided to ensure Penn College’s story was heard was impeccable, the president said.

Board Chair Yaw extended his congratulations and best wishes to Kline as she departs Penn College. He also thanked the board members for their active participation in board and college activities.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting will take place on Feb. 5, 2026.