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UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT TITUSVILLEIN REVIEW
A Look at the Past Year. TITUSVILLE, Feb. 9 - The past year for the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville was one marked by significant changes, new programs and continued growth. Fall of 2003 saw UPT enjoying a record-breaking enrollment year, including the largest number of returning students. John R. Mumford, Executive Director of Enrollment Management, says, “This is the fourth consecutive year of increasing numbers of students applying directly to the Titusville campus, as well as our largest number of returning students, which reflects the appeal of our academic offerings and activities.” In September 2003, UPT celebrated its 40th anniversary. Forty years ago UPT opened its doors to the first 50 students. All classes and business were conducted in one building – McKinney Hall. Now, over 40 years later, the campus has grown to 10 acres, 10 buildings, and over 500 students. As part of the 40th year recognition, President Michael Worman hosted an evening reception in September, complete with entertainment by a local jazz and blues group, Acoustic Fish. Earlier in the day, the first formal gathering of alumni was held in the recently renovated Heritage Conference Room in McKinney Hall. According to Worman, the Alumni Reception was the precursor to the development of UPT’s own Alumni Association. “The 40th anniversary year seemed the perfect time to lay the groundwork and foundation for the development of an alumni association,” says Worman. “It’s something I have thought about and, gauged by the interest that has been shown, the timing is right.” Worman adds, “Perhaps the most significant cause for celebration was the highest enrollment in the history of the campus.” Academically, UPT’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program remains one of its premier programs. Last year the UPT PTA Program was awarded accreditation with high accolades by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE found the PTA Program to be 100% compliant with the evaluative criteria. “This level of compliance is rare,” says Janet Moffitt, Director and Assistant Professor of the Program. “We are very pleased with CAPTE’s findings, especially after so many months of dedicated work and preparation for the accreditation process.” With the requisite equipment in place for the PTA Program, UPT decided to utilize that equipment in an additional manner by offering a Massage Therapy Certificate Program beginning last fall. Immediately, over 15 students enrolled. Gregory Brink of Venango was hired as instructor for the new Program. Besides practicing as a licensed massage therapist for 13 years in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, Brink has additional training in sports massage, Shiatsu, reflexology, acupressure, and stone massage. UPT continues to develop and offer several associate degree programs: associate of arts in Human Services and Liberal Arts; and associate of science in Natural Science, Business, Accounting, Business Information Systems, and Physical Therapist Assistant. Students may also earn certificates in Accounting as Preparation for the CPA Examination, Accounting Systems, Administration of Justice, Computer Technology Support, E-Commerce Technology Support, Entrepreneurship, Massage Therapist, Medical Insurance Coding, Medical Office Support, and Retail Management Support. One of the most exciting areas of growth for UPT has been the development of several articulation agreements, including degrees in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), from LECOM’s School of Pharmacy, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Temple University School of Dentistry, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from Pitt’s College of Business. Athletics got a boost in August when Barbara W. Reagle, Ph.D., came on board as Director of Athletics and Conference Management. Previously, Reagle served as Director of Student Development at Venango Campus of Clarion University. In less than six months, Reagle has energized the Athletic Department and the teams. Reagle recruited a new men’s basketball coach, Brian Bibey from Carnegie, and a new golf coach, Rick Skinner from Titusville. She welcomed back returning coaches, Brian Shoop for girls’ volleyball and James Henderson for girls’ softball. Next year Reagle plans to drop softball from the lineup and add girls’ basketball. Because of Reagle, athletics at UPT now has a recognizable face, voice and style. “The UPT Athletic Program is integral to the campus and an important component of the retention and enrollment management program for the institution,” says Reagle. “A small campus atmosphere with the University of Pittsburgh’s international reputation is a wonderful opportunity for our students.” In the academic arena, UPT hired Barbara Feroz of Seneca as Assistant Instructor of the Human Services Program, which began last fall and has become an important addition to UPT’s offerings. Feroz has over 25 years experience in various aspects of counseling and human services. UPT student organizations and clubs received recognition in a number of areas. The Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Team won first place at the SIFE regional competition and represented UPT at the national championship. The UPT Chemistry Club received an Outstanding Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Chemistry Society, an award given to only two percent of the 950 chapters nationwide. UPT students also participated in study abroad programs to the Czech Republic and Tanzania. In the Czech Republic, they studied history and art, and toured cities, museums and historical site under the direction of Dr. Margaret Peaslee, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Biology, and Ms. Cynthia Andes, Assistant Professor of Humanities and English. Last summer, Dr. Linda Winkler, associate professor of anthropology and biology, and Mr. Joseph Croskey, assistant instructor and retention coordinator, traveled with a group of students to Tanzania to conduct research and develop AIDS educational materials. Winkler and the students researched sociocultural elements of AIDS and AIDS education projects in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa prior to their trip in June. Worman says, “The reputation of UPT is growing in our region and people are beginning to recognize the valuable combination of a Pitt education delivered close to home in a small, supportive environment.” # # #
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