The University of Pittsburgh at Titusville announced three key staffing changes for the campus’s new Education and Training Hub, which President Dr. Catherine Koverola said will ensure its successful launch in August.
“We are moving ahead with confidence in bringing this innovative new model to the region,” Koverola said.
The staff changes include a new interim executive director, an assistant director, and a communications and marketing coordinator.
Karen Enos, who has been serving as the hub’s first interim executive director, is scheduled to step down in May. At that time, Dr. David Fitz, who has served as Pitt-Titusville’s campus dean for several years, will assume the role as interim executive director.
“David has been integral in the hub’s development,” Koverola said, “and his continued involvement will ensure its successful launch.”
Fitz began his career at Pitt-Titusville in 2011 as the vice president for academic affairs. In 2012, when Pitt-Bradford assumed administrative responsibilities for the Titusville campus, Fitz was named interim campus dean, then campus dean a year later.
He has spent more than 30 years in higher education. A graduate of York College of Pennsylvania, Fitz earned his doctorate in political science from the University of Pittsburgh.
Assisting Fitz will be Stephanie Fiely, who will serve as the hub’s assistant director. Fiely has worked at Pitt-Titusville since 1999, most recently as the campus’s director of student life to develop a student-focused campus culture with an emphasis on retention.
“Stephanie brings to this new position her commitment to and love for the campus and the community,” Koverola said.
The third staff position is a communications and marketing coordinator, which was filled by Wes Eastin. Eastin, who started his new position April 16, has 10 years’ experience in marketing, photo/video production, and branding.
“Wes brings a wealth of experience to this role and will work closely with our partners to increase the hub’s presence on all communication channels,” Koverola said.
The hub will be comprised of three partners that will initially launch programs then make adjustments and additions to address regional needs. The University of Pittsburgh will offer the associate of science in nursing program as well as replicate its world-renowned Manufacturing Assistance Center to offer comprehensive precision machinist training programs.
The Northern Pennsylvania Regional College will offer the general education courses for nursing students as well as offer selections from its associate degree programs based on local needs. Manchester Bidwell Corp. will establish a Workforce and Opportunity Center for adults and initially offer clinical and clerical medical assistant programs as well as youth arts programming with an emphasis on ceramics.
Hub officials are also working with the German American Chamber of Commerce to develop apprenticeship opportunities in the area.
“We are excited to begin this new collaborative project, which will provide much-needed education and training to area residents and ultimately energize and revitalize our region,” Koverola said.