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Committee advises University on workforce development issues
Dr. Patricia A. Book (left), associate vice president for outreach and executive director, Division of Continuing Education, talks about workforce development during a meeting chaired by Dr. Joseph C. Strasser (far right), dean of the Commonwealth College until his retirement in July. Also shown are Margaret A. Koble, assistant to the associate vice president for outreach, and William G. Curley, senior director of continuing education for the Commonwealth College. Photos by Dick Ackley—University Photo/Graphics Dr. Donald A. Gogniat, campus executive officer at Penn State York, displays a map of Penn State’s outreach locations while discussing a workforce development issue during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Workforce Development.	A group of academic leaders from throughout Penn State is meeting to study workforce development issues and advise the University on ways to help Pennsylvania businesses maintain a skilled and competitive workforce.   Dr. Rodney A. Erickson, executive vice president and provost, appointed the Standing Committee on Workforce Development to advise him on workforce development-related programs, processes and support systems.   “Today, companies are competing globally for market share and face growing challenges in attracting and retaining a highly skilled workforce,” Erickson said. “Penn State has been providing innovative education and training to Pennsylvania companies for more than 85 years. During that time, we have built close working relationships with Commonwealth agencies responsible for economic and workforce development. Our goal is to continue to expand our workforce development outreach initiatives and enhance our technology transfer efforts.”   The committee is: Serving as an advocate and clearinghouse for workforce development strategies, programs and research at Penn State. Monitoring state and federal workforce development policy and reporting on implications for the University. Facilitating the University’s workforce development needs analysis and enhancing collaboration in needs assessment processes. Encouraging development of workforce-related programs, including degrees and certificates in response to critical job growth categories. Facilitating development of partnering opportunities to serve regional and local needs. Helping establish mechanisms and incentives to build clusters of University faculty expertise in the areas of workforce development. Reporting on information systems and processes needed to support Penn State’s participation in the Commonwealth’s new workforce development initiatives. Advising on public and government relations initiatives to effectively inform people about what Penn State is doing in the areas of workforce development. Members of the Standing Committee on Workforce Development are: Dr. Patricia A. Book, associate vice president for outreach and executive director, Division of Continuing Education; Helen E. Caffrey, director of Commonwealth Relations, Office of Governmental Affairs; Dr. Raymond T. Coward, dean, College of Health and Human Development; Dr. Edgar I. Farmer, associate professor of education, College of Education; Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, president, Pennsylvania College of Technology; Dr. Donald A. Gogniat, campus executive officer, Penn State York; Dr. Wayne R. Hager, head, School of Engineering Technology and Commonwealth Education;   Arthur A. Heim, director, Industrial Research Office and Penn State Research Park; Dr. William A. Henk, director, School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, and professor of education and reading, Penn State Harrisburg; Dr. Cathleen T. Love, associate dean for Undergraduate Education and executive director of Academic Advancement Programs; William M. Mahon, director of Public Information, Office of University Relations; David E. Roth, associate professor of engineering, Penn State Erie; and Dr. Richard H. Yahner, associate dean, Graduate School.
© 2002 Outreach Communications,   Outreach & Cooperative Extension,   The Pennsylvania State University phone: (814) 865-8108,   fax: (814) 863-2765,   e-mail: outreachnews@outreach.psu.edu