Clarion University-Venango Campus Professor

Appointed to Tenure-Track Position

OIL CITY, PA-Professor Vic Bowser, Chair of Clarion University’s Department of Applied Technology, has been appointed to a new tenure-track position, reflecting the university’s commitment to the future growth and development of the department.

            Bowser was hired in May, 2003, to head the then-new groundbreaking program that utilizes a unique partnership model to prepare students for a wide array of career opportunities and leadership positions in high-demand applied technology fields. Students earn an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology (AAS-IT) degree by completing general education and business courses at Clarion University–Venango Campus and the technical component of the degree through licensed, certified, accredited and/or otherwise approved technical education partners.  

            Two years after the program’s start-up, 25 industrial concentrations are now offered in partnership with six technical education providers. A great deal of interest has been generated throughout western Pennsylvania for this unique, collaborative approach to technical education. A recent orientation for the new Electric Utility Technology program, offered in partnership with FirstEnergy Corp. (Penelec), attracted over 200 prospective students and family members and was the largest open house that FirstEnergy has ever experienced with their seven university partners in three states. 

            In addition to FirstEnergy, the university has partnerships with the H.T. Kerr Technology Center in Titusville; Precision Manufacturing Institute (PMI) in Meadville; The Learning Center in Titusville; the National Hardwood Lumber Association in Memphis, Tennessee; and Triangle Tech, which has campuses in Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, DuBois, and Sunbury, Pennsylvania.     

            “The Applied Technology department was the university’s response to the workforce development needs of our region, as expressed to us by community and industry leaders,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of the Venango Campus. “We believed that we could meet that need by creating a program to provide high-quality technical education, with the flexibility to meet critical industry needs in a timely and cost-effective manner, while preparing students for potential career advancement.  The success of this program, after only two years, forecasts a significant opportunity for the university to have a positive and growing impact on the economic development of the region.”

            An Oil City native, Professor Bowser holds 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. He taught military science and economics at Clarion University in the early 1980s, and completed a 28-year military career as a colonel.

            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. He conceived and developed a curriculum model for an automation and networking course and has taught at Grove City College, Payne College, the Marine Corps Staff College, and the Armed Forces Staff College, in addition to his Clarion experience. Prior to rejoining Clarion University, Bowser spent six years in industry as a member of the Weyerhaeuser Company Management Team in Titusville.

            “It’s great to have the opportunity to work with students who want to be competent in an area of industrial technology,” said Bowser. “Competence is a function of knowledge and skills, which can be gained from education, training and/or experience. Education compacts the process and leads to early promotion and success.”

            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.

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