Johnson College & Marywood University Sign Articulation Agreement

L-R: Kellyn Williams, Chief Academic Officer; Bill Burke, Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs; Katie Leonard, Ed.D., President & CEO; Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University; Susan C. Turell, Ph.D., provost of Marywood University; Ann Boland-Chase, M.A., C.M.F.C., vice president for enrollment services and student success

Scranton, PA – January 21, 2020 – Johnson College and Marywood University signed an articulation agreement on Tuesday, January 21st at 1:30 P.M. in the Health Science Center at Johnson College. This agreement is the first of its kind between the two institutions. It will provide students with the opportunity to complete a two-year degree at Johnson College and then transition into Marywood University to complete a bachelor’s degree or transfer credits and continue their education through an articulation. The agreements allow for the following admission opportunities:

  • Graduates of Johnson College’s Associate of Science in computer information technology can transfer into Marywood University’s Bachelor of Science in computer science or Bachelor of Science information security;
  • Graduates of Johnson College’s Associate of Science in veterinary technology can transfer into Marywood University’s Bachelor of Science in biology.

Students transferring into Marywood’s programs must meet minimum cumulative grade-point average requirements and satisfy all other transfer requirements. All agreements become effective in the winter of 2020. Johnson College is currently enrolling for all associate degree programs related to the agreements.

“Establishing this with Marywood University is another way that Johnson College partners to serve the community. Creating a pathway for our students to a bachelor’s degree ensures that they have the opportunity to stack their credentials as a way to advance in their career. The administration at Marywood University have similar goals – they want to admit our students who have a great educational foundation to build upon.” said Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College.

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., President of Marywood University said, “All of our regional institutions of higher education have the same goal in mind–to do what’s best for our students in order for them to realize their dreams. This collaboration speaks of our desire to help our students identify their passions and turn them into purposeful lives. Working together is always a win-win.”

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 14 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email admit@johnson.edu, or visit www.johnson.edu.

Marywood University prepares students to have a positive impact on society at regional and global levels while providing each student with the foundation for success in an interdependent world. Marywood University is co-educational, comprehensive, residential, and Catholic. Founded in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the University serves men and women from a variety of backgrounds and religions. The University enrolls more than 2,500 students in an array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Committed to enriching human lives through ethical and religious values and a tradition of service and motivated by a pioneering, progressive spirit, Marywood provides a framework for educational excellence that enables students to develop fully as persons and to master professional and leadership skills necessary for meeting human needs.

Johnson College Announces 2020-2021 Tuition Freeze

Fall 2020 students are guaranteed two years at the same tuition rate

Scranton, PA – January 14, 2020 – After achieving record-setting enrollment this fall, Johnson College is announcing that tuition for 2020-2021 will not increase. The $17,700 annual tuition cost set for fall 2019 will freeze for the upcoming year. Freshmen will carry this same cost into year two of their studies.

Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO, is proud of Johnson College’s ability to alleviate student debt burden. She shared, “Record-setting enrollment and smart fiscal management have led directly to this tuition freeze and our overall level of affordability for students.” 

Dr. Leonard cites the College’s high, in-field placement rate, as a key reason students choose to attend the College in North Scranton. Johnson College programs are in such high demand that many students have job offers before graduation. Dr. Leonard said, “The relationship the College has with industry partners is unlike any other. Industry calls and we answer. They guide our curriculum to ensure that our students become the talented employees filling their workforce needs.”

The tuition freeze will increase students’ return on investment. Dr. Leonard shared, “Johnson College provides an opportunity for students to earn an affordable degree in just two years, acquiring less debt. Because of their valued skill sets, students are hired very quickly, leading to faster earnings growth, making their Johnson College education even more valuable.” A recent Georgetown University study reported that two-year college degrees and certificates have a higher return on investment within ten years after enrollment compared to four-year degrees from private and public colleges.

Between 94% and 97% of Johnson College students receive some type of financial aid. 

Spring 2020 classes are enrolling now for a January 21st start. The Fall 2020 semester begins on August 31, 2020.

Social Force Sponsors Giving Tree to Benefit Local Children

Johnson College student organization, Social Force, collected over 100 presents for more than 50 children in the Scranton area. The students sponsored a giving tree in the Moffat Student Center with the names of local children in need. Students, faculty, staff and alumni donated gifts to fulfill the wishes of every child. The donations went to two North Scranton Head Start locations as well as families identified by students and alumni. Under the supervision of Ms. Emily Holmes, Counselor & Manager of Disability Services, the giving tree at Johnson College has provided local children with presents for the last fourteen years.

Veterinary Technology Program Receives Grant to Support Low Income Spay & Neuter Clinic


Bethany Severn ’20; Kimberly Konopka, Veterinary Technology Department Chair ’07; Barbara Byrne, Associate Vice President of Faculty; Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO; Megan Mould, Associate Vice President of College Advancement; Tracey Pratt, Manager of Development; Dr. Jayne Kubat, Veterinarian; Alex Inirio ’20; and Jolynn Lawler, Veterinary Technology Instructor ’07.

Johnson College is proud to announce that it has received a grant from The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation for $5,000. The grant money supports Johnson College’s Animal Care Center which serves the public to provide routine animal care. Specifically, the grant supports the center’s low income spay and neuter services.

The Johnson College Animal Care Center is a public animal clinic staffed by students, veterinary technicians, and a veterinarian from the veterinary technology program.

The low income spay and neuter program serves individuals who make less than $25,000 annually. With documentation, the services are administered at the clinic after an office visit deems the animal healthy enough for a surgical procedure.

Other veterinary services provided by the Animal Care Center include routine exams, dental care, and lab diagnostics. All visits and services are by appointment only. Please call 570-702-8961 to schedule.

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Robert H. Spitz was born in Scranton and was a 1955 graduate of Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida. Before retirement, Spitz had been employed by the U.S. Department of Labor and was also the owner of several local Arby’s restaurants. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation was established from his estate in 2015. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has provided over $1.3 million in funding to the community. For more information on the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, please contact the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.

Spring Welding Classes to be Offered in January 2020

Johnson College is proud to announce that its Welding Technology Certificate will now be offered beginning in the spring semester, beginning in January 2020. Since 2012, Johnson College has offered the two semester, 30 credit certificate program. In previous years, the certificate was only offered in the fall semester which led to interested students having to wait to begin their coursework if they did not enroll by the summer.

The Welding Technology certificate course prepares students for entry-level work in the welding industry. Students learn about safety, hand tools, oxyacetylene torches, plasma arc, shielded metal arc welding (stick), gas metal arc welding (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), flux cored arc welding, metallurgy, print reading, and weld symbols. This in-demand major at Johnson College starts a full cohort every year, and the College is proud of its placement rate of these students each year. The class of 2018 was 100% employed.

Bill Burke, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services said, “Allowing students to enroll in our welding program in the spring semester is another way for us to get trained professionals out into the workforce faster.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a trained welder is $41,380 annually and the state of Pennsylvania has the fourth highest employment of welders nationally.

“Industry is constantly reaching out to us for more and more trained welders, so we were able to find a way to fill an employer need and get more students into our classrooms,” said Burke. Top employers of certified Johnson College welders include Hendrick Manufacturing, Pleasant Mount Welding, Scranton Craftsman, Cheetah Chassis, Leeward Construction, Master Halco, and Standard Iron Works.

The spring semester at Johnson College begins on January 21, 2020, and interested students can apply through January 10, 2020. Interested students can apply at www.johnson.edu/apply or email the Enrollment Department at enroll@johnson.edu for more information. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

JOHNSON COLLEGE RECEIVES BOILER DONATION FROM RJ WALKER, CO. AND PEERLESS BOILERS

Chuck Dunn, Manufacturers Representative for Leading Technologies, Advanced Hydronics; Leonard Carlucci, Sales Representative, R.J. Walker; Michael McDonnell, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Mid-Atlantic Sales, Peerless Boilers; Walter Wood, HVAC Program Director, Johnson College; and Michael Visbisky, HVAC Instructor, Johnson College.

Johnson College is pleased to announce it has received a high efficiency combination boiler for the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC) program from RJ Walker, Co. and Peerless Boilers. The PBC-34 boiler will serve as a training tool in the classroom. 

Walter Wood, HVAC Program Director, said industry partnerships like the one between the College and RJ Walker and Peerless Boilers are important because of the real world experience it brings into the classroom. He said, “With such a demand in the HVAC field, these companies look to Johnson College to fill industry’s needs.” Students will be able to learn how to install and troubleshoot this type of boiler before completing the program. Michael Visbisky, HVAC Instructor, added that, “With such a changing field, it is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work on a new model of boiler. This is definitely a great new addition to our classroom lab experience and something my students and I are excited about installing and working on.” 

Johnson College Annual Golf Tournament Raises over $40,000 for Student Scholarships

Johnson College held its 27th Annual Johnson College Open on May 9, 2019 at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountain Top, PA.  Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors and participation by students and alumni, the College exceeded its fundraising goal by raising a total net revenue of over $40,000 for the Presidential Scholarship Fund, which this year was awarded to three students. The recipients are John DeLucca, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Pittston; Evan Kleinart, Computer Information Technology, Greeley; Bethany Severn, Veterinary Technology, Sunbury; Preston West, Diesel Truck Technology, Monroe Township. 


Front Row (L-R): Bethany Severn ’20 (Presidential Scholarship Recipient), Megan Mould (Associate Vice President of College Advancement – Johnson College), Mary Beth Tomko (Action Lift), Tracey Pratt (Manager of Development – Johnson College), Pat Dietz (Peoples Security Bank & Trust), Dr. Katie Leonard (President & CEO – Johnson College), Joyce Fasula (Gerrity’s Supermarkets), Mike Dennen (PNC Bank), Attorney Marianne Gilmartin (Stevens & Lee) 
2nd Row: Dave Boniello (Simplex Homes), Tom Donohue (Lamar Advertising), Alex Stark (Kane Is Able), Tom Millard (Highland Associates), Dan Cristiano (Cristiano Welding), John DeLucca ’21 (Presidential Scholarship Recipient)

Johnson College Receives Grant from PPL Foundation for Solar USB Charge Workshop Program

Johnson College is pleased to announce it has received a $4,500 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the Solar USB Charger Workshop program.  Johnson College faculty and staff will learn how to create a solar USB charger.  Participants will then recreate the workshop for Lackawanna County middle and high school students, so that they can share the lesson with their students.  The solar power USB charger will also be incorporated into Johnson College’s STEM outreach work with middle and high school students.

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process.

About the PPL Foundation:

Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation will support organizations that are working to create vibrant, sustainable communities and empowering each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $3 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.pplcares.com.

Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Graduate Strikes a Chord at Martin Guitar & Co. Inc.

Today’s job market relies on people with strong trade skills. The career path can vary, but a strong technical background can set young people on unexpected paths. That is the case with Matthew Kaczorowski, ’17. “To be able to enter the construction workforce a step ahead,” is what his goal was in choosing Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Kaczorowski became interested in carpentry in high school and was able to take classes though Monroe Career & Technical Institute. These classes helped him decide on what he wanted his future to look like. He decided to continue his education at Johnson College.

During his time at Johnson College, he enjoyed the hands-on learning and the small class size. “I was able to participate in each project and was able to receive as much attention and guidance as I needed,” Kaczorowski said. The attention he received from his instructors was vital in developing the skills that he uses at his current job at Martin Guitar. “During my interview, I was told that I looked very natural and comfortable using the tools. This is definitely due to the hands-on experience I gained from Johnson College,” Koczorowski said.

Martin Guitar is one of the leading acoustic guitar manufacturers. Headquartered in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, they have been making high-quality products since they opened their doors in 1833. Musical legends such as Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, and Eric Clapton have all recorded and performed with these acoustic instruments. Martin has influenced the acoustic guitar industry with innovative developments such as X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar, and the “Dreadnought” size guitar. Each instrument is hand-crafted for musicians of all experience levels to enjoy.

As part of the body rim assembly production team, Koczorowski aids in creating the reputable instruments that Martin Guitar is known for. The body of an acoustic guitar is where the sound is produced so his work must be precise. Koczorowski enjoys his work environment, he said, “The environment is very friendly, but focused on the high quality of the product.” Walking through the factory, visitors can see that each of the employees is equally invested in the company’s mission “to be an organization of dedicated co-workers committed to exceptional leadership and innovation in the fretted instrument and string manufacturing industries, while celebrating our heritage and traditions as a family-owned company.” When asked what advice he would give to someone who was thinking about Johnson College, he said “Johnson College will definitely prepare you for the career you are interested in. You’re making a good choice.”

Johnson College in Conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop Brings CNC Machining Training to Luzerne County

Johnson College has formed a new relationship with a West Pittston business, Don’s Machine Shop, to bring CNC machining training to Luzerne County. At an Open House at Don’s Machine Shop on Saturday, September, 21st, the public is invited to tour a newly renovated teaching space which will house the new program. Curriculum will train students to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines which perform subtractive manufacturing methods to materials such as metal. CNC professionals manufacture precision products and components used in a variety of applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. The Open House will provide visitors with the opportunity to speak with instructors and meet current CNC machinists to learn about the occupation and job outlook in our region. 

The job training to be offered in conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop is a unique, one-of-a-kind training, open to anyone who is looking for a new career option, and it is delivered on some of the best machining equipment in the region.  Learning a trade with curriculum input from a functioning machine shop like Don’s Machine will help open up opportunities right away.  The relationship between Johnson College and Don’s Machine Shop is another way the College can immediately connect students to industry.  With the growing need for technicians in our region, this opportunity gets skilled technicians prepared adequately and quickly to the employer.  

The first session of CNC classes at 100 Elm Street in West Pittston will begin on Monday, November 4th.  Space is limited.

More about the 510 Hour CNC class:

  • Training includes both theory and hands-on learning experiences for beginner-level students.
  • The cost of the class is $6,250. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. 
  • Successful completion of the 510 hour CNC program allows students to have preferred interview status with Don’s Machine Shop.

More about Don’s Machine Shop: http://www.donsmachine.com/

Sign up for the 510 Hour CNC Session Beginning Monday, November 4th. Space is limited.

Click here to sign up

Questions? Please contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.