Clarion University News

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Find out the latest in university news and student, faculty and staff accomplishments.

October 19, 2020

Clarion University's online accounting programs ranks 16th nationally

Value Colleges ranks Clarion University 16th in the nation for Best Online Accounting Bachelor’s programs.

October 16, 2020

CU to distribute $200,000 grant

The Addison Gibson Foundation has granted $200,000 to Clarion University to distribute to qualifying students from western Pennsylvania this year.

October 15, 2020

BOG affirms move to planning phase of CalU-Clarion-Edinboro integration

On Oct. 14, the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education affirmed moving to the next phase in a process that would potentially integrate Clarion, Edinboro and California universities. The affirmation follows several months of exploration that determined that integration would help the individual universities and the State System as a whole achieve financial sustainability.

October 14, 2020

Clarion selected to host four NCAA Championship events

The NCAA has awarded four NCAA Division II Championships events to Clarion University, in conjunction with SportsPittsburgh, to be held over three years from 2023-26.

October 09, 2020

Clarion University designated PNGAS Guard-Friendly School

The Pennsylvania National Guard Associations has designated Clarion University a PNGAS Guard-Friendly School. The designation shows that Clarion’s learning environment is supportive of Pennsylvania Guard members and their families in pursuing post-secondary degrees.

October 07, 2020

Collaboration closes gap on distance learning for CU students

In some disciplines, there’s no substitute for hands-on learning. Nursing is one of those disciplines, but Clarion University nursing faculty and information technology staff partnered to create a remote learning experience that’s remarkably close.

September 30, 2020

Clarion University Police earns reaccreditation; process ensures equitable practices

Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association has confirmed reaccreditation of Clarion University Police Department. Initially accredited in 2017, the department, led by Chief Jason Hendershot, was assessed on 135 standards.

September 29, 2020

CU Theatre streams year’s first production, ‘Hate Mail’

Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre may be closed, but Clarion University Theatre is open and running. The first offering of this year, “Hate Mail,” a comedy by Bill Corbett and Kira Obolensky, will stream online Oct. 7-11.

September 23, 2020

LiveSafe app assists with screening for COVID symptoms

The Clarion University community now has access to the free LiveSafe app.

September 17, 2020

Despite pandemic, CU shows highest retention rate in 29 years

Clarion University is seeing record high numbers in the retention of students this fall. Data shows that bachelor’s degree-seeking students who began as freshmen in fall 2019 have returned for the second year of their programs at a rate of 77 percent, the highest rate in 29 years.

September 14, 2020

Clarion, CalU and Edinboro form historic partnership

California, Clarion and Edinboro universities are forming a partnership that could change the face of higher education in western Pennsylvania.

September 09, 2020

Secure the kid

Eric Frye came to Clarion University in 2012 as a transfer student from Seton Hill University in Greensburg. Having grown up in a high-crime neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Frye saw Clarion University as an opportunity for a new experience.

September 08, 2020

TIME to fly

Clarion University student Christopher Tate, a junior communications major from Meadville, is getting a taste of fame with his very first short film, “TIME Vol. 1.” This summer, his eight months of film study, script writing and shot list composition paid off with “TIME” by being chosen as a finalist in the Los Angeles Independent Shorts Awards and as an official selection in the Experimental category of Montreal Independent Film Festival.

August 30, 2020

President’s Fitness Challenge encourages physical activity

CU Moves is Dr. Dale’s movement challenge for Clarion University students, faculty and staff. The goal is to encourage the Clarion University community to get out and get active. The challenge is simple: participants will download the Runkeeper app (compatible with IOS and Android), create a login and chart their daily activity.

August 18, 2020

New office will advance work in diversity, social equity, multicultural education

Clarion University has established a new Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, effective Sept. 1. The office brings together professionals who will work together to develop policies and procedures to advance student and employee equity, diversity, inclusion, multicultural and international education, and social justice.

August 17, 2020

Welcome back

August 11, 2020

Clarion University dyslexia program awarded accreditation

Clarion University College of Education, Health and Human Services was notified last week that its Master of Science in Special Education: Reading Specialist program has earned reaccreditation by the International Dyslexia Association. Clarion is one of six universities in Pennsylvania and the only university in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education with an IDA-accredited program.

July 23, 2020

Donation launches Clarion University center to lead learning innovation

Clarion University has established the Center for Engaged Learning and Student Success to provide Clarion faculty, as well as staff and faculty from across Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, with the tools they need to teach and deliver all modalities of academic programs. The center was launched through a $250,000 donation by Jane France ’71 and her husband Christian Allison, president and member, respectively, of Clarion University Foundation, Inc., Board of Directors.

July 23, 2020

Early childhood education program ranks among nation's best

Clarion University ranks among the best in the nation for early childhood education programs.

July 17, 2020

Dr. Dale addresses campus about State System integration plan

By now, you’ve hopefully had the chance to digest the action taken by the State System Board of Governors today, authorizing Chancellor Dan Greenstein to begin reviewing an integration of Clarion and California universities’ online programs. I’m sure that you have questions and concerns about how that impacts our Clarion University.

July 17, 2020

Dr. Dale updates campus on fall 2020 plans

The opening of a new academic year always brings a sense of excitement, challenge, opportunity and growth. This year will certainly be all of that, and more. As we approach the beginning of the year, we do so with a sense of cautious optimism and with the spirit that has guided this university for more than 150 years.

July 14, 2020

Clarion paralegal program expands outside of business

Clarion University has expanded its American Bar Association-approved paralegal opportunities, opening the program as a concentration for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in integrative studies. Previously the program was available only as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-paralegal studies.

July 13, 2020

Clarion University ranks high during the pandemic

COVID-19 has revealed which colleges and universities were able to rise to the challenge during the pandemic to deliver a quality education to students. Clarion University is among them.

July 10, 2020

Alum wins Daytime Emmy Award

Clarion University alum La-Aja (Wiggins) Hernandez (’06) has won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Live & Direct to Tape Sound Mixing on the Price is Right.

July 02, 2020

Online Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics ranks 11th nationally

Clarion University’s online Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics is ranked 11th in the nation for Best Online Master’s in Analytics Management.

June 23, 2020

Clarion trustee, alumna Oberlander is first female Pa. Republican Caucus Whip

Pennsylvania Rep. Donna Oberlander, a member of Clarion University Board of Trustees and a 1991 CU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science, has been chosen to become the first woman to serve as Republican Caucus whip during leadership elections held at the state Capitol in Harrisburg.

June 15, 2020

Price named dean of new College of Education, Health and Human Services

Clarion University School of Education will return to college status as part of the newly formed College of Education, Health and Human Services, effective July 1. Dr. Gwyneth Price, education dean, has been named dean of the college.

June 11, 2020

CU’s Juneteenth features former local woman’s research

Dr. Anna Jo (Montana) Paul, a native of Clarion and a 1969 graduate of Clarion University, will be the guest speaker for Clarion University’s 18th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, set for 10:30 a.m. June 19 via Zoom Meeting, ID 910 1662 1615. The community is invited to join.

June 10, 2020

Early start to fall semester among CU plans for return of students

Clarion University will welcome students back to campus for the fall 2020 semester with adjustments in place, including a one week earlier start of classes and a requirement that students, faculty, staff and visitors adhere to health and safety protocols. One recommendation includes that all individuals will wear facemasks in classroom and selected settings.

June 09, 2020

University, community plan candlelight unity vigil

Clarion University and the Clarion community will join for a Vigil for Unity and Peace from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 11. The peaceful candlelight vigil will begin at the campus Bell Tower on Wood Street and conclude at Veteran’s Memorial Park, across from Clarion County Courthouse. Its purpose is to bring attention to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless others who have suffered in the wake of systemic racism.

June 02, 2020

President Pehrsson responds to George Floyd death

On any given day, turn on the news, and examples of violence abound. Sometimes, it seems as if we’re driven to find ways to separate ourselves from one another. The current health crisis has demonstrated that it has never been more important to work together, to help one another, and to be patient and kind toward one another. As cities across the country erupt in racial violence, we must stand firm and state that this is not acceptable. At Clarion University, we find the death of George Floyd appalling.

May 28, 2020

New CU grad realizes dream of college degree 43 years after high school

“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work,” said retired Gen. Colin Powell. Teresa Sedoris-Palmer had a dream when she graduated from high school: “My dream was to go to art school, but for financial reasons, I could not.” That was 1977, and financial aid options that exist today were not available then. Sedoris-Palmer began working, got married and started a family.

May 22, 2020

Alumni and friends assist students through Student Emergency Fund

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Clarion University alumni and friends came to the aid of students to the tune of $48,733 through the Student Emergency Fund.

May 20, 2020

Krupa appointed as student member of CU Council of Trustees

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has appointed Kaitlyn Krupa of Drifting, a senior nursing major with a double minor in psychology and women and gender studies, as student trustee for Clarion University. She will serve until her May 2021 graduation.

May 18, 2020

Clarion University's online master's in early childhood education gains national ranking

Clarion University’s online master’s degree in early childhood education ranks in the Top 25 in the nation.

May 15, 2020

Clarion finance majors shine in financial planning competition

Matt Flickinger, a May 2020 graduate of Clarion University with a bachelor’s degree in personal finance, placed first in the CFA Society of Pittsburgh’s 2019-20 Collegiate Personal Financial Planning competition. Will Wasilko, also a May 2020 personal finance graduate, placed 10th.

May 14, 2020

CARES Act grant aids Clarion University students

Eligible Clarion University students will receive $550 through a $1.6 million grant the university received through the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The grants are to help students with expenses incurred through the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. The CARES Act also provided stimulus checks to many American families.

May 13, 2020

Clarion ABA/CLM courses granted verification

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified Clarion University’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst® course sequence as meeting the 5th edition 315-hour coursework requirements for taking the BCBA examination, as well as the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst sequence as meeting the 225-hour coursework requirements for taking the BCaBA examination.

April 30, 2020

CU alumnus Moorehead uses music to help community during shutdown

A familiar voice in the mix of local musical talent is supporting local organizations impacted by the coronavirus shutdown through Music for a Cause. Randy Moorehead, a three-time competitor and 2016 winner of Franklin’s Taste of Talent competition, is a popular and frequent performer at venues in Venango and surrounding counties. With those venues temporarily closed, he’s using his voice for livestream concerts to entertain and provide a way for his audience to help through monetary donations.

April 30, 2020

Clarion's paralegal program ranks No. 1 in the nation for job placement

Clarion University’s B.S.B.A. in Paralegal Studies is the top program in the nation when it comes to job placement.

April 24, 2020

Three Clarion University students place in State System Startup Challenge

Clarion University students Samantha Schlak of Fairfield, Nick Howard of Venus, and Taylor Mahan of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, won business startup funds in the 2019-2020 State System Startup Challenge finals April 22. This year’s finals were held virtually via the Zoom platform.

April 17, 2020

CU experts say new routine and new mindset are helpful during social distancing

As Pennsylvanians continue to practice social distancing by living mostly from inside their homes, Clarion University experts have advice to help people stay mentally and physically healthy. “There is an 80-10-10 rule for transitions and traumatic events,” said Tom Crissman, senior student support assistant for the Clarion University Center for Wellness. “Eighty percent of the population will find peace with this transition within a month or so, 10 percent will actually come out of this better than they were before, and 10 percent will have difficulty with this transition.”

April 15, 2020

Clarion and PASSHE West universities join to host virtual recruitment events

Clarion University is one of five schools in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education that are collaborating to pilot the PASSHE West Virtual Recruitment Campaign.

April 15, 2020

Program readies CU education alumni to teach online

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has mandated that Pennsylvania public schools remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year, and school districts are planning how to move instruction online. That’s been challenging for educators and students alike, but Redbank’s Mike Fricko ’96, ’02, M.Ed. ’17 and Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Jen Colon ’11, M.Ed. ’19 are ahead of the learning curve. Both have completed the Online Instruction Endorsement through Clarion University.

April 02, 2020

Clarion prof maps creative walking route while social distancing

Last August, Dr. Bill Naugle arrived in Amman, Jordan, to begin a 10-month stay as a Fulbright “Teaching English as a Foreign Language” Scholar. Similar to his position as coordinator of English as a Second Language at Clarion University, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in language pedagogy and technology, research in linguistics, and socio-linguistics in the University of Jordan’s Department of English and Literature.

April 01, 2020

Clarion University donates protective supplies to local medical facilities

Clarion University is supporting local healthcare professionals on the front lines of fighting coronavirus by donating protective equipment.

April 01, 2020

CU historians start a wild podcast

Two of Clarion University’s historians are seeking to bring the region’s rich history to life and collaborate with the public through a podcast called “Stories from the Pennsylvania Wilds.”

March 26, 2020

What you do for others: Alumnus exemplifies giving spirit

Kent Kretzler started visiting Clarion University around the same time he could walk. His earliest memory of campus is attending homecoming at the age of 3 or 4.

March 25, 2020

Faculty and staff help students become distance learners

When social distancing became a necessity, Clarion University students quickly became distance learners.

March 12, 2020

Face-to-face classes suspended at Clarion University

We are continuing to carefully monitor the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), a potentially serious respiratory illness. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are our primary concern. As the situation continues to rapidly evolve, I, working with a campus team, have made the determination to suspend all face-to-face instruction until further notice, effective Monday, March 16.

March 11, 2020

CU president addresses campus about coronavirus

We have been vigilant in monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This includes planning in the event the outbreak reaches any of our campuses, and most importantly, keeping our students, faculty and staff safe.

March 09, 2020

CU announces spring Stars Over Clarion shows

Clarion University’s Physics Department will present “Stars Over Clarion,” an hour-long planetarium show detailing and describing the night sky and any celestial happenings over Clarion. The shows will be held at 7 and 8 p.m. March 12 and 13, April 2 and 3, and May 1 in the Donald D. Peirce Planetarium, located in the Science and Technology Center. Each show is free, open to the public and kid friendly.

March 09, 2020

CU Chamber Singers host annual benefit dinner

Clarion University Chamber Singers will host their annual benefit dinner at the beautiful and acoustically resonant Belles Lettres Club, 405 West 1st St., Oil City, March 15. A wine tasting is at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m. The Chamber Singers will perform.

March 06, 2020

Lineman named dean for career and workforce education at Venango

Hope Lineman has been named dean for career and workforce education at Clarion University – Venango, March 9.

March 02, 2020

Revamped criteria qualifies former students for Clarion University graduation

Clarion University’s alumni base has grown by more than 80, thanks to updated program requirements and a good bit of legwork by university faculty and staff.

February 28, 2020

Clarion Online ranks fifth in Pennsylvania

Clarion University ranks fifth on Value Colleges’ list for Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania for 2020.

February 27, 2020

Clarion’s Mahan named Student of the Year in business

Taylor Mahan, a senior accounting major at Clarion University, is the recipient of the 2019-20 Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Employers JoAnne Day Student of the Year Award for the Business category. She will receive $500 and a commemorative plaque.

February 24, 2020

CU ranks third among Best Bachelor's Degrees in Library Science

College Rank has named Clarion University third among the Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Library Science in the nation.

February 24, 2020

CU's Online Master of Library Science gains top ranking

Online Course Report ranks Clarion University 15th among the Best Online Master’s in Library Science Degree Programs.

February 21, 2020

B.S. in Rehabilitative Sciences — Addictions Concentration gains prestigious ranking

Clarion University is ranked 17th on Great Value College’s 23 Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Addiction Studies for 2020.

February 17, 2020

CU encourages Community Conversations through ‘Considering Race’ film series

Clarion University’s Presidential Commission on Racial Equity, Presidential Diversity Advisory Council and Center for First-Year Experience have joined to present a film series, “Community Conversations: Considering Race.”

February 17, 2020

Kids, adults invited to take part in CU Crystal Growing Competition

Clarion University Department of Chemistry, Math, and Physics invites children and adults in the community to take part in the 2020 Crystal Growing Competition.

February 14, 2020

CU earns Gold distinction as Military Friendly School

Clarion University has been named a Military Friendly School for the 11th consecutive year, this year earning Gold distinction. The Military Friendly Schools list sets the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses.

February 13, 2020

Success didn’t end after Clarion; it started there

Torron Mollett (’17) describes the neighborhood where he grew up as “rough.” As a young teen, he lost his father to gun violence, and the formerly bubbly kid began to act out. His school placed him in a program that helped kids with behavioral difficulties. He took back to his neighborhood what he learned in the program and became a peer mentor to other kids, encouraging them to get more involved with academics.

February 10, 2020

Learn to keep forested property healthy and diverse

Clarion University Department of Biology and Geosciences will host its annual Forest Landowner’s Conference from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Science and Technology Center. The conference will help forest landowners learn the forest management options available to them to ensure that their forest land will remain healthy and diverse.

February 10, 2020

Shepherd appointed; Dunbar, Bauer and James retained as Clarion trustees

Pennsylvania Senate on has confirmed four nominees to Clarion University Council of Trustees. Joy M. Dunbar, Milissa Bauer and Lee James were reappointed, and Brendan M. Shepherd was appointed to replace Syed Ali-Zaidi, who passed away.

February 06, 2020

Black Alumni Party for a Purpose

From the time she was 13 years old, Angela Groom Brown ’80 worked summer jobs. One year, shortly before she returned to Clarion University for the fall semester, a career employee known as “the meanest lady in the building” summoned Brown, grabbed her hand and pushed something into it. “It was $5,” Brown recalls. “She probably earned $1.25 an hour, but she wanted me to have that money. She wanted to do her part to make sure I finished school.”

February 05, 2020

Spoken Arts series hosts regional author Ferrence

Clarion University’s Spoken Arts Reading Series will host author Matthew Ferrence at 5 p.m. Feb. 18 in the University Art Gallery, Carlson Library. The reading is free and open to the public.

February 04, 2020

John Shropshire, Clarion’s first African American dean

John Shropshire (’61) broke ground in 1972 when he became the dean of enrollment management, the first African American to attain dean status at Clarion University. In 1994, Mr. Shropshire was elected president of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education and was named chairman of the enrollment management committee of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers.

February 03, 2020

Clarion University will use It’s On Us PA grant for LiveSafe app

Clarion University is one of 36 Pennsylvania colleges and universities that will benefit from nearly $1 million in grants through the Wolf Administration and the “It’s On Us PA” campaign to combat campus sexual assault. Governor Tom Wolf announced the grants in January. Clarion’s allocation will be used to launch a new mobile platform, LiveSafe, according to Meredith Karg, student support assistant. The app will be available by the start of the fall 2020 semester.

January 24, 2020

CU carries top rankings in 11 programs

Clarion University has been awarded top ranking status for multiple degree programs by Intelligent.com.

January 23, 2020

Bridging the gap

In his spare time, Clarion alumnus Scott “Howie” Dittman ’98 is Helping Butler County.

January 16, 2020

Intelligent.com names Clarion ‘Best in the Northeast’

Clarion University was named “Best in the Northeast” in Intelligent.com’s list of the top 60 Most Affordable Online Colleges in the United States.

January 15, 2020

MLK community celebration encourages acceptance, justice

The Rev. Michael Robinson (’82) will be the keynote speaker for Clarion University’s Martin Luther King Jr. community celebration at 5 p.m. Jan. 23 in the multi-purpose room of Gemmell Student Center.

January 15, 2020

US News & World Report lists Clarion programs among nation’s best

U.S. News & World Report today released the 2020 Best Online Programs rankings, and five Clarion University programs were ranked among the nation’s best, earning the honor of being called U.S. News Best Online Programs:

January 13, 2020

Clarion University student proposal ends ‘period poverty’

It’s an equity issue. Period. With the start of the spring 2020 semester, Clarion University Student Senate, Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and Center for Wellness have joined to level the playing field for students in need of menstrual hygiene products. The coin slot in restroom dispensers has been bypassed in academic buildings on both Clarion and Venango campuses, making pads and tampons available free.

January 13, 2020

Welcome to the spring semester

Welcome back to Clarion University! We hope you had a productive and relaxing winter break and are ready to begin the spring semester.

January 06, 2020

Alumni present ‘The Purpose of Education’ at annual Martin Luther King breakfast

Clarion University alumni Sean and Antoinette Parker McDonald will be the guest speakers for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast at 8 a.m. Jan. 20 in Eagle Commons, Clarion University. This year’s theme is “The King Legacy: The Purpose of Education.”