Clarion University - Venango Campus

Leadership Program to Begin this Fall at Clarion University–Venango Campus

Left to right: Susan Williams and Ashley Stroup-McCauley of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, who will participate in the first class of the Venango Vision Leadership Institute, discuss the program with Ron Shoup, Venango Vision Steering Committee member

OIL CITY, PA-A new leadership program will be launched this fall at Clarion University–Venango Campus. Venango Vision Leadership Institute was designed by more than 50 community members, working with the campus’ Division of Continuing Education, to develop future leaders to tackle the challenges that face the region and to identify a clear vision for the future.

The program is a nine-month course of half-day and full-day sessions that bring together three groups identified as seasoned leaders, emerging leaders, and future leaders, from Venango County and surrounding counties, to explore issues such as economic development, education, water quality, land use, health care, human services, housing, and transportation.

Based on the model of Regional Vision, a highly-successful program that was offered for seven years through the Venango Campus, Venango Vision will utilize a combination of thought-provoking lectures with activities geared at enhancing interpersonal, analytical, and leadership skills through the study of real issues facing Venango County and the region. Participants can also expect to gain a clearer understanding how organizations function, public issues, government, business, and the global economy.

“What we are trying to do is something different from most leadership programs. We are bringing together people in different stages of their lives to share their diverse perspectives and to learn from each other,” said Stephen Kosak of Oil City, a charitable trust consultant and member of the Venango Vision Regional Leadership planning committee. “Together, we will explore our community’s opportunities and real strengths to build our vision of a brighter future.”

Senior Leaders are defined as those who are currently serving on boards and in community leadership roles. Emerging Leaders are professionals with talent and ideas for moving the region forward and shaping a future vision who have yet to become involved in community organizations and causes. Youth leaders are outstanding high school juniors and seniors and college students who can offer a unique perspective and begin to think about their own future as leaders in the community. Program participants will represent all facets of community life, from those employed in various professions to retirees and students.

A board consisting of 50 community members has been established to monitor and support the program. These individuals represent the banking industry, manufacturing, education, retail, utilities, government, human services and volunteers in the local area.

“My colleagues and I are proud to work with community leaders on this very important initiative,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of the Venango Campus. “We are immensely grateful to Steve Kosak and others who have spent many hours developing this truly creative approach to cultivating Venango County’s leaders of tomorrow.”

Scholarships for the Venango Vision Leadership Institute are available through grants from the Samuel Justus Charitable Trust, the Laura Smedley Charitable Trust, the Elizabeth S. Black Charitable Trust, and the Ben Franklin Fund of the Venango Area Community Foundation.

Clarion University-Venango Campus, located in Oil City, PA, is the oldest regional campus in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The 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. The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health and its Department of Applied Technology. Clarion University-Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.