Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast – Episode 5 Now Available

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast Episode 5, Growing Opportunities for the HVAC Trade” is now available. In this episode Dr. Katie Pittelli talks with Steve Midura, Northeast Pennsylvania Market Director at Johnson Controls in Wilkes-Barre. They discuss the effects that COVID-19 has had on the industry and safety regulations in place, as well as the demand across the nation for skilled technicians in this field and how technology is growing the capability of HVAC systems.

Visit https://johnsoncollegepodcast.com/ to listen to all of the Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast episodes and learn more.

Our guest, Steve Midura, enjoys the extreme privilege of leadership with a dedicated team of professionals that serve the broader Northeast Pennsylvania HVAC & Automation market. Some key clients are Geisinger, the Mohegan Sun Casino and the Lackawanna County Stadium. Steve ensures that all customers are sold the value they need and that the operations efforts are fully executed to exceed expectations. The true value his team offers is local, dedicated staff that live here and take great pride in remaining the NEPA market leader.

Prior to Steve being named the Northeast Pennsylvania Market Director of Johnson Controls in 2004, he was Project Team Leader from 1997 to 2004. Before joining Johnson Controls, Steve was Assistant Director of Facilities at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, PA.

Steve is a current member of Johnson College’s Board of Directors. He brings his knowledge & experience to help the college grow the student experience & ultimate capability. Steve’s focus will also be on gaining the maximum amount of exposure to women & diverse candidates. The technically skilled workforce demands the best & most passionate professionals and these careers should offer everyone a fulfilling lifetime of opportunity.

2020-2021 Enrollment Largest in the College’s History

Johnson College’s 2020-21 total enrollment, 497, is the largest enrollment number in its 108-year history. The College increased its enrollment by 5% from last year, which was also a record-setting year, with over 252 incoming freshmen and 228 students returning for their second consecutive year. In addition, 17 high school students from Abington Heights, Forest City, Honesdale, Lakeland, Old Forge, and Riverside are enrolled in Johnson College’s Dual Enrollment and Industry Fast Track programs held on campus.

This year, 27% of the incoming freshman class transferred in from another institution making Johnson College a destination for students.. Also, the College launched and welcomed its first class into its Associate Degree program for Heavy Equipment Technology.

“As our record enrollment shows, incoming freshman found what they were looking for in the flexibility of our online classes and the opportunities provided by our hands-on labs,” said Bill Burke, Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “The hybrid model we’re offering, along with smaller class sizes, labs at industry partner locations and the potential to complete their education in 2 years or less, give our students the opportunity to be well prepared to enter the essential workforce sooner.”

Johnson College will continue to follow its hybrid model throughout the 2020-21 school year. General education and program theory classes will be delivered online while labs and lab-related coursework will be in-person. Through this model, the College is prioritizing student safety while offering increased flexibility when it comes to the hands-on learning required to enter the workforce. Social distancing and mask guidelines will be followed on campus and at industry lab locations.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Our degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 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 enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Continuing Education Program Offers Welding Basics Class

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is now enrolling students into it’s Welding Basics class that will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 8am-12pm on the Johnson College campus in Scranton. Class cost is $150.

The Welding Basics class will provide the basic knowledge and skills for various forms of welding (MIG, TIG & Stick).  Students will learn basic terms and definitions, welding safety and machine setup. Each student will also have the opportunity to try their hand in the booth for basic welding demonstration.

Space is limited. To learn more or enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast – Episode 4 Now Live

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast Episode 4, “Information Technology and It’s Effect on Our Lives” is live. In this episode Dr. Katie Pittelli talks with Johnson College’s own Matt Cirba. They discuss how educators rely on technology to interact with students throughout the pandemic and how it will impact our world in the future.

Visit https://johnsoncollegepodcast.com/ to listen to all of the Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast episodes and learn more.

Our guest, Matt Cirba, is currently a full-time instructor at Johnson College in the Computer Information Technology program. Matt has an A.S. from Johnson College, a B.S. from Keystone College, and a M.S. Ed from Wilkes University. In summer seasons, he works part-time for minor league baseball. Before teaching, he was working as an information technology consultant for 6 years in the field helping to take service calls, repair technology, implement new resources, and construct networks for businesses.

Matt is the creator and owner of Garlic Jar Media, established in April 2020. He strives to produce podcast and other multimedia for everyone to enjoy. Matt hosts their new hit podcast show titled: The Garlic Jar Podcast Show. They discuss pop culture topics, news, and today’s biggest interests/trends. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podomatic, and other online media platforms.

Johnson College Receives $3,500 PPL Foundation Grant

Johnson College was awarded a $3,500 grant from the PPL Foundation to support its STEM Energy Outreach Program in five northeastern Pennsylvania school districts.  This program will introduce at least 50 middle and high school students to green, renewable energy through solar concepts using an interactive, hands on demonstration. To participate schools must email Kellyn Williams, PhD, Chief Academic Officer at Johnson College at knolan@johnson.edu. Space is limited.

Students will participate in the interactive learning experience by assembling K’nex Education Renewable Energy sets during a live zoom class with Johnson College Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Kellyn Williams. They will also watch online presentations featuring Richard Fornes, Johnson College Electrical Engineering program director, and Cole Hastings Goldstein, Johnson College Advanced Manufacturing program director. The completed K’nex kits will be shared with additional schools as part of future Johnson College STEM Outreach Programs.

“The PPL Foundation grant gives local middle and high school students the opportunity to experience the real-world, hands-on learning our amazing faculty provides students on the Johnson College campus” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College President and CEO. “Our STEM Outreach Programs provide local students an introduction to careers within essential industries throughout northeastern Pennsylvania and the country.”  

Johnson College previously presented STEM Outreach Programs at the Scranton School District, Weatherly Middle School, Carbondale High School, Wallenpaupack School District, and Forest City School District.   

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process.  Through strategic partnerships, the Foundation supports organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities; promote diversity, equity and inclusion; and empower each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. Learn more about the PPL Foundation at https://www.pplweb.com/communities/ppl-foundation/.

(L to R): Dr. Kellyn Williams, Johnson College’s chief academic officer holding a solar powered vehicle students will build, Alana Roberts, regional affairs director at the PPL Foundation, and Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College’s president and CEO, holding a Solar Energy Program t-shirt participating students will receive.   

New Board Members and Officers for 2020-2021

Johnson College announces that four new members have recently joined the Board of Directors and new officers have been elected. New board members include Ashley H. Bechaver, Candy J. Frye ’94, Steve M. Pierson ’06, and Stephen E. Midura. New officers include Marianne Gilmartin, Esq., Chair; Christopher J. Haran, Vice Chair; and J. Patrick Dietz, Treasurer.

Ms. Ashley H. Bechaver is in Human Resources/IT at Gibbons Ford in Dickson City. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Legal, Institutions, Economics, and Government from American University. Ms. Bechaver has served on the Automotive Program Advisory Committee at Johnson College, Lackawanna Career Technology Center, and West Side Technology Center. She resides in Throop.

Mrs. Candy J. Frye is Director of New Business Development at A. Pickett Construction, Inc. in Kingston. Frye is a 1993 graduate of the building construction technology and 1994 graduate of the architectural drafting and design associate degree programs at Johnson College. She resides in Harding.

Mr. Steve M. Pierson is the Service Manager at Five Star International Trucks, LLC. In Allentown. Pierson is a 2006 graduate of the diesel truck technology program at Johnson College. He resides in Sellersville.

Mr. Stephen Midura is the Market Director at Johnson Controls in Wilkes-Barre. Midura holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering/business administration from Penn State and a MBA from Marywood. He resides in Scott Township.

Atty. Marianne Gilmartin is the new chair of the board. She joined the Johnson College board of directors in 2014. Atty. Gilmartin has served on the Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Human Resources Committee, and Board Committee Restructuring Taskforce. She was the Chair of the Academic Achievement & Student Engagement Committee in 2017-18. Atty. Gilmartin has brought her skills as an attorney and as a leader in the community to her work on the board. She is an attorney and shareholder at Stevens & Lee and holds a Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University. She resides in Moscow.

Mr. Christopher J. Haran is the new Vice Chair of the board. He joined the Johnson College board of directors in 2012. Mr. Haran has been instrumental in serving on the Governance Committee, most notably his work with board assessment initiatives. He holds a Master of Science degree in Management Science from Stony Brook University. Mr. Haran works professionally as a consultant and adjunct professor. He resides in Moscow.

Mr. J. Patrick Dietz is the new Treasurer of the board and brings the knowledge of his longtime career in banking to that position. He joined the Johnson College board in 2017 and is also a member of the Audit, Operational Excellence, and Governance Committees. Mr. Dietz is also the Chairman of the Salvation Army of Scranton Advisory Board. He obtained his MBA from Marywood University and is a Senior Vice President / Commercial Loan Officer at Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company. Mr. Dietz resides in South Abington Township with his wife Christine.

To see a complete listing the 2020-2021 Board of Directors visit https://johnson.edu/about/office-of-the-president/board-of-directors/.

Spring 2020 President’s List

Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2020 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

All students are from Pennsylvania.

Frank Buono. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Clarks Green

Jason Chilko, Automotive Technology, Bartonsville

Kyle Colarusso, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Moosic

William DesChenes, Automotive Technology, Greentown

Brittany Doran, Radiologic Technology, Avoca

Alexander Dubas, Computer Information Technology, Clarks Summit

Danny Fuentes, Physical Therapist Assistant, Edwardsville

Brian Hill, Computer Information Technology, Scranton

David Hudak, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Scott Twp.

Justin Kemble, Computer Information Technology, Scranton

Stephanie Laskowski, Automotive Technology, Covington Twp.

John Lee, Computer Information Technology, Old Forge

Helga Linhares, Physical Therapist Assistant, Clarks Green

Cody Mackin, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Taylor

Regina McCaffery, Radiologic Technology, Pocono Summit

Dominic Motta, Diesel Truck Technology, Pocono Lake

Rodrigue Ngongo, Computer Information Technology, Scranton

Kimberly Rivera Mendoza, Veterinary Technology, Wilkes-Barre

Sean Shearin, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning, Madison Twp.

Kiran Singh, Veterinary Technology, Putney

Colby Southivong, Computer Information Technology, Scranton

Joseph Stoffey, Computer Information Technology, Jessup

Christopher Taylor, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Waymart

Patrick Teeple, Automotive Technology, Carbondale

Diana Warrington, Veterinary Technology, Tafton

David Weaver, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Carbondale

Kerri Wydeen, Radiologic Technology, Scott Twp.

Thomas Zaltauskas, Diesel Truck Technology, Scranton

Continuing Education Program Offers 285 Hour CNC Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program’s 285 hour non-credit certificate Computer Numerical Control training will begin on Monday, October 5, 2020 and will run Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. on the Johnson College campus in Scranton. To learn more or enroll call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

The training is designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand machining field and will cover the theory and hands-on practice of both conventional and high-demand machining field. Students will learn blueprint reading, and math with an emphasis on the use of metals and the stresses placed upon them.

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program distinguishes itself from the College’s 2-year degree programs and certificate courses by providing its adult students the opportunity to improve their skills to stay ahead of the competition, learn new technologies, and advance in their current career. Industry partners utilize and recognize the Continuing Education courses, many taught by industry professionals, because they’re developed in partnership with industry. Johnson College strategizes with and listens to its partners when creating the most effective hands-on continuing education curriculum and programs. Some courses are specifically customized toward industry partners’ workforce needs in reducing possible skills gaps and industry requirements. Johnson College also assists individual students and industry partners in obtaining funding or grants so their continuing education courses are cost effective. Learn more about Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program at Johnson.edu/continuing-education.

Continuing Education Program Offers Online Healthcare Courses

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is offering four exclusive online Healthcare courses. They include: Clinical Medical Assistant, Electronic Health Records Management, Medical Billing & Coding, and Pharmacy Technician. To learn more about the online courses or enroll visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-education/or call 570-702-8979.

Students who enroll in Johnson College’s exclusive online courses learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. The education and training these courses provide give students the opportunity to advance in or begin new careers in Healthcare, one of our region’s essential industries.

The Clinical Medical Assistant course is designed to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. Medical assistants with a clinical background perform various clinical tasks including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiogram, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and other related tasks. Job opportunities are prevalent with physician’s offices, clinics, chiropractor’s offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities.

The Electronic Health Records Management course prepares students to understand and use electronic records in a medical practice. Students will review the implementation and management of electronic health information using common electronic data interchange systems and maintaining the medical, legal, accreditation and regulatory requirements of the electronic health record.

The Medical Billing & Coding course offers the skills needed to perform complex coding and billing procedures. The course covers: CPT (Introduction, Guidelines, Evaluation and Management), specialty fields (such as surgery, radiology and laboratory), the ICD-10 for both diagnosis and procedure coding, and basic claims processes for insurance reimbursements.

The Pharmacy Technician course will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. Content includes pharmacy medical terminology, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining generic and brand named drugs and much, much more. 

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program distinguishes itself from the College’s 2-year degree programs and certificate courses by providing its adult students the opportunity to improve their skills to stay ahead of the competition, learn new technologies, and advance in their current career.

Johnson College Continuing Education courses, many taught by industry professionals, are utilized and recognized by industry partners because they’re developed in partnership with industry. Johnson College also assists individual students and industry partners in obtaining funding or grants so their continuing education courses are cost effective. Learn more about Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program at Johnson.edu/continuing-education.