Health & Wellness Corner: Spring ‘Lunch & Learn’ Recap

by Grace Spena, Director of Health & Wellness Initiatives

During Spring 2013, several Employee Lunch & Learn sessions were hosted by Health & Wellness in collaboration with several local healthcare providers.

A very interesting and informative presentation on “No Excuses…Mammograms Matter!” was presented by Margaret Colarossi, Marketing Representative from the Jefferson Outpatient Imaging Center located at 202 and Germantown Pike. The presentation highlighted the latest advances in digital mammography with increased accuracy and more reliable results.  It was noted that breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women and that mammpography is the only screening method consistently proven to reduce breast cancer deaths. For more information about this and other imaging services available at the Jefferson Outpatient Imaging Center, please call 610-277-3202.

A three-part health series, focusing on the topics of “Move Better, Eat Better and Think Better,”  was presented by Dr. Michael Brady, owner of Bucks County Wellness Centre. Participants also learned about the Center’s “8 Weeks to Wellness” – a comprehensive wellness program aimed at optimizing what you think about, how you eat and supplment, and how you exercise and care for your body through a specific 8-week program. The program focuses on health not sickness and encompasses many of the fundamental wellness therapies including: total health & fitness assessment, complete blood workup, body composition analysis, wellness education, weekly body massage, personalized diet program, wellness education, personal training sessions and meditation instruction. For more information call 214-345-1445 or go to website at BucksCountyWellnessCentre.com.

Susan Silberstein, PhD, Founder and Director of the  Center for Advancement in Cancer Education, spoke about the “Four Nutrition Secrets that Could Help Save Your Life.“ Dr. Silberstein highlighted the four key principles of healthy eating for optimal weight and energy and for protection against killer diseases like cancer, heart disease and stroke. A video of her presentation is available by logging in to the College’s portal.

Very powerful presentations on the topic of “Anxiety, Depression & Stress – Doing More for Yourself than Just Surviving” were given by Francesca Pileggi, from Minding Your Mind Foundation. Ms. Pileggi talked of her own personal struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide, the loss of very close cousin to suicide, her family’s response, and what she had done to deal with her situation and how she has use it to grow, learn and help others. For more information about the Minding Your Mind Foundation visit mindingyourmind.org.

During the presentations on “Diet and Diabetes – Recipes for Success!” by Sheryl Wolff, Food for Life Certified Instructor, employees were treated to samples of a freshly prepared fruit and kale smoothie mix and servings of a warm bean/corn/salsa mix.  Ms. Wolff noted that she was trained by the Physicians Committee for Resonsible Medicine in Washington, D.C. to educate the public on how a plant based diet can prevent cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic diseases. She commented that the goal of the “Food for Life: Diabetes Initiative” program is to empower people who have diabetes and those concerned about developing diabetes, along with their friends and family members with new information and skills. For more information visit  pcrm.org/health.

“Ergonomics in the Workplace and in the Home – So Many Gadgets, So Many Aches!” was presented at the Blue Bell Campus by Dr. Mark Legnola from Community Chiropractic Center of Blue Bell and Grace Spena, Director of Health & Wellness Initiatives at Pottstown Campus. Both presenters described what ergonomics is all about and why it is important to understand the types of repetitive stress injuries that could occur from use of so many electronic devices and the preventive actions users can take to maximize productivity by minimizing operator fatigue and discomfort. For more information, Dr. Legnola’s powerpoint is available by logging in to the faculty and staff portal.

Over 200 employees and 37 students, representing both campuses and all areas of the College, took advantage of attending these free sessions. More lunch and learn sessions are being planned for 2013-14. Employees are encouraged to periodically check the Faculty/Staff Portal for future announcements.

For more information, contact Grace Spena at gspena@mc3.edu.

Integrated Enrollment Services Earns College’s ‘Innovation of the Year’ Award

by Diane VanDyke

Each year, Montgomery County Community College recognizes one outstanding program or project for its Innovation of the Year award. The projects are evaluated against criteria established by the League for Innovation in the Community College—an international organization committed to improving community colleges through innovation. Award criteria include quality, efficiency, cost effectiveness, replication, creativity and timeliness. 

The College’s 2013 Innovation of the Year was awarded to Integrated Enrollment Services (IES) for its overall contribution to improving student access and success.

Launched in August 2011, IES provides an efficient, high-quality service experience for both students and staff. The new department combines the functions of several areas—Admissions, Registration and Financial Aid/Payment, as well as the procurement of photo identification cards and parking stickers—into one convenient, streamlined system. Enrollment services assistants are cross-trained to provide a one-stop experience for students who are enrolling at the College. Specialists also are available for additional assistance with complex situations.

Features of the IES center include a line management system with clear visual and auditory queuing; overhead displays for specific functions during peak processing; front-facing monitors to allow students to view online tools and resources; and display monitors that relay pertinent information to students waiting in line.

Award recipients include Executive Director of Enrollment Services Cindy Haney; Assistant Controller of Student Services and Financial Reporting Kelly Sharkey; Director of Student Assistance Centers Barbara LeFevre; Enrollment Services Assistant Joshua Whitworth; Executive Director of Technical Services Joe Mancini; Associate Director of Financial Aid Douglas Vore; Assistant Director of Admissions Events/Special Admission Programs Carolyn White; Director of College Services George Shal; Director of Records and Registration Registrar Cynthia McCabe; Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at West Campus Kathleen Emery; Senior Network Engineer Gregg Heimer; Student Accounting and Enrollment Services Supervisor at West Campus Nina Geisler; Multimedia Specialist Frank Leib; and Part-Time Information Technology Assistant Andrew Rosner.

Other projects nominated for the College’s 2013 Innovation of the Year at the College included: STEM Forge-Based, Open-Source Drone Project; the Mustang’s Academic Suite; the Student Support and Referral Team; Nursing Program Reaccreditation via SharePoint; West Campus Public Safety Segway Initiative; and Revised Student Activity Fee Allocation Process.

As recipient of the College’s award, Integrated Enrollment Services was forwarded to the League for Innovation in the Community College for national recognition in a program that is designed to showcase innovation at America’s community colleges.

Innovation of the Year award recipients with President Dr. Karen A. Stout and Board of Trustees Chairman Michael D’Aniello and Vice Chairman Andrew Cantor. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

‘The Female Entrepreneur’ Talks Business on Weekly Radio Show

by Diane VanDyke

Kimberle Levin in the Montco Radio studio. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Serial entrepreneur Kimberle Levin thrives on the chaos of starting new businesses. With 10 companies under her belt, she has real-life knowledge to share.

Levin, who teaches Montgomery County Community College’s award-winning “Starting a Woman-Owned Business” program, has expanded her audience as host of a new show she created on Montco Radio, the College’s student-run Internet radio station.

“The Female Entrepreneur,” which airs on Mondays from 10-11 a.m. ET, offers straight-up advice to women hoping to launch or grow their own businesses. Tune in live at http://www.mc3.edu by clicking on the green microphone in the lower right corner of the page.

“Every week, I chat with women who have started companies, sold them or shut them down. We talk about the entire journey of  the good, the bad and the very ugly!” exclaims Levin, 49, who has a guest bookings lined up 120 days in advance. Listeners are encouraged to tweet questions during the show @KimberleLevin.

On Monday, April 29, Levin will be hosting Sandra Yancey, the CEO and founder of eWomenNetwork, one of the top online resources for connecting and promoting women and their businesses in North America. Listen live

Yancey is an award-winning entrepreneur and international business owner, as well as an ABC radio show host, author, movie producer, speaker and philanthropists. She dedicates her time to helping women achieve their goals. Additionally, she is the co-founder of MyGlow.net, an international social network for women.

“Sandra and I connected through Twitter when the show first began and then through LinkedIn.” Levin stated.  “Initially, we were going to schedule an audio interview since Sandra lives in Texas however, she was going to be on the east coast for her North American roadshow tour, so I thought it would be great to invite her to the studio. We’re thrilled she could fit time in her schedule to come to the show.” Levin added.

While some of Levin’s guests come from farther afield, others are closer to home, including MCCC students who have started their own businesses.

“It’s a terrific marketing opportunity for these female entrepreneurs,” says the Pennsauken, N.J. native.

Despite changes in U.S. society, she comments, women still have a very different journey from men when they decide to go into business. Almost all women are engaged in multitasking in their everyday lives. Starting a business adds complexity that is sometimes difficult to handle since it interrupts the family routine.

“Starting a business is not easy or everyone would be doing it,” Levin says of starting a company. “But men, if they have a support system at home — it can be easier for them. The balance of roles is different.”  Women have dreams, too.” she adds.

In her MCCC class, she finds that women often have multiple ideas for businesses that they need to winnow down to a single solid one. They also should examine whether their idea passes Levin’s test of “will the dogs eat it?”

“If the dogs are willing to eat it, what are they willing to pay for it? If they’re willing to pay for it, will they come back for more? If they come back for more, will they tell all their friends about it?  This is a simple test of can an idea become a business,” she adds.

In mulling this, some would-be entrepreneurs may find that launching one’s own company is “just not for them,” as Levin says.

Fortunately, though, that did not hold true for her. A former secretary, over the past 25 years, Levin has founded several companies, and is identified in the business world as “a serial entrepreneur.”

“I’m not afraid to jump in and launch a new venture. In my mind, it’s going to work,” she says, adding that if she can visualize a business, she can make a company out of it. Of the 10 companies she has started, only two had to be put back on the shelf.

JVC Technologies, Telcom Assistance Center, KizTri3, Teknuko and The Kimberle Levin Companies are just a few of her launchings. Today she consults and mentors entrepreneurs and business leaders across the company.

“When you’ve sat in the chair of an entrepreneur and know what they’re feeling because you’ve been there, the trust between you becomes instant,” Levin states.

Once a kid who wanted to help others by giving away her toys, Levin hopes to aid women in navigating the entrepreneurial life with its highest of highs and lowest of lows.

“I have worked in a man’s world my entire professional career and have wanted to do something for women entrepreneurs to ensure they knew the real deal to become successful,” she says. “My advice is straight-up — real world.  It’s not that difficult if you put on the uniform and show up to play the game to win.  I’m very open and honest about it.”

VIDEO: Apply to Park in the College’s ‘Green Lot’

Do you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle? Carpool? Drive a vehicle that gets 25 MPG or greater? Ride the Campus Shuttle? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may qualify to park in Montgomery County Community College’s Green Lot. The lot is located by the Advanced Technology Center as the Central Campus. Check out the video to learn more!

Pilot Initiative Promotes ‘Green Office’ Practices

by Robert Gardner

Tier 1, 12 steps

Montgomery County Community College hopes to convert all of its offices into “green-houses.”  Though the changes will not necessarily be visible from the outside, the College intends to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability via the Green Office Initiative.  Six offices have been selected to participate in the pilot program, including MCCC’s Presidents’ Office, Academic Affairs and Information Technology at the Central Campus; Student Leadership & Involvement and the Student Success Center at the West Campus; and CulinArt, the College’s external food vendor.

Executive Assistant to the President Joshua Schwartz and Manager of Procurement Marie Ryan are spearheading the initiative, which focuses on making impactful changes at little or no additional cost. The duo also credits Danielle Siemenski, former executive assistance to the vice president of information technology, for her early role in helping to develop the program.

Tier 2, 10 steps

After researching green office programs at other institutions, including the one at Harvard University, Schwartz presented a four-tier, goal driven system to MCCC’s Climate Council in April 2012.

Each tier in the system is color-coded (shades of green, naturally) and requires certain steps be reached.  As an office accomplishes each tier, one section of that office’s MCCC “house” will turn green. It will take approximately 3-6 months for an office to reach each tier.

“We want the [green] office initiative to be seen as an on-campus leader of sustainability awareness,” Schwartz said.  “It could also be a leader in the community at-large—locally, state-wide, nationally.  This is another way to maintain and push forward the College’s leadership.”

Tier 3, 8 steps

“Our college is challenged in such a way, as are other community colleges, to be cutting-edge educators,” Ryan added.  “Cost-effectiveness plays a big role.  We want to save taxpayers money.”

Paper and printing account for a large part of the potential runaway costs incurred by the College.  As MCCC constantly seeks fresh modes of efficiency—environmental, fiscal, and otherwise—this initiative seeks to bring the College’s offices in line with the efforts of its grounds and facilities departments.  Ryan negotiated with suppliers to secure lower-costs on green office products.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg.  We want to get this going in all areas, from all of our vendors, Ryan said.”

Tier 4, 7 steps

The Committee anticipates that other offices will follow the lead of the pilot six.  The program requires that a minimum of 50% of an office’s staff must sign the registration to participate. Each participating office has a primary contact, or internal office mentor, who reports to the Green Office Committee.  The mentors also serve as a conduit for goals and news from the Climate Council.

As an innovator in the higher ed green movement, the College understands it must lead first from within.  “We serve a lot of coffee in our meetings,” Schwartz quipped.  “But the insiders know, bring a reusable mug.”

Completed

At the bottom line, the numbers speak for themselves.  So far, the costs associated with the Green Office Initiative have dropped 11-12%.  The changes are better for the environment and the taxpayers’ wallets.

“Going green costs less,” Schwartz said.  “We are saving money.”

** Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on Montgomery County Community College’s sustainability blog, Think Green.

Adjunct Instructor Duane Lee Holland Travels to Eastern Europe as ‘Diplomat of Dance’

by Rebecca Rhodin

Hip-hop music sprang from the city, but today it’s a citizen of the world, says Duane Lee Holland.

“Every place you go has been affected by hip hop,” comments the Montgomery County Community College adjunct instructor. “You can’t turn on a TV show or walk down the street without a reference to the culture.”

Soon that street may be far away, indeed, when Holland travels as a “diplomat of dance” to Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine for the U.S. State Department.

He will journey in March with Illstyle and Peace Productions to perform hip hop and teach in a cultural exchange called DanceMotionUSA. The program is produced by the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).

“They are using the performing arts as a tool for foreign policy,” explains Holland, 35, of Devon, who began his dance career 18 years ago with the first hip-hop theater dance company, Philadelphia’s Rennie Harris Puremovement.

“The arts allow people to talk about things in a way that isn’t aggressive or argumentative,” he says.

“Although not versed in Russian, you’re speaking the language of dance. Through dance, you’re a linguist.”

According to BAM, the DanceMotion program builds on former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s vision of “smart power” diplomacy, which embraces the full use of diplomatic tools to create opportunities for greater understanding.

The “diplomats of dance” start conversations and build lasting personal and professional connections, says Assistant Secretary of State Ann Stock, on BAM’s website. She calls it “cultural diversity in motion.”

Holland agrees that a cultural exchange creates a softer environment in which to face contentious issues like race and sexuality and create social awareness.

“It helps the people to know that there’s a world outside of their own home or town. It broadens their minds,” he comments.

How appropriate, then, that the words “hip” and “hop” themselves, derived from the Senegalese Wolof language, Hip means “knowledgeable” and Hop “movement.” According to Holland, “I’m a knowledgeable mover of a knowledgeable movement is the definition of Hip Hop.”

Rooted deeply in Africa, the hip-hop genre is said to have developed in New York City in the 1970s, where deejays stretched out percussive breaks in popular music and inspired the birth of breaking (B-boying or B-girling). Subject of much debate, it also encompasses rap, DJing and graffiti in an evolving culture that reaches far beyond those elements.

Hip-hop dance such as Puremovement reflects the energy and dress of street culture: rhythmic and gymnastic with breaking woven in.

Puremovement attributes to hip hop “a unique ability to express universal themes that extend beyond racial, religious and economic boundaries.” Last year, that company performed with DanceMotionUSA in Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian territories of the Middle East.

Though tensions aren’t as thick in Eastern Europe, Holland still confronts the possibility of issues as “a black man going to Russia,” where not everyone may be open to people of color.

“It’s very common that you’ll be stared at,” he says. “But then, it’s not like I’ve never had people stare at me and try to touch my hair. Even here in the United States. That’s how it is. Fear is an ugly thing, a stifling situation.”

On the other hand, Holland’s background uniquely prepares him for the challenge: First, there is the realism and encouragement of his mother, whom he describes as his hero. Then, there is the fact that he has already traveled to 10 countries, as a gymnast when he was a teen.

“How many people do you know who can hold themselves up with one hand?” Holland muses; gymnastics requires mental, as well as physical mental effort. Holland was the first 8yr. gymnast to score 58.6 out of 60.0, and was featured in “Faces in the Crowd” in Sports Illustrated. From 1990-1994, Holland, was a member of the United States Junior National Gymnastics Team. In 1996, Holland injured himself while training for the 1996 Olympics.

A broken wrist in high school opened several other doors — into a dance studio, a professional dance career, and then into education.

“I’ve been involved academia for the last five years. Professional experience is a huge aid to my teaching,” says Holland, whose resume lists scores of schools such as MIT, Duke University, Stanford University and UCLA where he has shared his knowledge. At MCCC, he has taught the fundamentals of hip hop and also modern fusion.

Feeling increasingly compelled to pass his knowledge on to a younger generation, Holland is working to solidify himself in academia. He is hoping to obtain a masters of fine arts at the University of Iowa.

“As a student of life, I’m always adding to my skill set,” says Holland. “I am extremely blessed to do what I do.”

Duane Lee Holland teaches a dance workshop at the College’s Central Campus. Photos by Sandi Yanisko

Theatre Arts Instructor Michael Whistler Prepares for Debut of Latest Play

by Rebecca Rhodin

Artwork for “The Prescott Method”

In a theater, the audience gets to watch “lives that aren’t the lives we lead,” observes playwright Michael Whistler.

Whistler himself delves into the lives of two ’60s homemakers in his upcoming production “The Prescott Method, Easy Steps to Perfect Bread Baking, Every Time.”

“The Prescott Method,” a comedy opening at the Walnut Street Theatre on March 28, is the story of chaotic Veronica, who goes to the more orderly Peg to learn how to bake bread. They open up about their lives and become friends. It is directed by Greg Wood, and features the actresses Susan Riley Steven, Madi Destefano and Jessica Bedford.

“Each of the two women in the play is trying to create something perfect,” says the Montgomery County Community College instructor and theater arts coordinator, “but in a not so perfect world.”

The idea for the play came when Whistler saw two women on the Today Show holding a sign that read “On vacation from our husbands.” “It made me think of the women who raised me, and who they might be when they were by themselves, and not busy being wives and mothers: I wrote the piece as a love letter to them—and the 60’s suburbia I grew up in.”

The two women of “The Prescott Method” – Veronica the mother of six scrambling to handle her brood, and Peg, the newly arrived wife of college professor who keeps an orderly house – handle tasks differently, from baking bread to managing their lives. This leads to conflict, and comedy.

Conflicts are the very basis of theater, according to the playwright, who got his MFA at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

“One of the things I believe is that plays are not people who are coping. They are written about the days and decisions we make when we do dangerous things, ill-advised things, not the Oprah-sanctioned choice,” he says. “That’s what makes for good drama. As a playwright, that’s where I start. I try to understand where the characters are, the problem they are facing, and the actions they take to face it. Sometimes those may seem foolish to us, or pathetic, but it is that unique human response which makes for a funny and human character.”

At Montgomery County Community College, in his Introduction to Acting and Improvisation class, his students read Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The tempestuous play sparks discussions about why the characters take their non-coping actions and what the fallout is.

“There are parts of ourselves that scare us, like falling in love, being cowardly or being brave,” Whistler muses. “In the theater you can experience these emotions in a safe place.”

“The Prescott Method,” presented by the Walnut Street Theatre as a part of their Independence Studio on Three series begins previews March 26, and runs through April 14. Tickets are available through the Walnut Street Theatre’s website, www.walnutstreettheatre.org, or by phone at 215-574-3550

A lot of work goes on in preparing for the production: Whistler and director Greg Wood have been tinkering with the script for some time.  But Whistler notes that only after the curtain goes up does the art of theater become truly engaged.

“Before an audience, the story gets told,” he says.

Call for Submissions: Writers’ Club 26th Annual Fiction and Poetry Contest

by Alana J. Mauger

The Writers’ Club at Montgomery County Community College is accepting submissions for its 26th Annual Fiction and Poetry Contest through 2 p.m. on March 13. Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 8. The contest has MCCC student and community resident categories in both poetry and fiction. Prizes range from $100 for first place to $25 for fourth place in each category.

Entries should be submitted to Associate Professor Patricia Nestler, Parkhouse Hall room 458, Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Emailed entries will not be accepted.

Guidelines for submitting poetry and fiction are as follows.

Submissions should be typed on 8 ½ x11” paper; prose should be a maximum of 3,000 words and should be double-spaced.

Name, address, email address and phone number must be typed on a separate title page, along with the category letter (A1 MCCC student poetry; A2 MCCC student fiction; B1 non-student poetry; B2 non-student fiction). MCCC student ID should also be added for categories A1 and A2. On each subsequent page, the title of the work should be typed in the upper right-hand corner with the last four digits of the phone number from the title page.

The contestant’s name should not appear on any page except for the title page, and all pages should be numbered and clipped together. Contestants may only submit one entry per category.

Winners will be notified by email, and entries will not be returned.

For information, call 215-641-6369.

Health & Wellness Corner: Employee Lunch & Learn Sessions

by Grace Spena, Director of Health & Wellness Initiatives

During fall 2012, several Employee Lunch & Learn sessions were hosted by Health & Wellness in collaboration with several local healthcare providers.

A very interesting and informative three-part health series focusing on the topics of Eat Well,Think Well, and Move Well was presented by Dr. Eric Pirrone from Bucks County Wellness Centre. Participants also learned about the Center’s 8 Weeks to Wellness – a comprehensive wellness program aimed at optimizing what you think about, how you eat and supplment, and how you exercise and care for your body through a specific 8-week program. The program focuses on health not sickness and encompasses many of the fundamental wellness therapies including: total health & fitness assessment, complete blood workup, body composition analysis, wellness education, weekly body massage, personalized diet program, wellness education, personal training sessions and meditation instruction. For more information call 214-345-1445 or go to website at www.BucksCountyWellnessCentre.com.

How to Stay Young the First 100 Years was presented by Dr. Mark Legnola from Community Chiropractic Center lcoated in Blue Bell. Participants learned about common health problems and possible solutions, how each individual can take better responsibility for their own health, preventive measures to improve overall health and how to stay on the right path of overall good health and body function.  To learn more visit www.bluebellchiropractic.com.

In addition, Beat Cancer.Org sponsored presentations by Susan Silberstein, Founder and Director for the Center for Advancement in Cancer Education and author of the books Hungry for Health and Hungrier for Health.  Mrs. Silberstein discussed how to Fight Cancer with Your Fork. She noted several studies focusing on what science says about diet and cancer survival.  People who eat the most fruits and vegetables have 50% lower cancer rates.  Research is showing that most cancers are in part related to the standard American diet. In other words, change you diet, change your cancer risk. For more information email info@beatcancer.org or go to www.beatcancer.org.

According to Grace Spena, Director of Health & Wellness Initiatives, over 70 employees, representing both campuses and all areas of the College, took advantage of attending the free sessions. More lunch and learn sessions are being planned for Spring 2013. Employees are encouraged to periodically check the Faculty/Staff Portal for future announcements.

For more information, contact Grace Spena at gspena@mc3.edu

Immaculata Joins University Center Initiative, Offers Doctor in Education Program in Blue Bell

by Alana J. Mauger

Immaculata University has joined Montgomery County Community College’s University Center initiative and will soon offer its Doctor of Education in Higher Education (Ed.D.) program at the College’s Central Campus in Blue Bell.

First introduced in 2006, the College’s University Center framework offers an entrepreneurial approach to expanding higher education opportunities for residents of Montgomery County and surrounding areas. Through partnerships with four-year institutions, students can choose from eight bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees, one graduate certificate, and now – for the first time – a doctorate.

“These partnerships are so important in higher education, and they show a great deal of entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, President. “The University Center framework builds crucial pathways by which our students and faculty, and the community at large, can conveniently pursue advanced degrees from our outstanding partner colleges and universities.”

While the institutions have enjoyed a long-standing and popular transfer agreement that paves the way for the College’s associate’s degree graduates to seamlessly transfer into bachelor’s degree programs at Immaculata, this is the first time Immaculata will have a physical presence in Blue Bell.

“This agreement with MCCC is really what we were hoping for when we developed the new degree in Higher Education,” said Sr. R. Patricia Fadden, IHM, Ed.D., president of Immaculata University. “MCCC is our first partner in this program, and we’re very excited to bring it to the Montgomery County community.”

Immaculata’s Ed.D. in Higher Education program is designed for higher education administrators and faculty who are seeking to advance their career opportunities by expanding their knowledge of current trends in higher education and developing leadership skills. The program is also ideal for individuals working in related fields who are seeking a career change.

The program features a hybrid course model that blends online with face-to-face interaction; a cohort model that builds a learning community among students; and a practicum experience that enables doctoral students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge while networking in their field.

Immaculata University joins four existing University Center partners — Albright College, which offers courses at the College’s campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, and Chestnut Hill College, Temple University and Villanova University, which offer courses at the College’s West Campus in Pottstown.

To learn more about the University Center initiative, visit www.mc3.edu/academics/university-center.aspx.

To learn more about Immaculata University’s Doctor of Education program, visit www.immaculata.edu.

Montgomery County Community College President Dr. Karen A. Stout and Immaculata President Sr. R. Patricia Fadden, IHM, Ed.D., sign the University Center partnership agreement on Feb. 1. Photo by Sandi Yanisko