Currently, PA higher education is shrinking in the number of newly credentialed individuals it produces annually. To meet its workforce needs, Pennsylvania must significantly increase the number of adults with some postsecondary education. With over 400,000 students seeking degrees or enrolled in certificate and other career-development programs – affordable, career-relevant post-secondary education is an engine of social mobility and economic development, which is essential to the future of this Commonwealth and an opportunity for the system to be a leader in addressing this critical need. Come to this session to learn the strategy behind how the PA State System of Higher Education and its regional institutions are prioritizing workforce development across the Commonwealth.
Hope Lineman, Strategic Advisor to the Chancellor on Workforce Innovation and Dean of Career and Workforce Education, Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Lineman has extensive experience in establishing collaborative partnerships to address workforce training needs and to foster goodwill between the university and community. She has consistently engaged with local leaders to develop strategies and programs that support career and workforce education. As Dean of Career & Workforce Education she is responsible for development of less than two-year credentials and training and continues to oversee the Venango campus facilities.
As a former returning adult student, Lineman understands the adult learner journey and is committed to providing those learning and career opportunities to others. Lineman earned a certified medical office assistant credential in 1988 and moved along the career ladder into an office manager position, overseeing all facets of a large multifaceted medical practice. She holds numerous Clarion University degrees including an associate of arts and science, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mass Media Arts and Communication Studies, and a public relations certificate.
Hope Schmids, Director of Workforce Development Program, Office of Community Engagement, Governmental & Economic Development, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
As Director of Millersville University’s Workforce Development Program, Hope Schmids promotes, leads and manages all aspects of day-to-day operations associated with noncredit programs including The Corporate University, Certified Public Manager® Program and The Nonprofit Resource Network. She builds relationships with local workforce and economic development entities as well as area nonprofit organizations and develops new initiatives aligned with Millersville University’s Strategic Plan and the needs of the community. Hope serves on the Finance and Development Executive Leadership Team of the Lancaster City Alliance and is a Team Co-Leader with the Economic Development Company of Lancaster’s Boroughs Initiative.
Hope earned a Master of Science in Education from The University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. She received a Bachelor of Arts from LaSalle University, where she majored in Psychology and Creative Writing. Prior to joining Millersville University, Hope served as Youth Project Coordinator at the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board and Program Coordinator at the Lancaster-Lebanon Science and Technology Alliance.
Lorelee Isbell, Executive Director of the Career, Mentoring, and Professional Development Center and the Office of Professional, Continuing, and Distance Education, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Lorelee Isbell has over 24 years of experience in higher education. As the Executive Director at Shippensburg University, Lorelee is responsible for the strategic growth of career readiness, experiential learning, and workforce development. Prior to her time at Shippensburg University, Lorelee worked for the PA State System of Higher Education’s Office of the Chancellor as the Executive Director of the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg, PA and the State System at Center City in Philadelphia, PA. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from Shippensburg University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Messiah University.