It’s been a big summer for Pitt–Bradford. A new president took over in June (see related story), the school was honored in three separate college ranking publications and was awarded two grants to further its programming and facilities.
$1 million from the state
The University has received $1 million in state funding that it will use for an academic building to house its new and growing engineering and information technology programs. The funding was announced in early August by state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, and state Sen. Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway.
The funding supplements $2 million in state money released last year, and the lawmakers say they will work to obtain more to assist with the $22 million project cost, most of which will be funded by the university.
The proposed new building will house engineering labs, engineering shops, computer labs [including a Virtual Reality lab and a Systems, Networks and Projects (SNAP) lab], the campus IT hub, classrooms and related offices.
“These new and enhanced programs will provide many benefits. Our students will have additional and enhanced educational opportunities, and students from the region interested in studying these programs will be able to remain in the area,” said Pitt–Bradford President Catherine Koverola in a news release.
‘Best Bang for the Buck’
Washington Monthly magazine has ranked the Pitt–Bradford 48th in the nation among baccalaureate colleges and among the top 100 in the Northeast as a “Best Bang for the Buck.”
This is the fourth year in a row that the magazine — a Washington, D.C.-based publication looks at how colleges help the public interest through promoting social mobility, research and service — recognized Pitt-Bradford in its annual College Guide and Rankings designed to rate schools on their “contribution to the public good.”
PLCB grant
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board awarded a $18,902 grant to Pitt–Bradford to provide alcohol-free activities and educational programs.
The grant is part of the PLCB’s 2019-20 Alcohol Education Grant Program, which gave money to 44 institutions throughout the state.
At Pitt–Bradford, the money will be used to survey students about attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol use. Student peer educators will use the data to identify areas of concern for programming initiatives. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Inc. of Bradford has agreed to provide training to the peer educators.
“We’re committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students, and this grant will go a long way in educating students about alcohol and in reducing underage and dangerous alcohol consumption,” Scott Kane, vice president and dean of student affairs, said in a news release.
College of Distinction
The recognition from the Colleges of Distinction website and e-guidebook is for institutions that demonstrate results across four areas — engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes. High school counselors and educators nominate schools.
Colleges of Distinction highlighted Pitt-Bradford’s real-world learning opportunities for students, such as monitoring the health of streams in the Allegheny National Forest and the Crime Scene Investigation House used by criminal justice and forensics majors.
This is the fifth consecutive year Pitt–Bradford has received the honor. It is one of eight public institutions and one of only 35 public and private institutions in Pennsylvania that was recognized. There are 164 colleges and universities in the state. Additionally, Pitt-Bradford received program-specific recognitions in education, nursing and business.
Best in the Northeast
For the 16th consecutive year, Pitt-Bradford has been listed by the Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the Northeast.
“This recognition from The Princeton Review is based in large measure on Pitt-Bradford's diverse, inclusive and welcoming community,” Koverola said in a news release. “Our students' diverse cultures and experiences contribute to our comfortable, close-knit and caring environment.”
Pitt–Bradford is one of 224 northeastern colleges on the Princeton Review’s “2020 Best Colleges: Region by Region” released earlier this month. Ratings are based on an 84-question survey taken by students about their school's academics, administration, campus community and themselves. The Oakland and Johnstown campuses also are on the list.
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