FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 Contact: Marisa Bilicic

May 19, 2003                                                             814-676-6591 Ext. 1215

Clarion University Creates Department of Applied Technology

at Venango Campus

Hires Seasoned Professional to Head New Department

OIL CITY, PA – Clarion University of Pennsylvania has created a new Department of Applied Technology, to be housed at Venango Campus, and hired Victor W. Bowser to head the new department. Bowser, who is an Oil City native and has extensive management and curriculum development experience, will work with local industry, community and university leaders to develop and oversee partnerships and academic programs that will address high-priority workforce development needs in the region. Initial programs offered through the department will be two-year associate degrees.

“This is a highly significant opportunity for Venango Campus and the entire region,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Clarion University–Venango Campus. “The technical programs provided through this new department will fill a critical educational void in our area that inhibits workforce development. We’re also immensely pleased to have someone of Vic Bowser’s caliber join our team.”

Bowser, who taught military science and economics at Clarion University in the 1980s, has nearly 20 years experience in senior management positions. He served for three years as Chief of Staff of the National Communications System, and chaired a committee of 23 federal agencies that resulted in a national emergency communications plan approved by the President of the United States. He has been recognized for excellence in designing and implementing systems and programs to significantly reduce budget while maintaining or expanding existing services. He conceived and developed a curriculum model for an automation and networking course and has taught classes at Grove City College, Payne College, and the Marine Corps Staff College, in addition to his Clarion experience. For the past six years Bowser has served as Operations/Project Manager at the Weyerhaeuser Company in Titusville.

“Community members have been calling for technical degree programs that provide opportunities for career advancement for years,” said Bowser, who has a Bachelor of Arts degree

from Park College, a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola University and a graduate diploma from the National War College at the National Defense University. “Clarion University has stepped up to the plate to address this need and I’m excited to play an active role in developing this critical resource for our community.”

The new department ultimately will house multiple programs. Currently, departmental programs include associate degree offerings in computer service technology and maintenance mechanic technology/building systems that are provided through a partnership between Clarion University and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Technology (CAMtech), located in Erie. All program courses will be offered at the Venango Campus in Oil City and students in these programs, which commence this fall, will receive a CAMtech degree.

In addition, a proposed new Clarion University degree, an associate of applied science in industrial technology (AAS-IT), would include technical education provided by a licensed, certified, accredited or otherwise qualified technical education partner and general education, business familiarization, and additional elective courses provided by Clarion University. Graduates would receive a Clarion University degree. The proposed AAS-IT degree has been approved by the university’s curriculum review committee, the Faculty Senate, and the Clarion University Council of Trustees, and will be considered by the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education in July.

While many Middle States-accredited universities and colleges in other regions of Pennsylvania provide associate degrees that recognize and include technical education, there are few in northwestern Pennsylvania. The partnership approach being undertaken by Clarion University will create synergies among education providers to maximize existing resources and provide high-quality training opportunities where they are needed to address workforce development.

“Creating a new academic department demonstrates the university’s strong commitment to meeting the educational needs of the region and expanding the resources at Venango Campus,” said Dr. Joseph P. Grunenwald, Clarion University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “My colleagues and I have been actively involved in economic development discussions and plans for many years, and it’s clear to me that this sort of educational opportunity is sorely needed.”

According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, jobs requiring an associate degree are projected to grow 32 percent over the 2000-10 time period, faster than any other educational category. The Bureau further reports average and faster than average employment growth for occupations within the purview of the new department’s programs, including such technical occupations as science technicians; computer numeric control operators; electrical and electronics installers; repairers of transportation equipment; drafters; telecommunication line installers and repairers; engineering technicians; technical support specialists; and water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators, among others.

The National Association of Manufacturers reports that the manufacturing community, which in northwestern Pennsylvania is twice as large as the national average, estimated that 80 percent of manufacturers are experiencing a shortage of qualified workers, and a full 66 percent feel the lack of skilled workers impacts negatively on their ability to maintain production levels.

Clarion University–Venango Campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed. Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. Clarion University–Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community. Special programs offered at the campus include Kids in College, Jump Start and SeniorLink.

###