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RACC receives $20,000 grant to expand cyber defense training

Friday, July 26, 2019

RACC receives $20,000 grant to expand cyber defense training

Reading, PA – Reading Area Community College (RACC) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the American Associa

Reading, PA – Reading Area Community College (RACC) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) MentorLinks: Advancing Technological Education project, which is supported by the National Science Foundation.

Through the MentorLinks program, RACC will apply the grant toward strengthening its popular Cyber Defense Certificate program. Funding will help connect faculty and administrative staff to institutions or organizations with strong cyber defense systems, allowing them to stay current with new technologies. Grant money will also be used toward developing internships and field experiences. This will provide opportunities for program graduates to earn industry standard credentials and hands-on practical experience.

By 2021, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions in the workforce. In response to the shortage, RACC introduced a Cyber Defense Certificate program in fall 2018.

“This accelerated program is ideal for professionals seeking to upskill, change careers, or for students wishing to enter the cybersecurity field,” says RACC President Dr. Susan Looney. “This grant will enable us to continue to strengthen and expand the program to meet the growing demands of the cybersecurity industry.”

The RACC Cyber Defense Certificate combines both networking and systems administration fundamentals, with a focus on defensive strategies to securing systems. This accelerated program can be completed in 15 months, and all courses may be taken online.

For more information about Cyber Defense training at RACC, visit racc.edu/cyberdefense.

RACC Alive

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

RACC Alive

RACC’s new quarterly print and digital publication ALIVE features timely news and events about RACC s

RACC’s new quarterly print and digital publication ALIVE features timely news and events about RACC students, faculty, staff, programs and workforce development. Each issue of ALIVE illustrates RACC’s commitment to enhancing the educational and economic vitality of Berks County and its residents.

View the current issue of ALIVE

American Association of Community Colleges

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

American Association of Community Colleges appoints Reading Area Community College President Dr. Susan D. Looney to the Commission on Student Success

Reading, PA.

Reading, PA. – The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is proud to announce the appointment of Reading Area Community College President Dr. Susan D. Looney to its Commission on Student Success, effective July 1, 2019.

The Commission on Student Success focuses on student access and success, and organizational transformation. The commission may examine subject areas which include degree completion and two-year to four-year transfer. In addition, the commission may focus on initiatives that facilitate the implementation of the 21st-Century Initiative and Implementation Guidelines, showcase cutting-edge innovation with proven outcomes, and improve student success.

“It is a particularly exciting time to be appointed to the Commission on Student Success. The AACC is truly the ‘voice of America’s community colleges’ and I am honored to be selected to assist in providing advocacy, leadership, and service for community colleges. The mission of the AACC aligns closely with my personal hallmarks of access, opportunity, excellence, and hope in guiding our students to success,” says Dr. Looney.

In her 20 years as a full-time community college educator, eight as a faculty member and 12 years as a senior administrator, Dr. Looney has worked in diverse roles including: assistant to the campus director and director of corporate and community programs at Delaware Technical Community College, and interim assistant vice president of academic affairs, arts and sciences at Colorado Mountain College. Dr. Looney was named dean of instruction at Reading Area Community College in 2014 and named senior vice president of academic affairs/provost at RACC in 2015. She became the 6th president of RACC in July of 2018.

After completing her AA at Brookdale Community College, Dr. Looney went on to earn her BS and MBA in business administration from Monmouth University, JD from Widener University School of Law, and ultimately an Ed.D. in higher education leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Susan D. Looney Appointed to Reading Hospital Board of Trustees

Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Reading Area Community College President Dr. Susan D. Looney Appointed to Reading Hospital Board of Trustees

Reading, PA.

Reading, PA. – The Reading Hospital Board of Trustees is proud to announce the appointment of Reading Area Community College President Dr. Susan D. Looney to its board effective June 1, 2019.

The Reading Hospital Board of Trustees includes representatives from leading Berks County businesses, and academic and medical institutions.

“We are very excited to have Dr. Looney join the Reading Hospital Board of Trustees. Dr. Looney brings a strong background in academics, research, and leadership – which is a great complement to our board,” says William M. Jennings, President and Chief Executive Officer, Reading Hospital. “It is especially significant to have Dr. Looney join us as we continue to partner with academic institutions, like Reading Area Community College, in our commitment to Advancing Health and Transforming Lives.”

In her 20 years as a full-time community college educator, eight as a faculty member and 12 years as a senior administrator, Dr. Looney has worked in diverse roles including: assistant to the campus director and director of corporate and community programs at Delaware Technical Community College, and interim assistant vice president of academic affairs, arts and sciences at Colorado Mountain College. Dr. Looney was named dean of instruction at Reading Area Community College in 2014 and named senior vice president of academic affairs/provost at RACC in 2015.

After completing her AA at Brookdale Community College, Dr. Looney went on to earn her BS and MBA in business administration from Monmouth University, JD from Widener University School of Law, and ultimately an Ed.D. in higher education leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

“It is a particularly exciting time to be appointed to the Reading Hospital board of trustees. The hospital continues to advance the healthcare industry in our area, and I look forward to working with the leadership team as the organization sets its sights on the future,” says Dr. Looney.

Reading Health is committed to advancing health and transforming lives in the communities they serve. Their system includes more than 1,000 physician and healthcare providers delivering both primary and specialty care.

RACC to Host 2019 Job Fair

Wednesday, April 03, 2019
RACC to Host 2019 Job Fair April 10th for Students and Community

Job seekers from the general public are invited to attend.

Reading, PA –The Career Services Office at Reading Area Community College is pleased to announce our Job Fair 2019, which will be held on Wednesday, April 10th, 2019, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The event is open to all students and graduates of RACC, and job seekers from the general public are welcome to attend as well. The event will be held in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center on RACC’s campus.

“We are expecting 51 employers,” says Jen Gittings-Dalton, Career Development Specialist at RACC. “We have employers hiring students from most majors, and in multiple career areas. They are offering full-time, part-time, and internship positions. We encourage all types of job-seekers to attend.”

Job seekers are encouraged to dress appropriately for interviewing and to bring multiple copies of their resume, if they have one. RACC students may create or improve their resumes by visiting the RACC Career Center, and also get help with interviewing and job search skills and any career-related questions. The Career Center is located in room B-220, Berks Hall; students may drop by during office hours or make an appointment by calling 610-607-6246.
RACC partners with many local employers in hiring and services.

RACC’s annual Job Fair has been held at RACC for many years, with positive reviews from both attendees and employers. “We are proud of our students,” said Gittings-Dalton, “and we are proud of our community. The people of Berks County are well-known for their hard work and loyalty, and RACC interns, students, and graduates add talent and skills to that foundation.”

For more information, contact Pat Edgar at 607-6246.

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Features & News

Muhlenberg School District joins effort to break barriers through language
Aug 05, 2019
Muhlenberg partnered with Reading Area Community College to offer a Spanish course to its staff as the district adapts to a growing Latino population.

Drexel University president tours Reading Area Community College advanced science labs
Jul 26, 2019
Reading, PA – On July 24, Drexel University President John Fry toured the Schmidt Training

RACC receives $20,000 grant to expand cyber defense training
Jul 26, 2019
Reading, PA – Reading Area Community College (RACC) has been awarded a $20,000 grant from

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