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Lackawanna College’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D., has been recognized among Northeast Pennsylvania’s Top 25 Women in Business for 2025 by the Scranton Times Tribune. This annual recognition highlights professional women who are making significant contributions to their organizations and communities across the region.

The Times Tribune selects 25 women each March who represent innovative leadership, decision-making excellence, and community involvement. These leaders are recognized for improving their communities, mentoring future business leaders, and encouraging other women to take leadership roles.

Leadership Recognition

When reflecting on her inclusion among NEPA’s Top 25 Women in Business, Pricci shared her appreciation for the honor.

“I feel in awe of being recognized in such great company among the other women in this list,” said Pricci. “Being recognized in this group, especially in a business setting, means a lot for me and the work I do for the college.”

The Times Tribune selection acknowledges innovative leadership initiatives. One of these initiatives Pricci has helped develop is the Level Up program, a curriculum allowing high school students the opportunity to earn college credits, certificates, or associate degrees at a reduced cost, with transferable credits and potential full funding.

“This is the program I am most proud of helping develop because of the impact it has on our students. The amount of money students save and the level of college preparedness is genuinely life changing,” said Pricci. “I will run into students that tell me how they were able to afford college and are at a better academic standing because of this program. It fills me with a sense of pride seeing students take advantage of the Level Up program.”

Other initiatives Pricci has helped spearhead are the introduction of Bachelor degree programs to Lackawanna College in 2017 and the work on Lackawanna College’s merger with Peirce College.

Professional Background

Pricci started at Lackawanna College as a Grant Writer in 2009 and realized her passion for writing curriculums and assessment plans. During this time, she was earning her Ph.D., and interning at The Commonwealth Medical College, now the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, where she helped with curriculum development.

In 2012, she transitioned to the Associate Dean of Curriculum at Lackawanna College also earning her Ph.D., in Human Development with a Concentration in Higher Education Administration.

After former Lackawanna College President Mark Volk retired in 2020, Pricci began her current role of Provost, supervising over Student Success, Student Engagement, Athletics, Residence Life, and Public Safety.

Institutional Commitment

Pricci’s dedication to Lackawanna College is evident through her ongoing work and leadership approach. When asked what drives her passion for the college’s mission, Pricci spoke on the impact the college has and what motivates her.

“I love Northeastern Pennsylvania, and I believe we need an educated citizenship for workforce development to be that economic engine in our community. I feel so strongly in the role our college performs in the community, it’s what drives me every day,” said Pricci. “Seeing the impact our college has on its students and working with my passionate and dedicated colleagues motivates me to come to work every day.”

Looking Ahead

When asked what advice she would offer to women aspiring to succeed in business and academia, Pricci emphasized the importance of confidence and being authentic.

“I think it’s really important for women to not be apologetic about who they are. We tend to walk into a room and ask ourselves how will I be perceived? What will people think of me? Can I ask this question? Am I the only woman in the room? You are in a room because you have the credibility and brain power to be there and once you’re there, be who you are,” said Pricci.

She also highlighted the critical role that guidance plays in professional development.

“Find mentors that support you along the way. I never would have thought of myself as being on a leadership journey if it weren’t for the strong, capable mentors who helped me get to where I am today.”

About the Recognition

The NEPA Top 25 Women in Business recognition celebrates female professionals who represent a diverse cross-section of industries and leadership roles throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. Recipients demonstrate excellence in their professional fields while also contributing to community development and mentoring future leaders.

Lackawanna College continues to benefit from Pricci’s leadership as the institution advances its educational mission throughout the region.

Click here to read the full feature on NEPA’s Top 25 Women in Business for 2025 from the Times Tribune.