GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. and Chair of the Board of Trustees and Executive Director of the Penn-Northwest Development Corporation Rod E. Wilt ’86 will be among the speakers at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 31 at Thiel College during a public hearing on population changes in Pennsylvania’s rural regions.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, Center staff, and other state and local officials and stakeholders, are holding a public hearing in the College’s Lutheran Heritage Room of the Howard Miller Student Center to address rural population change in light of the Center’s recent population projections through 2050. Changes in Pennsylvania’s population will likely affect a wide range of policy issues, including workforce availability, housing, healthcare, education, and transportation.
“It is an honor for Thiel College to host such a significant public hearing, bringing attention to the demographic shifts impacting rural Pennsylvania. Our commitment to education, community engagement, and economic development aligns seamlessly with the issues that will be discussed. We are also grateful that Rod Wilt, an alumnus, community leader and advocate for the region, will include his valuable perspective,” Traverso said. “Collaboration between educational institutions, local leaders, and policymakers to address the unique needs of rural areas is essential. Thiel College is dedicated to being a proactive participant in these conversations, contributing to the development of strategies that will empower rural communities to thrive in the face of demographic changes.”
State Senator Gene Yaw, a Republican representing Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union Counties, is the chair of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors and state Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, a Democrat serving part of Luzerne County, is the vice chair. Also on the board of directors are other state legislators and representatives of higher education. Also scheduled to participate are Mercer County state legislators Senator Michele Brooks and Representative Parke Wentling.
Other expected speakers are:
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.