Thursday, May 14, 2026
photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor
Pennsylvania College of Technology presented faculty and staff with a variety of awards and recognized employees who have achieved noteworthy milestones during the 2025-26 academic year.
President Michael J. Reed celebrated the honorees during a May 14 all-college meeting in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium.
Distinguished Teaching Awards are presented to full-time faculty at Penn College who have been nominated by their students and colleagues for excellence in instructional performance. Including this year’s honorees, there have been 135 recipients since the program began in 1982: 36 Master Teacher Awards and 99 Excellence in Teaching Awards.
At Pennsylvania College of Technology’s all-college meeting closing out the 2025-26 academic year, President Michael J. Reed (far left) presents the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award, the college’s highest faculty honor, to Arthur L. Counterman (second from left), instructor of electrical technology/occupations; and Excellence in Teaching Awards to LeAnn M. Henry (second from right), assistant professor of mathematics, and Cody W. Wolfe, instructor of welding.
Master Teacher Award
Arthur L. Counterman, instructor of electrical technology/occupations, was presented with the Veronica M. Muzic Master Teacher Award, the highest honor accorded to a faculty member at the college.
Counterman joined the Penn College faculty in 2010 and holds three degrees from the institution: associate degrees in electrical occupations and electrical technology and a bachelor’s degree in building automation technology. He also holds a Master of Science in education from Wilkes University.
His nominating documentation noted that Counterman is a deeply respected educator, mentor and program builder whose efforts go beyond the classroom.
A student nominator wrote: “Mr. Counterman has such a unique way of teaching that it makes you want to soak up as much information as you can, and it was nearly impossible to leave his room without understanding a concept.”
Excellence in Teaching Awards
LeAnn M. Henry, assistant professor of mathematics, and Cody W. Wolfe, instructor of welding, received Excellence in Teaching Awards.
Henry joined the Penn College faculty in 2005 and is lead faculty member for the college’s federal Title III Strengthening Institutions Program Grant. She holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction certificate from Bloomsburg University, and a Master of Science in mathematics from Wilkes University.
Her nominators credited her ability to improve student confidence and achievement through clarity, compassion and dedication and praised her for making even the most challenging material accessible and engaging.
A student nominator wrote: “She took someone who had absolutely zero number sense and severe, ingrained anxiety about math and made me not only confident about being able to learn math, but also confident that I could succeed in it, as well.”
Wolfe, who holds a Penn College associate degree in welding technology and bachelor’s degree in welding & fabrication engineering technology, joined the faculty in 2019.
He was noted for his commitment to student success and his ability to create an engaging learning environment where students feel motivated to grow, both academically and personally.
A student nominator wrote: “Cody's class made me realize why I love welding. … He created an environment that students want to go to every day. … He's not only a kind and thoughtful person, but he's also an amazing teacher.”
Distinguished Staff Awards were presented in the college’s Administrative, Professional and Technical classification and Service classification.
This year’s honorees were Kaysey L. Beury, assistant director of student success (APT); Gary R. Brungard, horticulturalist (Service); and Missy J. Fullmer, senior program specialist for Penn College Workforce Development (APT).
President Reed (far left) celebrates Distinguished Staff Award recipients (from left) Missy J. Fullmer, senior program specialist for Penn College Workforce Development; Kaysey L. Beury, assistant director of student success; and Gary R. Brungard, horticulturalist. \
Beury’s nominators credited her with transforming Penn College’s programming for first-generation college students and having the vision and persistence to establish an Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society chapter at the college.
“Simply put, Kaysey is a ‘get things done’ kind of person,” a nominator wrote. “Her passion for and commitment to student success, her ability to collaborate with the college community and her team player willingness to help are impressive qualities that make her stand out.”
Brungard’s nominators said his opinion is highly valued and that he constantly troubleshoots problems.
“He is early to work in all circumstances, especially bad weather, to make sure campus is ready to be open and safe for travel,” a nominator wrote. “He volunteers for open houses without hesitation and makes himself available to help everyone on our team if need be.”
“I can always count on him, and so can many others,” another nominator wrote.
Of Fullmer, a nominator wrote: “Missy consistently delivers exceptional results in managing the logistics of the Lycoming Engines Service School, a complex, high‑stakes program that brings more than 200 participants annually from across the globe.”
Another nominator wrote: “Without Missy’s dedicated attention to detail and her always wonderful outlook, the service school would be much more challenging.”
Two offices received the President’s Award for Assessment, recognizing process reviews and actions resulting in successful outcomes in student learning, improved services and operational effectiveness.
Reed presents the President’s Award for Assessment to members of the college’s First Year Experience team: Andrea M. Campbell, assistant dean of curriculum and instruction, and Chet Beaver, assistant director of student advocacy for veteran and military resources.
The First Year Experience team received the award for leading a multi-year redesign and assessment initiative to strengthen the college’s First Year Experience class. The team implemented a common assessment across more than 60 sections of the class and used the results to make targeted improvements to the coursework, resulting in attainment of all required student outcomes.
Reed (left) presents the President’s Award for Assessment to employees of the Michael J. Hudock Sr. Center for Academic Excellence: Kathleen V. McNaul, director of student success, and Daniel J. Clasby, assistant dean of engineering technologies: assessment & accreditation.
The Michael J. Hudock Sr. Center for Academic Excellence received the award for designing and assessing an “intrusive advising” model to support reenrolled, reinstated and probation students through early intervention, structured advising and strong advising relationships. Student success rates increased from 54% before the program was implemented to 75%. Participants showed higher GPAs, higher course completion and increased engagement with advising and support services.
Michelle M. Budnovitch, associate professor of business administration, Dave R. Cotner, assistant professor of welding, and Ann E. Morrison, instructor of nursing, were the Excellence in Academic Advising Award honorees.
Reed (left) presents Excellence in Academic Advising Awards to Michelle M. Budnovitch (second from left), associate professor of business administration, Dave R. Cotner, assistant professor of welding, and Ann E. Morrison, instructor of nursing.
Of Budnovitch, a student nominator wrote: “She has been a great guide not just in scheduling, but with every single question I ask. I feel like my college career is truly in her best interest as she treats me so kindly, like I have known her forever. Always kind, hardworking, supportive, willing to help and getting things done.”
According to Cotner’s student nominator: “Dave is a wonderful leader, is disciplined and takes pride in his job and skills as a welder, but what sets him apart from many is his ability to truly care. He empathizes and puts in the work for anyone that respectfully asks it. … He has shown me how to work hard, be humble, and has made me into a much better person since I got to Penn College.”
Morrison’s nominator wrote that the instructor provides reassurance while helping students design successful college and career paths: “As a transfer student moving from Florida to Pennsylvania, the transition was intimidating, especially being so far away. … Mrs. Morrison goes above and beyond to make sure every student, including me, feels supported, safe and understood.”
The college presented its first Excellence in Mentoring Awards, given for outstanding mentorship to new faculty members, to Christopher J. Holley, associate professor of automotive, and Sarah S. Moore, assistant professor of human services.
Reed (left) presents Excellence in Mentoring Awards to Sarah S. Moore, assistant professor of human services, and Christopher J. Holley, associate professor of automotive.
Holley’s nominator wrote: “Chris’ dedication to both automotive and teaching is inspiring. … Frequent check-ins and offering to help prepare for class demonstrate how Chris is a team player.”
Moore’s nominator said: “I felt heard in every conversation, and she constantly checked in to make sure I was thriving, not just surviving. … I am tremendously grateful to call her my mentor, colleague and friend.”
Quarter Century Club inductees, celebrated for 25 years of service, were: Thomas E. Ask, professor of industrial design; Lois E. Bennett, custodian; Tammy S. Clossen, associate professor of dental hygiene; Michael S. DiPalma, counselor; Jim W. Green, associate director of financial aid; Matthew C. Jodun, police officer lead person; Chad L. Karstetter, horticulturalist/grounds and motorpool manager; Roxy J. Klinger, manager of employee recruitment; Susan Koons Slamka, associate professor of psychology; Michael J. Nau, instructor of welding; Paula Neal, coordinator of instructional design and development; Walter J. Shultz, director of educational and emerging technologies; and Tammy L. Ulmer, custodian at the Earth Science Center.
The newest members of the Quarter Century Club gather with the college president. The club honors 25 consecutive years of service.
Employees reaching 30 years of service were Michael P. Covone, associate professor of applied health studies; Tina M. Miller, director of operations in Strategic Marketing & Communications; Robert I. Mitchell, associate professor of mathematics; and Tuna Saka, associate professor of architecture. Honored for reaching 35 years of college service was Tom Speicher, writer/video producer.
Reed (far right) poses with college employees reaching 30 and 35 consecutive years of service.
The college bid farewell to 19 employees retiring in 2025-26 with 347 years of experience among them: Barbara A. Adzema, residence life assistant; Lois E. Bennett, custodian; Ross Berger, grant manager in Workforce Development; Gina L. Bross, instructor of nursing; Michelle M. Cowher, childcare assistant teacher; Brian A. Flynn, assistant professor of graphic design; Arthur T. Grogaard, custodian; Cindy M. Jordan, dining services baker; Edward C. Klopp, mail services/shipping and receiving worker; Johnny Marnell, HVAC energy efficiency trainer; Bradley M. Martin, instructor of construction management; Steven J. Moff, professor of business administration: management and marketing; Jeri L. Moser, office assistant to the School of Engineering Technologies; Barbie A. Myers, horticulturalist; Cheryl A. Rice, mail services assistant; Myra K. Shaffer, college relations and foundation assistant; Susan L. Shuman, accounts receivable assistant; Timothy S. Turnbach, instructor of welding; and Kathy L. Wentzler, training specialist in Workforce Development.
Retirees in attendance at a breakfast celebrating their service pause with the college president.
Eleven faculty members earned promotion in academic rank in advance of the 2026-27 academic year. They are, from instructor to assistant professor: Lisa M. Dostick, clinical supervisor of radiography; Brandon L. Group, construction management; Gerald G. Kaplan, ceramics; Elizabeth A. Legarski, nursing; William A. Schlosser, emergency management and homeland security; Tiffany D. Schwanger, mathematics; Allen R. Smith, clinical director of radiography; Nicholas L. Stephenson, graphic design; and Joanna Yoder, photography. From assistant professor to associate professor: LeAnn M. Henry, mathematics; and Victoria Hurwitz, director of physical therapist assistant.
Faculty who have earned promotion in academic rank in advance of the 2026-27 academic year join Reed for a photo op.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
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