College Among Nation's Top Associate-Degree, Certificate Producers

Pennsylvania College of Technology ranked as one of the nation's top producers of associate degrees and certificates in an annual listing compiled by Community College Week, an independent source of in-depth information for and about two-year college faculty, administrators and trustees since 1988.

Penn College ranked as high as second in the nation in rankings for specific areas of study, earning No. 2 rankings in the categories of Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians and Precision Production.

In the category of Natural Resources and Conservation, Penn College ranked fourth in the nation; it was ranked 10th in Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies.

Other categories in which Penn College appeared were Communications, Journalism and Related Programs (18); Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and Related Sciences (23); Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences (35); and All Disciplines Non-Minority (55).

Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour said the rankings help to confirm the college's commitment to education that supports workforce development and introduces many first-generation college students to the opportunities made possible through higher education.

"Two-year degrees and certificates are a foundation upon which men and women can develop strong careers and earn family-sustaining wages. They help maintain a vital economy, providing business and industry with a skilled workforce," Gilmour said.

Penn College expanded its offerings to include four-year, bachelor of science degrees in 1991. As Williamsport Area Community College, prior to becoming an affiliate of Penn State in 1989, the college offered only associate degrees and certificates.

"Our unique, bachelor-degree programs build on a foundation that begins in two-year programs," the president said. "Years three and four give students the opportunity to expand upon two years of comprehensive, hands-on education to develop skills to help them advance into management and supervisory-level positions. They can take their career to another level."

The complete rankings can be found online . The listing is based upon the number of degrees and certificates awarded by two- and four-year colleges during the 2007-08 academic year.

Community College Week's readers include college presidents, chief academic officers, faculty, student-service professionals, librarians and other educators. The publication's news and features include analyses of critical academic trends and issues, vital statistics, technology updates and employment opportunities.

Penn College is a special mission affiliate of Penn State, committed to applied technology education. More information on Penn College programs is available on the Web .