LCCC President Appointed to New State Board of Higher Education

Dr. Ann Bieber has been appointed by PA Governor Josh Shapiro to the new State Board of Higher Education, part of the reforms the governor signed into law as part of the 2024-25 budget.


Dr. Bieber has served as president of LCCC since July 2014 and contributes to the community as a member of numerous boards and organizations, including the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, KidsPeace, Manufacturers Resource Center, Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority and Century Promise.


The new state board brings together leaders from higher education, the business community, labor, students, legislators, and members of the Shapiro Administration to craft a strategic plan for higher education, coordinate between higher education institutions and sectors, make higher education more accessible and affordable for students, and ensure the Commonwealth’s higher education institutions are training students with the skills and credentials needed to fill critical workforce shortages and power the economy for generations to come. Additionally, the board will create a new Outcomes-Based Funding Council that will deliver recommendations for how best to fund state-related universities and provide a range of supports to institutions experiencing fiscal instability.


“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed — and that’s exactly what the new State Board of Higher Education will help deliver,” said Gov. Shapiro. “The new board builds on my blueprint for higher education and brings together a diverse set of leaders and stakeholders to develop statewide and regional solutions to the challenges we face – tackling workforce shortages head on and improving access and affordability for students.”


The governor’s appointees to the State Board of Higher Education are:


  • Cynthia Shapira (chair), chairwoman of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors
  • Dr. Brenda Allen (vice chair), President of Lincoln University
  • Dr. Ann Bieber, President of Lehigh Carbon Community College
  • Sean Eden, student at Pennsylvania State University
  • Richard Englert, Interim President of Temple University
  • Kara Laskowski, professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Shippensburg University and a member of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF)
  • Kenneth Long, President of East Stroudsburg University
  • Dr. Cheryl McConnell, President of Saint Joseph’s University
  • Pedro Rivera, President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
  • Andrea Shirk, President and CEO of Rock Lititz
  • Michael Wade Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff of Penn State University
  • Michael Warfel, Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Highmark, Inc.
  • Kevin Washo, Chief of Staff to the Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh
  • Bobbie Jo Zapor, Library Assistant at Indiana University and President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 763


The General Assembly has also made four appointments to the State Board of Higher Education:


  • Senator Jay Costa
  • Senator Wayne Langerholc
  • Representative Peter Schweyer
  • Representative Jesse Topper



“I am honored to be appointed by the governor to represent community colleges,” said Dr. Bieber. “This board will ensure that higher education options for Pennsylvanians remain viable and robust. The fact that community colleges have a seat at the table reflects the value placed on community college education by Gov. Shapiro.”

LCCC Receives Two-Year Grant to Support CDL Training to Military and Underserved Students

LCCC is one of 27 colleges or training centers in the country and one of only two in Pennsylvania to receive a federal grant that provides funding to former and current military service members and their families, as well as underserved students to pursue careers as commercial truck drivers.


The college will receive $135,600 of the total $3.5 million awarded nationwide for this two-year grant, which will go to provide scholarships for the CDL training program, valued at $5,650 each. Funds will support approximately 20 veterans and/or their family members and an additional four underserved students.


The funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) through the Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) Grant Program.


The mission of FMCSA is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The grant seeks to reduce the severity and number of crashes on our nation’s roads involving large trucks and buses by expanding the number of CDL holders possessing enhanced operator safety training.


Funds will address the growing need for drivers in the rapidly expanding trucking industry. The grant will assist current or former members of the United States Armed Forces (including National Guard members and Reservists) and their spouses or children to receive CDL training and job search support in order to gain employment in the commercial motor vehicle operation industry.


Commercial truck driving is considered a high priority occupation in the region and offers strong employment possibilities and family sustaining wages.


The CDL program at LCCC teaches the knowledge and skills drivers need using a combination of classroom, driving range and on-road training. The program offers four- and eight-week options in both day and evening classes and is in partnership with Ancora Training. Experienced instructors help prepare students to take and pass their state’s Commercial Driver’s License test.


For additional information on the CDL program and scholarships, contact Aliana Ramirez, 956-292-9741, or aliana.ramirez@ancoraeducation.com.

Rothrock Family Receives LCCC Collegiate Award of Distinction

LCCC has named the Rothrock Family as the 2024 recipient of the Collegiate Award of Distinction, which is determined each year by the college’s Board of Trustees. Trustee Dr. Barbara Kistler presented the award to Peter Chiaradia, one of the grandchildren of Bruce Rothrock, at the LCCC Foundation’s annual golf tournament on Sept. 16.

 

The LCCC Board of Trustees selects the Collegiate Award of Distinction to recognize a person, family or organization for unique contributions to the community, service and dedication in support of education, and to honor those who have demonstrated their commitment to the college and its students. The award was established in 1991.

 

The Rothrock family has been generous to LCCC over the years. The Bruce L. Rothrock Entrepreneurial Scholarship fund honors Bruce’s lifelong achievements, and the lobby of the Community Services Center was named for him to memorialize his generosity. In 2017, his three sons, David B. Rothrock, Bruce L. Rothrock, Jr., and Dean A. Rothrock, served as honorary chairs of the annual golf classic, raising funds that went to this scholarship, supporting students who have an interest and passion for entrepreneurship.

 

The Rothrock Library bears the family’s name in honor of a donation in memory of Debra Ann Rothrock-Chiaradia. The library was dedicated in 2008 and continues to serve students and the community as a center of learning.

 

Velia Rothrock serves on the LCCC Foundation Board of Directors, and Patrina Rothrock has shepherded donations to Foundation events including the Art, Rhythm and Tasting held in August 2023 in the new Glass Box Gallery in the Rothrock Library, and the Purse Bingo that was held for many years to benefit students in the Veterinary Technology program.

 

The family has always prioritized family, community and service, which has far-reaching consequences that have benefited LCCC students for decades.



KU, LCCC Enhance Transfer Agreement to Help Students Earn Degrees

Kutztown University and Lehigh Carbon Community College have strengthened their partnership by adding resources to allow students to seamlessly transfer credits between the two institutions to encourage students to complete a college degree.


LCCC students who earn their associate degree can transfer seamlessly to KU, entering as a junior. Financial benefits of the transfer program include a $500 book award, $1,000 in housing scholarships per year for two years and up to $5,000 in merit scholarships. Transfers will have their application fees waived, receive personal advising and have access to grants and scholarships.


“We are very excited about this unique and innovative transfer partnership as it opens numerous pathways to transfer students coming to Kutztown University through curriculum, housing, financial aid and other areas of support,” said Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, Kutztown University president. “This is especially important to me, as an individual, as I am a proud recipient of an associate degree. Starting at a community college provided the foundation to all the accomplishments I have attained in my career.”


LCCC students transferring to KU will not be required to complete more than 60 credits to earn a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, if they are transferring to a parallel degree program. Students are guaranteed admission to KU, provided they meet program criteria and there is capacity for additional students in the program.


KU students are also eligible to use the reverse transfer process to earn an associate degree from LCCC with their KU credits.


”Ultimately, this partnership means that students will benefit, streamlining the process to transfer and ultimately to earn their bachelor’s degree,” says LCCC president Dr. Ann D. Bieber. “Students will be able to achieve their educational goals, at an affordable price and remaining close to home. LCCC and KU are both committed to providing a pathway for students to earn their degree.”


Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA to determine eligibility for financial aid, including scholarship opportunities for LCCC students transferring to KU. Information is available from both LCCC and KU.

Learn more online.


Tony Boyle Golf Classic Raises $130,000

The LCCC Foundation hosted their annual Tony Boyle Memorial Golf Classic on Sept. 16. It was a great day out on the course with perfect weather. In total, close to $130,000 was raised with proceeds going toward LCCC student scholarships. Over 150 golfers were hosted over two flights. A special thank you to all of our sponsors, and thank you to all of our amazing event volunteers! Photos from the event can be viewed on our Flickr account.

Important Dates for October

Oct. 3 Opening Reception, Francis Beaty "Spontaneous Connections", Glass Box Gallery, 6 - 8 p.m.

Oct. 8 Health Science Transfer Event, 1 - 4 p.m.

Oct. 10 Dual Enrollment Virtual Info Session, 5 - 6 p.m.

Oct. 15 No Daytime or Evening Classes

Oct. 17 Alumni Speaker Series, 4 - 6 p.m.

Oct. 22 Fall Transfer Fair, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Oct. 31 LCCC Fall Job Fair (Main Campus)


Lehigh Carbon Community College President

Dr. Ann D. Bieber

LCCC Board of Trustees

LCCC Foundation Board of Directors

Alumni Association Board of Directors