President's Perspective

The sun has set on 2023.Our trip through the year, as in others, ended with reflections of our achievements as the community’s college.Of welcoming high-tech facilities in Butler Township and in Ford City.Celebrating in Brockway. Flourishing...

So many times I have said “The sun always shines at BC3.”But today, a welcomed cloud stretches over the 100-plus miles between our six locations.It’s Cloud 9.And we’re flying high on it.BestColleges.com’s ranking of BC3 as...

The view this morning from the President’s Office is a beautiful one. I always enjoy glancing through my window early in the morning, watching the transition from dark to light. Snowflakes are falling -- dancing, almost...

“Take a look over there,” he said at the ceremonial groundbreaking for BC3 @ Armstrong in Ford City nearly one year ago. “You can’t see it right now, but that’s opportunity. That’s a chance for our...

What an outstanding start to the 2022-2023 academic year at BC3!Convocation with our excellent faculty and staff was wonderful.Welcome Day with our new students was energetic.We scored a win by showcasing our role as the community’s college...

You did it again. You planned and you carried out yet another magnificent outdoor graduation ceremony for hundreds of visitors to our Butler County Community College. Our 54th commencement May 18 was inspiring for so many...

Our college is buzzing. Contractors are building new facilities on our main campus and in Ford City. Visitors are envisioning their futures by attending our spring open houses. Alumni have read poetry at public events on campus. Our student-athletes returned to action...

Welcome to 2022 at BC3! Our journey in this new year will be filled with accomplishments, with successes, and with highlights. As we begin the start of the spring semester, please join me in looking back...

  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. A time for fellowship and food. A time for relaxation and reflection. A time for recognizing the people, places and things for which we are grateful. I’ve offered my gratitude...

It was a lazy summer day circa 1982 at our beloved Ellport playground. My brother, Mike, best pal, Billy, and I lay on our backs, spinning on a merry-go-round and gazing at the overcast sky. We...

We did it. Our college successfully navigated a spring semester, a walk-thru commencement and the start of summer sessions as the clouds of COVID-19 may be lifting. I was happy to see the calendar reach June...

  Clichés by definition are phrases overused, and I tend to overuse those about football. Chuck Noll’s “Whatever it takes” has served as a good framework regardless of the circumstance. As has my high school football...

From time to time I am asked, “What do you like most about your job?” “Our students,” I reply without hesitation. The past year has been a challenge in so many ways. Another difficult day came...

This shortest month of the year should long be remembered at BC3. Our college in February joined in new partnerships with the Butler Area School District and with Robert Morris University, and received approvals that will...

I’ve been at this blog since the early days of my presidency. I’ve enjoyed writing it. Brings back memories of when I was a sports columnist many years ago. My favorite opinion pieces back then were...

It’s been a long time since I was appointed as president of Butler County Community College.   Shortly after being named CEO in 2007, I was asked to serve with other Butler County leaders to create...

"Finally, it's here. The fall 2020 semester and the start of a new academic year at all Butler County Community College locations."

This blog post is in response to a handwritten letter the College recently received from an alumni. Letter from Jean H. Smith, BC3 Alumnus from Kittanning, dated May 18, 2020. View full transcript.Download PDF Dear Ms....

https://videopress.com/v/1YsnB4zG?preloadContent=metadata It’s been seven weeks since our college responded to the COVID-19 situation. We did so keeping the safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to our BC3 locations at the forefront of our decisions.   Since March...

I’ve taught public relations for many years and at many different colleges and universities – including Butler County Community College. Crisis management is so significant to public relations that I dedicate two weeks to teaching about...

Good evening. Butler County Community College is releasing the below statement tonight. As you know, the current COVID-19 situation is changing daily -- sometimes hourly. The safety and well-being of our college community is constantly in...

Good morning,  I hope you and your families are doing well.  By now, you know I have taken the following precautionary measures that are intended to protect the safety, health and well-being of our BC3 family...

Spring break week.  And how appropriate -- the early-morning sun is beaming on this crisp day. Mike, a member of our terrific maintenance staff, is zooming around campus on a golf cart. I’m sure he’s dodging...

It’s that time of year when champions are being crowned.  LSU won the college football national title. Soon, the Super Bowl winner will claim a Lombardi Trophy. Although I’m saddened the Super Bowl champ won’t be...

Welcome to 2020 – and to the first mornings of a new decade at BC3! Each morning such as this promises more chances to shine. Just behind us, and below the horizon, is the afterglow of 2019, a...

Oak Trees in Autumn, BC3 Main Campus. Photo by William Foley Hello, BC3 family! There are so many reasons for so many of us to be thankful, and with Thanksgiving but a few days away, there’s...

The sun is shining on this beautiful fall day. Spirits are high and optimism abounds. That’s what happens after a Steelers victory here in western Pennsylvania. This weekend was a winner for another reason – BC3’s...

I just love the buzz; made even better today with a touch of fall in the air. Main Campus is hopping this morning. Our maintenance staff is polishing the beautiful main campus grounds. I can see...

Brian McCafferty noticed the graduates’ smiles. Jennifer Pullar? A female graduate crossing the stage in rainbow stilettoes, and a male graduate, in brightly colored yellow tennis shoes. Nancy Staible? A longtime friend receiving her long-awaited associate...

As president of our No. 1 Community College (in three consecutive Schools.com rankings, I might add) I love our role as the "community's college." BC3 supports various community organizations and service projects, and our employees volunteer...

Nick Neupauer and Sarah Kasunić It is rare that in a life of only 23 years, a person can touch so many individuals and leave a legacy among family, friends, and colleagues.  Members of Sarah Kasunić’s...

Higher education in the 21st century is about the impact a college or university has in its own backyard. At BC3, we understand the value and effect of community service. I’m proud to say that since...

Well, it happened again! Our wonderful college achieved something neither the Steelers nor the Penguins could do. Butler County Community College has claimed a third consecutive No. 1 ranking as the commonwealth’s top community college, according...

It is with a heavy heart that I state the following: Longtime Butler County Community College Board Chair Ray D. Steffler passed away Feb. 16, 2019. Ray’s life was dedicated to his dear alma mater, BC3....

https://vimeo.com/303566151 Yesterday, PCN broadcast its "Inside Boroughs" TV show.  I was honored to join Victor Rodgers of Harrisburg Area Community College to discuss the strength our commonwealth’s 14 community colleges. Of course, I used the opportunity...

Good morning, BC3, and welcome to 2019! I’m excited to step forward into what promises to be another extraordinary year at BC3, filled with accomplishments, honors and success stories from the reigning No. 1 community college...

Members of BC3’s President’s Cabinet and of the college’s back-to-back President’s Cup-winning cohorts are shown Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, in Gibsonia. Repeating as champions. The Steelers did it twice. In 1976, after winning the Super Bowl...

      Good evening, colleagues. Butler County Community College's main campus as well as all of our off-campus locations will run on a normal operating schedule Monday (November 19) and Tuesday (November 20) before closing...

BC3 is partnering with Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and Convergent Nonprofit Solutions to present a new webinar series: "So You Wanna Be a Community College President..."   The American Association of Community Colleges projects that over...

BC3 Commencement, Spring 2018. Pictured (left to right) Lucille Shapiro, Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Case Willoughby, and President Nick Neupauer A couple of weeks back, the College lost a true friend, and...

I can smell it in the air. Can you? The beautiful aroma of autumn in western Pennsylvania. The fall of 2018 semester is well underway. And just like other rites of passage this time of year...

It's here... the start of a new academic year! We kicked off the fall 2018 semester with our annual Convocation on August 23. As has become customary, I provided a "State of the College" address. Unlike...

With all of our success as the commonwealth’s No. 1-ranked community college in back-to-back surveys by Schools.com, it is our terrific students who make Butler County Community College so special. This summer, I had the opportunity...

L to R: Mr. Tom Leary, President of Luzerne Community College; Dr. Nick Neupauer, President of Butler County Community College; Anna Weitz, Former President of Reading Area Community College; Elizabeth Bolden, President of the Pennsylvania Commission...

What a weekend for Pennsylvania's two-time No. 1 community college - Butler County Community College! The BC3 Pioneer Softball team captured its third consecutive Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) Championship on Saturday by beating Garrett College...

The sun is shining! That's symbolic for what a glorious spring semester it has been at the commonwealth's back-to-back No. 1-ranked community college. Consider: Another $1 million gift, the latest from former state Sen. Tim Shaffer,...

Butler County Community College is the Commonwealth's No. 1 community college two-times running for a host of reasons. Today, I would like to focus on one - our Rho Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa...

Grey and gloom... that's not just my mood with the Steelers out of the playoffs and New England making a return trip to the Super Bowl. We are stuck right dab in the middle of a...

It is officially the holiday season. Where has the semester gone? Here are some highlights from a memorable Fall of 2017 semester: For a fifth consecutive time, BC3 was recognized as a Military Friendly Campus. Janice...

Greetings from Eastern West Virginia Community College in beautiful Moorefield, WV. I am attending the Fall Conference of the Community Colleges of the Appalachia (CCA). Not sure if you realized, but BC3 is part of the...

As a former journalist, I watch, read, and listen to the news with a critical eye. What angle did the reporter take? How effective were the quotes? Was the reporting accurate? Unfortunately, my analysis of the...

With the fall-like chill in the air and football season thankfully here, the Fall 2017 semester is off to a great start. As the community’s college, we appreciate and understand the value of athletics in our...

Where oh where has summer gone? While the calendar still indicates we are stuck in the dog days of summer, the beginning of the fall semester will be here before you know it. Higher education in...

As I enter my second decade as President of Pennsylvania's No.1 community college, I understand the significance of a solid strategic plan. I am pleased to introduce our latest, 2017-22 version. It is entitled: A Clear...

Wait a second … as I look to my calendar, the first day of summer hasn’t even hit yet. It is June 21. In reality, things haven’t slowed much at the College since Commencement on May...

It's an early Monday morning. As I gaze out my window in the President's Office, the sun is shining. But, then again, the sun always shines on Butler County Community College. And that is particularly the...

Move over March Madness, Butler County Community College had a monster slam dunk at the recent Phi Theta Kappa Middle States Regional Convention this weekend in New Jersey. The College's Rho Phi Chapter of Phi Theta...

Spring Break at Pennsylvania’s No. 1 Community College is here! While students and faculty are enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation, it has been a busy few weeks. From February 13-16, Executive Director of the BC3...

Hello BC3 colleagues, students, and friends. The spring of 2017 is already three weeks old! Enrollments are steady and our students are off and running at our six college locations. It is with great pride and...

Whew!!! Finals are finished, students are getting their grades and the College is putting a giant bow on another fantastic fall semester. The fall of 2016 is one that will forever be remembered. Consider the following...

Thursday morning at 4:45 a.m., I was notified by Brian Opitz, Executive Director of Operations, that our Main Campus lost power. Later we learned that a downed-power line impacted 200 residents of Butler Township, including BC3. At...

Greetings from Hershey, where I will be joining colleague Presidents from Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges for two days of meetings. As an important point of clarification with what has been in the news this week, the...

The fall of 2016 semester is off to a great start at all Butler County Community College’s locations. However, news at other colleges across the country isn’t so great. The United States Department of Education barred...

    .             . Hope you are having a terrific summer. Hard to believe the calendar already reads mid-July.          .    Because I’ve received positive feedback on previous Top 10 lists posted in this blog, here...

I write on the eve of our biggest day – Commencement. The College’s 48th Commencement will certainly be the crowning jewel of an unbelievable year. Consider that in 2015-16, the College: was named by Schools.com as...

The Butler County Community College family lost one of its very finest last week. Diane M. DeCarbo, Director at BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing, passed away March 2. The first time I met Diane was in July...

Last week at Elizabethtown College, I represented both BC3 and Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges at an important announcement by Governor Tom Wolfe. On January 29, I joined over a dozen of the Commonwealth's college and university...

Many years ago, I earned a living as a sports reporter. I covered Little League to the Major Leagues. Traveled with the Pittsburgh Steelers and reported on a Stanley Cup run for the Pens. Wanting to...

As the fall 2015 semester winds down, I have some GREAT news to share. I was just made aware that Butler County Community College has been recognized as Pennsylvania's best community college by Schools.com! The ranking...

Hello, Pioneers! Last year, I shared a Top 10 List of Giving Thanks. In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, here is my 2015 List. 10. Our Alumni Association. Established in 1997, this fine group of BC3...

There have been lots of special moments for me since becoming President of the College in 2007 -- new buildings, new campuses, major gifts, new programs, etc. Articulation signings are important in our "student-centered" environment, but...

The news is spreading quickly – The Pioneer Proud Campaign here at Butler County Community College is entering into its community phase! Officially launched by the BC3 Education Foundation, Inc. in 2013, the goal of this...

Today, August 21, was a wonderful day at all campus sites – but particularly our Main Campus in Butler Township. Close to 500 students, parents and friends attended our Annual Welcome Day. With the sun shining...

Can you smell it? No, not the flowers or the freshly-cut grass: Graduation is in the air! May 20 is BC3's 47th Annual Commencement Ceremony during our 50th Golden Anniversary year. The day promises to be...

It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you the 2014 President's Timeline. This is the third edition of the online format that replaces the printed President's Annual Reports. The timeline chronicles BC3's achievements and...

President Neupauer's speech from BC3's 50th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, March 3, 2015: Friends, colleagues, Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, Alumni Council, Retirees, County Commissioners, and distinguished guests: Welcome. Welcome to the celebration of the establishment...

Degree Completion Partnership signing on Wednesday, February 25 at BC3. It has already been a great 2015 for Butler County Community College! On the national level, President Obama has highlighted community colleges with his American's College...

The Spring 2015 semester is off to a great start. Students are hustling and bustling at all of our BC3 campuses. We had a great Board of Trustees meeting on January 21 and President Obama highlighted...

Greeting and happy end-of-the-semester! Can you believe we're already heading into the winter break? Just coming off Thanksgiving, I certainly counted my blessings. The following is my Top 10 "Giving Thanks List." Please share yours with...

Although the Pirates are history and the Steelers are off to a mediocre 3-3 start (keep the faith!), the College is chalking up some nice victories. FACETS, the College's art and literary magazine, was recently awarded...

Fall is here, the Pirates are back in the playoffs, and the semester is off to a great start! As I head to join my presidential colleagues at a statewide meeting in Harrisburg, I am excited...

Are you ready? I sure am. The 2014-15 academic year promises to be a special one - BC3's Golden Anniversary. On the day of my annual "State of the College" address, the news is all good. From...

At 12:06 a.m. on June 14, our youngest daughter, Meredith, text me the following: “Dad, I think I should be the first to tell you, Chuck Noll died.” Meredith was born in 1997 – six years...

Forgive me, please!!! It has been way too long since I wrote a blog entry as BC3's proud president. And to make matters even worse, the subject of my latest blog is from an event that...

It's crunch time! Are you ready? We're heading into the final week of classes, followed by finals week and then our Commencement festivities. It always amazes me how quickly the academic year progresses. This year seemed...

It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you the 2013 President's Timeline. This is the second edition of the new, online format and replaces the printed President's Annual Reports. The timeline chronicles BC3's achievements...

What a semester! I can't recall a time during my 20 years in higher education that weather has been such an issue. I'd like to provide you with a "snapshot" of what Brian Opitz, Executive Director...

On August 1, 2007, I was appointed as President of Butler County Community College. Immediately afterwards, I was interviewed by media outlets and spoke to internal and external College stakeholders. During those conversations, I boasted about...

Where oh where has the fall semester of 2013 gone? As final exams are concluding, the holiday season draws upon us. I, for one, will count my blessings. Here's several that I appreciate: Family - Without their...

(L to R): Adam Smith, SVA President; Ian Schuelke, SVA Officer, Commander Richard Riley, American Legion Post 778; Jason Brannon, SVA Officer; Nick Neupauer, BC3 President; Case Willoughby, Vice President for Student Services; and Kyle Bodkin,...

Is there a more beautiful time than autumn on our Main Campus? The leaves, chill in the air and even the smell indicates that fall is here. I just love seeing our students wearing their BC3...

President Neupauer and his wife Tammy with the 2013 Chamber Champion Award at the Celebrate Business Dinner on Wednesday, September 11. What a GREAT start to the Fall 2013 semester! Many people have told me there...

Where has the summer gone? How 'bout those Battlin' Buccos? Can you believe the start of another academic year is just a few days away? Today, the College held its annual Convocation. It was great to...

Just back from the American Association of Community College's Presidents Academy: Summer Institute held in Baltimore. My six days in Baltimore (tough for a Steeler fan) were packed with lots of good information. Topics ranged from...

Commencement night is finally here! Simply put, this is BC3's Super Bowl - a night to show off our beautiful campus, tremendous faculty and staff and celebrate our students. I truly hope that our graduating students...

Greetings, BC3 friends and colleagues. Spring fever is in the air. Finally, some nice weather! I love seeing our main campus buzzing with activity. Dozens of people have pulled me aside to express their satisfaction with...

I have often said that "we are proud to be Butler County's community college." However, we also understand our role as one of the Commonwealth's 14 community colleges. As Pennsylvania's northwestern most community college, our board...

It is with great enthusiasm that I share with you the debut of a new endeavor - The 2012 President's Timeline. This replaces the printed President's Annual Reports and chronicles BC3's achievements and successes of the...

Super Bowl XVII is just four days away... and I could care less! Here is a list of the Top 10 reasons why I won't be watching Sunday's game: 10. It's a great time to catch...

Another semester is in the books. Can you believe it? While students and faculty concluded finals last week, the College is busy heading into the holiday break. Grades are being processed and students are registering for...

Earlier today, I received information from the Lieutenant Governor's office regarding the Commonwealth's safety and security over the next several days. He stated that Hurricane Sandy and its impact on all of Pennsylvania - including Western...

As you know, the eastern United States is preparing for Hurricane Sandy. We at BC3 are also preparing for and monitoring the situation. In the event that the College needs to delay or cancel operations, we will use...

Often, I am proud of Butler County Community College. Earlier this week was yet another time. Our Communications and Marketing staff shined at the annual National Council of Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) conference held in...

The 2012-2013 academic year is off to a GREAT start. It is so wonderful to see all of our BC3 students at the College's various campus locations. Although we see lots of new faces, as a...

The calendar says August. How can that be? Our fall semester starts soon. I can't wait to see everyone back on our four BC3 campus locations. Generally, when the new academic year starts rolling around, sports...

Congratulations to BC3 student Michael Dreher! Mike claimed first place in the Advance PA video contest by the PA Commission for Community College's advocacy campaign. For this honor, Mike will receive a $500 cash prize. Mike,...

As a sports fanatic, I often overdue it on sports analogies. Please stick with me on this one: March and April is BC3's playoff run... and Commencement is our Super Bowl! Since late March, the College...

On Tuesday, April 3, I joined several of BC3's finest students in Harrisburg for the Pennsylvania Commission for Community College's Annual Lobby Day. The purpose of the event is to meet with legislators to lobby on...

Happy Spring Break to the faculty and students of BC3! It is hard to believe the semester is going by so quickly. As you may know, I am honored to teach at the College. I do...

Two weeks ago, the College Board of Trustees approved a purchase of a 6.15 acre property that is adjacent to the College. The property has long been identified in our Master Planning Process as a key...

The start of another semester. Are you ready? Do you have butterflies? I can remember being excited, but a bit anxious at the start of each semester. What would my professors be like? How about my...

Halftime of the Steeler game. Still have faith despite being down 6-0. The thing I dislike about Monday Night games is how long they last. And this one was delayed two times with the lights going...

BC3 Students, Please see the following link to the news release regarding BC3's Middle States accreditation. Although you may not understand all of the lingo associated with accreditation, this is good news! Our success ensures you...

I love the fall. A new academic year, football (although this past Sunday was not good for the Steelers), and the autumn landscape are just some of the reasons. Today's weather is absolutely wonderful - especially...

What a week! BC3 learned that Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges will share in a $20 million Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College & Career Training (TAACCCT) grant. Our share is expected to be about $750,000. We will...

Ten years. I can't believe ten years have passed since September 11, 2011. I was Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at the time. My secretary, Clee Murray,  and I listened on the radio as the...

Welcome to the 2011-12 academic year! So far, so good on a beautiful first day of classes. I always enjoy meeting with incoming freshman during our student orientation sessions. When I do, I immediately think of...

Happy Independence Day to the BC3 family! I was happy to have some rest and relaxation with family. It has already been a busy summer with little downtime. Last week, I joined our executive team on...

I have often said, "BC3 is proud to be Butler County's community college." I certainly do no waiver from such a statement; however, with our new regional vision, we certainly understand the College's role as an...

Another end to a great semester. I am blessed to still teach here at the College. On Wednesday's from 3:35 to 6:40 p.m., I am privileged to teach 14 BC3 students in an Introduction to Public...

I have attended four Lobby Days in Harrisburg on behalf of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. Each year, we talked to local elected officials about the benefit of the Commonwealth's community colleges as a whole...

By now, you have undoubtedly heard the grim details of Governor Corbett's proposed budget. Faced with the task of a $4 billion deficit, the Governor has projected difficult cuts. At the brunt of a large portion...

I write from Washington, D.C. I have spent the last three days with Ray Steffler, Chair of the BC3 Board of Trustees, attending the Community College National Legislative Summit. We are here with representatives from the country's...

The spring 2011 semester is off and running! While this is certainly an exciting time at any of our BC3 campus locations, it is even more so at our BC3 @ LindenPointe in Hermitage, Mercer County....

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here's a high level summary of its overall blog health: The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads This blog is doing awesome!. Crunchy numbers A...

I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but... another semester is in the books! I certainly have a great deal to be thankful for as we head into the holiday break. Please, allow me to share....

The Oak Hills Legacy Dinner was held this past Saturday. The event is the equivalent of a homecoming at a university. The dinner was memorable for me in so many ways. First, my wife, Tammy, and...

Last week, Butler County Community College took another step forward as a regional institution of higher learning. On Friday, October 8, the College announced an expansion into the Upper Allegheny region of PA. BC3 will offer distance education...

I had a great time at the "Pizza with the President" events this month. I traveled to BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing, BC3 @ Cranberry, and BC3 @ LindenPointe and learned a lot from the students that...

Are you ready for the Fall of 2010 semester? The campus is busy today with students attending orientation and book rush. As we all get ready to begin classes on Monday, take a minute to think...

Did you have a good Fourth of July? The Fourth is one of my favorite holidays. In higher education circles, July Fourth also serves as an indicator that the summer break is halfway over. BC3 really...

A 60-foot native oak tree came down across the roof on the north side of the Children's Creative Learning Center in Armstrong Lodge during the high winds and storms this weekend. The tree caused substantial structural...

Butler County Community College held its regularly scheduled Board of Trustee meeting yesterday at BC3 @ Cranberry.  At the meeting, the Board unanimously voted that the College supports the Butler County Board of Commissioners'  lawsuit against...

The purpose of this post is to provide a follow-up from our press conference/college-wide gathering held on Thursday, April 8, 2010. I appreciate all of the comments that endorsed the Butler County Board of Commissioners' support...

Baseball is around the corner - and a winning season for the Pirates? The Pens will defend Lord Stanley's Cup when the NHL playoffs start. And the Steelers will certainly get back on track toward a...

Snow, snow, and more snow! Hope you are surviving what will end up being the snowiest month in the history of Western Pennsylvania. Decisions to delay, close and/or keep open our BC3 locations is something we...

Last time this year, the Steelers were already crowned Super Bowl XLIII Champions! Boy, does time fly. Although it will hardly be the same this Super Bowl Sunday, please offer your predictions for the game. Mine...

Are you ready for the Spring of 2010 semester?  I sure am. I'm excited to see everyone back at the College this coming week.  I can hardly wait to teach another semester of Introduction to Public...

Friends, Here's to a wonderful holiday break from BC3. Enjoy the time with your family, get plenty of rest and relaxation and come back ready for a successful Spring of 2010 semester. Feel free to let...

Did you have a good Thanksgiving? I sure did. Plenty of rest, relaxation, turkey, football and - most importantly - time with my family. Our record-breaking fall semester is winding down. So, to our 4,352 students,...

It's the night before the big walk and a lot of thoughts are running through my head. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I'm most focused on being thankful. I am thankful for my upbringing, my family and...

My favorite time of year - fall! The semester is well under way, the Steelers are in first place and the weather is just perfect. There is no better place than Western Pennsylvania during autumn.  Our...

This Thursday, Main Campus will hold its Annual Fall Open House.  This will be the first Open House in which we can show off the Student Success Center.  I am sure the reviews will be just...

Greetings, friends. This year's goal for the BC3 Annual Campaign is $25,000. The good news: we are half way there!  Thanks to employees' gifts and pledges, the campaign is at $12,500.  It's a great start! I am officially challenging...

How do you like the Student Success Center?  The grand opening on 9-9-09 was a huge success - so was the Steeler Party in the SSC lounge the next day. Please provide me with some suggestions...

We have one week of classes in the books!  Last week went off without a hitch.  It was so nice to see students on all of our campuses.  When I started college, I received advise from...

Well, it's just about here - the first day of classes for the Fall 2009 semester at all of our BC3 locations. Main campus is buzzing with the new Student Success Center, the renovated Pioneer Cafe...

A quick look at the calendar indicates it's August 4.  August 4?!?!  Where did the summer go? The summer has been quite busy at the Main Campus as well as our three other sites.  Summer is...

How is your summer going?  I can hardly believe it is already July.  Before we know it, the fall semester will be here.  Enrollment for the College is up 19.1 percent for the fall!  Butler County residents are up...

BC3's Tobacco-Free Policy will take effect beginning Wednesday, July 1 on the Butler main campus and BC3 locations in Cranberry, Lawrence and Mercer counties.  The policy was approved last year to keep in line with state...

Last evening, the College held its 41st Annual Commencement.  Approximately 170 graduating students participated in the event. Guest speakers included: Brian Morgan, Student Address; Dr. Marlene P. Hassenfratz, Distinguished Alumni Address; Dr. Kathleen M. Howley, Keynote...

Today is one of those days where I realize just how lucky I am to be president of BC3.  Tonight, 48 students were awarded their nursing pins during the College's Annual Nurses Pinning Ceremony.  As I...

The following information is taken from the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Health, the University of Delaware, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention.  Special thanks to our own Dr. Robin Patterson for...

The College is currently monitoring the Swine Influenza A (H1N1) situation. The College is using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention website for daily updates.  As of 11:00 a.m. today, 64 confirmed cases of...

As you know, the spring semester is quickly closing.  Graduation is looming... and so are BC3's summer session courses.  A variety of classes are offered in the summer at each of our campuses.  Three-week, six-week, eight-week...

March Madness - a time college basketball fans crave.  Area teams were well-represented in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament.  Pitt, Robert Morris, and West Virgina made the NCAA's, while Penn State and Duquesne earned National...

I can hardly believe that Spring Break is just about here.  It probably has to do with the weather.  As an undergraduate student, I never went on a Spring Break trip.  I was always happy to...

It's the little things that continue to amaze me about our students at BC3.  Earlier this week, students in my Introduction to Public Relations class took their first quiz of the semester.  Overall, I was impressed...

The sun is shining (a rarity it seems), the Steelers are six-time world champions, and BC3 is humming.  The black-and-gold's hard work and determination that ultimately led to another Lombardi Trophy reminds me of staff and...

On Wednesday, January 21, I met with my Introduction to Public Relations class for the first time this semester.  Twelve eager BC3 students listened closely as we discussed the course outline and expectations. One of the...

Welcome back for spring classes. Classes begin for the semester on January 20.  At this point, enrollment for the semester is up about 9% compared to last year at this time.  We are so honored you...

I have often said, "BC3 is proud to be Butler County's community college." I certainly do no waiver from such a statement; however, with our new regional vision, we certainly understand the College's role as an...

Dear Students, You may have recently read or heard that Butler County Community College suffered a $1 million operating budgetary cut from Butler County - our local sponsor.  While a cut this size is never good...

Dear Friends, I wish you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year.  While you enjoy time away from work and share the love of family, please do not forget our troops across the...

As you may recall from my Convocation speech, the College is moving forward in expanding its approach to sustainable/green efforts.  Just this semester alone, we have engaged in the following: Finalized a bid package with a firm...

As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, I am already counting my blessings and thanks.  Foremost, I am thankful for my family and the opportunity to serve as the eighth President of Butler County Community College.  Just today...

I write as I am on the 40th floor of the Marriott New York Grand Marquis in Times Square.  The City is at its normal hustle-and-bustle for another business day.  Spirits seem high with yesterday's huge...

This post is by guest blogger, John Kearney, Vice President of Student Services at BC3. It's hard to believe its already past midterm for the fall 2008 semester.  I hope that your classes are going well and that...

This past Saturday, October 12, several hundred people participated in the American Heart Association's Annual Butler County Heart Walk.  This is the second consecutive year the event was held on our Main Campus. Dozens of people...

A College goal, as well as one of my own presidential goals as approved by the Board or Trustees for the 2008-09 academic year, pertains to campus safety.  BC3 took a major step in its proactive...

As you know, remnants from Hurricane Ike travelled to Butler County Sunday evening.  BC3's main campus was bit especially hard, while our off-campus locations were spared. At approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, Director of Operations Brian...

Undoubtedly, one of the best privileges we have as United States citizens is the right to vote.  On September 17, BC3 will host a variety of Constitution Day events in the Succop Theater.  All will help...

Today is a college football Saturday.  One of my alma maters, Penn State, is hosting Oregon State University.  State College is buzzing with activity.  Over 108,000 fans will cram Beaver stadium, donning blue and white to...

Labor Day is on the calendar to pay tribute to those workers who make America so great.  We have many working students at BC3. I admire you juggling the rigors of college with the demands of employment. ...

I asked my wife, Tammy, if she remembers the night before her very first day as an undergraduate student at Clarion University.  She did. I also recall the night before I started classes at Penn State...

Today, the College will begin the 2008-09 academic year with its annual Convocation.  At Convocation, I will welcome back faculty and go over the College's goals and objectives for the year with the entire BC3 community....

In a recent snapshot of Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges, the National Community College Benchmarking Survey indicated BC3 has more first-generation college students than any of our sister institutions.  Thirty-eight percent of our students are the first...

As our mission states, "The College is committed to fostering... excellence."  Furthermore, one of our goals centers on a Student Focus.  "The College will put the needs, concerns, and success of its students first."  Classroom excellence...