Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Visits Penn College

Pennsylvania College of Technology recently welcomed Anna Paulson, president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and several of the bank’s leaders for a campus tour highlighting the college’s hands-on approach to education. The tour was part of Paulson’s efforts to visit communities within the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s district.

Paulson's community visits serve two key purposes. First, they provide a valuable chance for her to connect directly with people across the Third District, which includes Delaware, Southern New Jersey, and eastern and central Pennsylvania. These conversations offer on-the-ground insights into local economic conditions, helping her bring regional perspectives into national discussions on monetary policy. Second, these relationships give the Philadelphia Fed an opportunity to support local economic development – by sharing helpful data and resources, and connecting communities with others facing similar challenges. Together, these efforts help ensure a stronger, more resilient regional economy.

Throughout the visit, the group explored state-of-the-art learning labs, met with faculty and students and learned how Penn College’s industry connections help shape curriculum and prepare graduates for in-demand careers.

The tour began in the Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center, where Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies, provided an overview of Penn College’s automated manufacturing and machining programs and showcased some of the equipment students use in their studies.

Manufacturing engineering technology students Devan Duffield, of Fredericksburg, and Grant Gamber, of Marlborough, Massachusetts, talked to Paulson about their Baja SAE club experiences and discussed the single-seat vehicle the club built for international competition.

The group continued to the Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center for a closer look at Penn College’s welding programs, showcasing the diversity of student learning environments on campus. 

The tour concluded in the Hager Lifelong Education Center, where the visitors learned about Penn College’s Emergency Management & Homeland Security bachelor’s degree.

Brian Walton, interim dean of business, arts and sciences, and William A. Schlosser, instructor of emergency management and homeland security, discussed the program’s connections with employers and regional partners and how those relationships influence curriculum and create meaningful experiences for students. Schlosser also discussed how disaster preparedness and recovery can vary among communities, including the distinct challenges faced by rural and lower-income populations.

The visitors then experienced the program’s Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives system, a 300-degree situational-awareness simulation system that allows students to practice decision-making and communication in realistic scenarios. The system can simulate situations ranging from crisis communication and press conferences to public-safety encounters, with instructors able to alter scenarios based on participants’ decisions. Students Isaak B. Fausey, of Mifflin, and Erin N. Yerger, of Elizabethtown, participated in a demonstration and shared their perspectives on learning through the immersive technology experience.

“Penn College is doing fantastic work giving students the skills they need for in-demand careers,” Paulson said. “I appreciated the opportunity to speak with students about how they are benefitting from the college’s industry partnerships and hands-on learning.  Businesses frequently tell me about the challenges of finding skilled workers, and Penn College’s innovative approach is helping to close that gap.”

Penn College President Michael J. Reed expressed his gratitude for hosting Paulson and her team on campus and for the privilege of showcasing the college’s distinct approach to hands-on education and workforce development.

“The visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the evolving needs of industry and the critical role Penn College plays in preparing a skilled, adaptable workforce,” Reed shared.

To read more about President Paulson’s complete visit to Northcentral Pennsylvania, visit the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s website.