Board approves VP of college relations hire; hears presentations on athletics, student success and student advocacy

During the Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors meeting on Feb. 5, President Michael J. Reed recommended and received approval from the Board for the hiring of Kyle A. Smith as Penn College’s vice president for college relations. Reed commended Kyle for his team-focused leadership and attention to mission-critical results that positively impact students. Smith replaces Loni N. Kline, who left the college to assume a leadership role with Journey Bank. Smith was most recently senior executive director of college relations and served in numerous roles of increasing responsibility since he joined the Penn College team in 2017. During his eight-year tenure, the Penn College Foundation increased its assets from $15.5 million to $36.5 million and expanded annual scholarship support from $750,000 to $2 million. Smith thanked the Board and Penn College leadership for their advocacy and support. He commented on the strength of the College Relations team and the college’s corporate partners, and the importance of the work they do in support of deserving students. 

The Board approved the 2026-27 fiscal year meeting dates as follows: 

• Aug. 6, 2026
• Oct. 6, 2026
• Dec. 3, 2026
• Feb. 4, 2027
• Apr. 15, 2027
• Jun. 17, 2027

During the meeting, Director of Athletics Scott Kennel provided an update on athletic programming. Kennel kicked off his presentation by introducing two student-athletes. Megan M. Kurian, a sophomore dental hygiene student and women’s soccer team member, said she was drawn to Penn College not only because of its strong dental hygiene program, but also the vision Coach Ian Scheller has for the soccer team. Kurian emphasized the role athletics play in building a strong work ethic while fostering teamwork and discipline that prepare students for career success.

Sierra N. Klinger, a sophomore business administration major and women’s soccer player, highlighted the unique hands-on, motivated, hard-working atmosphere at Penn College that is preparing students for the real world. The combination of academics and athletics helps her with time management and prioritizes the importance of working hard for what she enjoys and what she wants to accomplish.  

According to Kennel, the college currently participates in eight men’s and six women’s intercollegiate sports and is host to two club sports. Athletics has seen significant growth in student-athlete participation, augmented by the college’s NCAA full membership in 2017. In just over a decade, student-athlete participation has grown over 90%, from 183 in 2014-15 to 349 in 2025-26. Kennel also shared impressive classroom statistics regarding student-athletes, including the student-athlete average GPA of 3.2-3.3. Penn College now has eight full-time coaches, as well as numerous part-time coaches, all of whom are identifying and recruiting strong student-athletes to the college.

Community service is an essential component of athletics programming. During the 2024-25 academic year alone, athletics participants dedicated 2,701 hours to community service and raised $19,071 for nonprofits, creating a positive impact on our local community.

Kennel also highlighted impressive competitive wins and expressed the pride he has in the college’s students, teams and coaches. Penn College boasts 12 conference team champions, one NCAA All-American, and 10 coach of the year recognitions, to name a few. 

Athletics has also been fortunate to receive support in upgrading and adding athletic facilities, including the Klingerman Family Athletics Suite, UPMC Field, Lewis H. Bardo Gymnasium, and the wrestling room, film room and weight room. Kennel thanked the General Services team for its exceptional work and support in facilities upgrades and ongoing maintenance.

Reed commended Kennel and the Athletics team, highlighting their impressive 90% retention rate of student-athletes, showcasing the important role that athletics play in student success. He also complimented Kennel on his leadership and the growth that he has led in athletics programming at the college.

Anthony Pace, vice president for enrollment and student success, kicked off a presentation regarding the Michael J. Hudock Sr. Center for Academic Excellence. The center was established almost three years ago, and during that time the team has added more robust services to provide comprehensive student support. Pace selected student success and student advocacy efforts to highlight during the board meeting.

Pace introduced Kathleen McNaul, director of student success, who discussed the focus on case management, academic skill-building and intrusive advising. She highlighted student advocacy programs such as referrals, basic needs, education and prevention. McNaul shared multiple examples of success, including developmental math. In this program, the Hudock Center collaborates with the math department to support student needs in areas such as outreach, study skills and tutoring. During the second year of the program, Penn College saw an increase in Pre-Algebra student pass rates, from 63% to 76%. 

McNaul also discussed academic skill-building examples, including a summer advantage program that enables students to take three summer courses at a 50% discount, make connections on campus and access first year experience opportunities. Through that effort, the team has seen an 82% retention rate for the year. McNaul also discussed the early alert process, which enables the Penn College team to address and reach out to students who may need support. The team has seen a 94.3% increase in the utilization of the early alert process from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025. 

Tanya Berfield, director of student advocacy and Title IX coordinator, discussed student advocacy. She and her team also utilize the early alert process for non-academic challenges to assist students in areas such as mental health, physical health, Disability and Access Resources and essential needs referrals. Berfield shared that three of six staff members have completed life coaching certifications, thus increasing their ability to support the needs of students. She also shared that Poppy, director of good vibes and Hudock Center facility dog, helps to bring comfort and reduce stress for students and faculty.

Berfield also highlighted the Major General Fred F. Marty Veterans and Military Resource Center. Penn College currently has 266 veteran students. Through the support of this center, the college has seen an increase in retention from 69% to 83%, and an increase in resource center visits from 24 to 180 a month. 

In closing, Pace shared that through the college’s campuswide retention initiatives, combined with all other efforts of the campus community, Penn College has seen an increase in the retention rate for first- to second-year bachelor’s degree students from 76% in 2023-24 to 81% in 2024-25. Additionally, the college has experienced an increased retention rate of first- to second-year associate degree students from 73% to 76% during the same timeframe.  Retention of current students is equally important to recruitment of new students, and Penn College is committed to continuing its focus on retention efforts.

Reed commended Pace and his team for continually rethinking the admissions process for funnel development, as well as the priority given for student retention and how the college can provide the best service for students.  

Reed honored the life of Quinn Dowdell, a student in the diesel power generation program, who recently passed away in an automobile accident. Reed thanked the counseling and support teams for the assistance provided to students navigating this loss and recognized students’ commitment to supporting Dowdell’s family.

Reed also provided additional college updates:

• Reed thanked the General Services team for its efforts in campus cleanup during the recent snowstorm, with some teams working 35 straight hours and adapting to make sure students had what they needed on campus. He also shared that nearly 400 tractor trailer loads of snow had to be removed from campus.
• Spring Career Fair is coming up on March 3 and is sold out. Career Services is working with companies on the waitlist to identify opportunities to connect with Penn College graduates through other unique and effective recruiting events. 
• Both enrollment applications and deposits for Fall 2026 are up, with applications up 9% from last year at this time and deposits up 16%. 
• Thirteen concrete science technology students, along with three faculty members, an assistant dean and two alumni, recently attended the World of Concrete international trade show in Las Vegas.  The World of Concrete and industry partners covered the cost of students to attend the convention and also provided Penn College with a trade show booth space. Over 1,500 companies were in attendance, and this event provided tremendous learning and networking opportunities for students.
• Penn College graphic design students have been working with the City of Williamsport to help promote the amazing area. Following comprehensive in-lab/class efforts, an idea pitch event was recently held for local leaders, providing a series of branding ideas to better promote the region.  
• The Penn College Habitat for Humanity house is getting closer to completion.
• Emergency management & homeland security students and faculty recently returned from an incredible hands-on experiential learning experience in New York City, showcasing the college’s strong industry connections.  

In closing, Board Chair and state Sen. Gene Yaw highlighted the wrestling match hosted at Journey Bank Community Arts Center last weekend. It was a unique location to have a wrestling match. Although Penn College lost to York College by three points, it was a great event, and he was proud to see many students in attendance.

The next regularly scheduled meeting for the Penn College Board of Directors will take place on Apr. 16.