Member News – July 6, 2022
Integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield Universities Complete
After more than 18 months of work by nearly 1,000 individuals, the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities under the banner of Commonwealth University officially took place on Friday, July 1.
“My sincere thanks go to the teams at each of our universities who have dedicated themselves tirelessly to the integration process and to creating opportunities for a new generation of students to follow their dreams and pursue lives of meaning and success,” said Bashar W. Hanna, who will serve as president of Commonwealth University. “I’m confident that we have the right teams of people in place to proceed courageously and compassionately, grounded in the mission of supporting student success and changing lives through education.”
This spring, the integration process took several milestone steps to make the transition a reality. On March 15, initial approval by the institutional accrediting agency, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, confirmed the path to integration. Accreditation by Middle States is required by the U.S. Department of Education and assures students, families, and communities that the University has completed a rigorous review process and provides a high-quality education.
“Together, Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield embody the power of three, which will create a higher education experience, the likes of which is not possible without integration,” Hanna said.
In March, the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education voted to approve the name Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania to represent the integrated entity for Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities.
The final piece of the puzzle came in late April when the NCAA approved to proceed with the proposed plan to retain a full complement of NCAA athletic programs on the campuses that currently host them. Each campus will maintain its full complement of sports offerings and will continue to use its respective location name, existing logos, colors, mascots, and traditions.
The integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities under the banner of Commonwealth University is a bold investment in the communities and people of Pennsylvania. Our mission is to expand high-quality, affordable academic opportunities to support the needs of all learners. We’re building a powerful tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public higher education to position ourselves for growth, increased access, and to meet economic and workforce development needs. Together we’re honoring our history, investing in today, and building a powerful tomorrow. That’s the power of three.
SEDA-COG Announces New Chief of Community Services
SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is pleased to announce that Teri Provost, a 15-year staffer, will be taking on the role of Chief in the newly formed Community Services Division.
The Community Services Division (CSD) will encompass SEDA-COG’s Community Development, Flood Resiliency, Housing Rehabilitation, and Community Revitalization programs. In the CSD, the intentionally coordinated efforts of these departments will further allow SEDA-COG to respond to community needs in a more comprehensive way. These efforts will ultimately provide improved service opportunities to our member counties and regional communities.
Provost worked in SEDA-COG’s Community Development Program for 9 years before becoming the Director of Housing Rehabilitation and Flood Resiliency. Throughout her 15-year career at SEDA-COG, she has prepared numerous grant applications and has proficient experience with Federal Emergency Management Agency and Housing and Urban Development programs.
Provost has been a member of The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) since 2018 and serves as the Chapter District 2 Director. This position has a 2-year term.
She also serves as past chair of the Pennsylvania Association of State Floodplain Managers (PAFPM) board. Her board appointment is from January to December 2022. Before this appointment, Teri held the Vice Chair position with PAFPM from January to December 2021.
Provost has also developed and managed public works projects throughout the central Pennsylvania counties served by SEDA-COG. Additionally, she is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and has administered several state- and federally-funded buyouts and residential elevation projects in flood-prone communities.
“My top priority is to ensure that our Agency can serve the Region for years to come in a truly impactful manner, not only by leveraging grant funding opportunities, but also by building long lasting meaningful relationships. In the CSD, the orchestration of multiple aspects of municipal assistance will provide a comprehensive community approach to community resiliency, augmented by diversity in leadership and innovation,” Provost said.
SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler said Provost’s background has prepared her perfectly to take on this role.
“Teri has been with SEDA-COG for 15 years and has had the opportunity to work in several departments and grow her expertise in each area. She embodies a collaborative spirit and I truly believe that her skills and abilities are going to take SEDA-COG to new heights in this role,” Wheeler said.
Provost earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Clarion University in 2002.
Provost is grateful for the opportunity to deepen the partnerships between SEDA-COG and our surrounding municipalities.
“This role will allow our Region to maximize collaboration, funding opportunities and expertise. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with so many talented staff in our communities, with our partners, with grant funding agencies, and certainly within our office location,” Provost said.
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Lists July Programs
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum officially announced its July 2022 programs. The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Click HERE to view the full calendar for July.
North Shore Railroad Assumes Operations of Selinsgrove Branch
On April 28 of 2022, it became official that North Shore Railroad assumed operations of the Selinsgrove branch (a new addition to the NSHR line). Soon after the transition, the Maintenance of Way team made improvements on the branch that led to increased operational efficiency and expanded customer opportunity.
This new branch for North Shore Railroad adds 7.7 miles of track from Selinsgrove, Pa., to Kreamer, Pa., and 1.3 miles of track from Selinsgrove, Pa., to Shamokin Dam, Pa. The addition of the line increases the overall network size to 256.2 miles of track.