Congressman Dan Meuser Promotes Lackawanna College PNG Program and New Technology Center at Roundtable Event
Congressman Dan Meuser hosted a roundtable event advocating the success of Lackawanna College Tunkhannock Center’s School of Petroleum & Natural Gas (PNG) with industry leaders and explained how the Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) can be significant for success in local communities.
“Lackawanna College is about taking care of business today with education, increasing skill development and the understanding of natural resources and the opportunities that come with it,” Congressman Meuser said. “It’s really great the whole initiative (PNG).”
The roundtable let several industry leaders promote the success of the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania and the growing workforce Lackawanna College is building. William’s Companies Commercial Development Representative, Ryan Stalker, commented on what his company looks for in college graduates and the skills they possess.
“There is an assumption of quality that comes from this program (PNG). When we see folks come out of the program we know they possess the basics, how to be safe in the field and trust they will be successful,” Stalker said.
The PNG program prepares students for careers in the world of petroleum and natural gas. The program offers several different education options for students to choose from and includes partnerships such as Coterra Energy and William’s Energy.
Other leaders included President and Chief Innovation Officer of Lackawanna College Dr. Jill Murray, CEO of Commonwealth Charitable Management Cristine Clayton, Coterra Energy’s Director of External Affairs George Stark and Lackawanna College graduate and Coterra Energy foreman Ben Whitaker.
Dr. Murray commented on how the PNG program’s model laid the groundwork for the CTI with industry partnerships, industry-built curriculums, investments and scholarships.
“We are building a workforce necessary for today and essential for tomorrow with the CTI,” Dr. Murray said.
The CTI will offer undergraduate degree programs, corporate training, as well as short term, stackable certificates in cybersecurity, robotics & integrated technologies and electric vehicle & advanced automotive. RackTop Systems is one of the cybersecurity partners and CEO, Eric Bednash expressed his support of the CTI’s cybersecurity program.
“We are really excited to partner with Lackawanna College to cultivate that next generation of cyber talent to help us stay safe,” Bednash said.