Each year, Penn State Schuylkill recognizes a select group of alumni, and sometimes friends, for their contributions to the campus, professional achievements, and impact on the greater Penn State community and society at large. This year, Penn State Schuylkill has five award recipients in categories of Outstanding Alumni, Outstanding Young Alumni, the Pride and Spirit Award, and Alumni Impact Award.
Nominations for next year's Alumni Awards will begin on July 1, 2025 and closes September 30, 2025. If you know a Penn Stater or friend of the campus whose commitment to the University and/or community deserves recognition, please consider filling out a submission form.
Outstanding Alumni
The Outstanding Alumni Award acknowledges the achievements of Penn State Schuylkill alumni for their continued contributions to Penn State as well as their impact within their communities. This year, two nominees received the Outstanding Alumni Award: Kent E. Steinmetz ‘87 and Jason G. Witmier ‘95.
A legacy of leadership, mentorship, and community impact: Kent E. Steinmetz
Kent E. Steinmetz began his academic journey at Penn State Schuylkill, earning his associate degree in Electrical Engineering in 1987. He continued his academic pursuits and earned certifications in Small Business Administration and Land Development from Kutztown University and Alvernia College.
For over four decades, Steinmetz has been an integral part of Axiom, Inc., utilizing his engineering skills acquired at Penn State Schuylkill. Since 2021 he has spent more time developing the J.W. Cooper Community Center, the Beverly Mattson Memorial Foodbank, as well as overseeing the growth of Steinmetz Industries.
Beyond his career, he is an active alumna and a community advocate. His leadership extends to various boards, including the J.W. Cooper Community Center, Steinmetz Jewelers, Inc., Steinmetz Industries, the Federal Correctional Community Relations Advisory Board and was previously on the Penn State Schuylkill Alumni Society Board.
Kent has mentored students in the Fast Start program at Penn State Schuylkill, creating a lasting impact on their lives.
A quote from his 2022-23 Fast Start Mentee, Triniti: "While being my mentor, Kent Steinmetz generously donated and covered all the decoration costs for the Student Health Science Conference that I hosted and founded in January 2023. He even attended the event and stayed for its entirety to congratulate and support me!"
A quote from his 2023-24 Fast Start Mentee, AJ: "Kent was an incredible resource during my first year on campus. Throughout the year, he introduced me to a variety of business owners within Schuylkill County, allowing me to build relationships with them. This opened up numerous opportunities for me to learn from them and understand how they became successful, which I believe was invaluable to my growth. I was able to meet these business owners thanks to Kent's invitations to our local country club—an experience he certainly didn’t have to offer, but one that I will never forget. He showed me how to conduct myself professionally and how to leverage my skillset in the workplace. To this day, I continue to apply the advice he shared with me. Kent boosted my confidence during my first year on campus, and I remain incredibly grateful for that. I truly believe Kent is one of the best mentors I have ever had and is highly deserving of recognition for the positive impact he has had on my life."
Since 2012, Kent and his wife have established and funded the J.W. Cooper non-profit, enabling it to provide over two million pounds of food to Schuylkill and Berks County residents with recent expanded efforts reaching out to the homeless. Steinmetz continues to supply basic needs to upwards of 3,000 individuals each month as well as sending food and supplies to local families in need after fires or floods, as well as other states who experience disasters such as the fires in Tennessee and the recent hurricanes on the east coast. Besides offering scholarships to county residents through the 501c3, Steinmetz oversees the employment of about one hundred individuals and volunteers, as well as offering community service hours to individuals who require them. Since 2019, Steinmetz Industries has partnered with Lear Corp, a fortune 500 company to provide support to its Pine Grove location.
Both Kent, his wife Shelley and son Spencer reside in Schuylkill Haven, Pa. They enjoy spending time with their congregation in Pottsville when not volunteering in the community.
A lifelong commitment to engineering, fire service, and community leadership: Jason G. Witmier
Jason G. Witmier is a Schuylkill County native who began his academic career at Penn State Schuylkill in 1991, earning his Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from Penn State’s University Park campus in 1995. He was born and raised in Pottsville and continues to reside in Schuylkill County.
Witmier’s professional career started at Occidental Chemical in Burlington New Jersey as an electrical engineer, he later returned to the area as an electrical design engineer at Eitel Press located in the Deer Lake industrial park. In 2002 he was able to combine his professional career with his volunteering passion by taking a position at KME Fire Apparatus located in Nesquehoning, PA. Witmier worked at KME for 16 years serving in various management positions all focused on the design and construction of fire apparatus. Over the years he had the honor of designing fire apparatus for many local fire departments as well as some of the largest fire departments in the world including FDNY, the City of Los Angeles, and both the Cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. He currently holds the position of Director of Education and Technology at Safe Fleet which is a leader in the emergency service industry building various components for fire apparatus and the fire service.
Witmier has always had strong roots in the community and around Schuylkill County with his involvement in the volunteer fire service. He started as a volunteer firefighter with the Good Intent Fire Company in Pottsville in 1991. Over the years he rose through the ranks holding titles of Lieutenant, Captain, Chief Engineer, and eventually rose to the rank of Assistant Chief of the Pottsville Fire Department, serving in that position for 10 years. He remains active with the fire department currently holding the position of Safety Officer and entering his 30th year as President of the Good Intent.
Witmier has participated in many local and national organizations and currently sits on several boards. He is an active member of the Schuylkill County Fire Chief’s Association, a past president and current board member of the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association and serves on the Schuylkill County Incident Management Team. He is a board member and currently the Vice President of FAMA, the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association, which is an organization that helps advance the development of the fire apparatus industry while assuring apparatus designs meet minimum safety standards. He is also proud to sit on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1900 board, which is a nationwide board that governs the minimum standards for fire apparatus.
Jason and his wife Candace remain in Schuylkill County currently residing in New Ringgold. They are proud to have raised two children, Emily and Brady, who have graduated and moved out of the area and are currently raising their daughter Callie who is a student at Blue Mountain. Their daughter Emily is also a proud graduate of Penn State and a former student of Penn State Schuylkill.
Outstanding Young Alumni
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award acknowledges the achievements of Penn State Schuylkill alumni, under the age of 35, for their contributions to Penn State as well as their impact within their communities. This year, Emily Witmier, '20, received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
From educator to mental health advocate, inspiring change in communities: Emily A. Witmier
Emily A. Witmier is a Schuylkill County native who began her academic career at Penn State Schuylkill in 2017, earning her Bachelor's of Humanities in Communications from Penn State’s Harrisburg campus in 2020. She was born and raised in Pottsville and recently relocated to New Jersey.
Witmier chose to join Teach for America upon graduation from Penn State. She earned her certifications in English and Mathematics education from the University of Pennsylvania while working as a teacher in Philadelphia throughout the pandemic. While teaching, students frequently shared details about their personal lives and mental health challenges with Witmier. She saw this as a sign from God that she should pursue a career as a mental health therapist. Witmier earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2023; and is currently studying for her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from University of the Cumberlands.
Witmier currently works as Counselor and Community Awareness Coordinator at Jewish Family and Children's Services of Southern New Jersey, a nonprofit social services agency. She primarily sees children and adolescents, incorporating play therapy and art therapy practices into her sessions. She was honored with the Esther of Excellence Award in March 2024. Along with holding counseling sessions, Witmier is responsible for scheduling, designing and presenting various awareness programs to the community. Topics include substance use prevention, suicide prevention, and domestic violence programming.
Inspired by her father's dedication to the fire service, Witmier hopes to focus her doctoral research on firefighter's mental health. Her current area of interest is factors that contribute to alcohol misuse among rural volunteer firefighters. She hopes to incorporate knowledge gained into her clinical practice to address the unique mental health needs and barriers of firefighters.
Emily and her fiancée, Ryan Vidal, reside in Camden County, New Jersey. They are proud pet parents to Orla, Eevee, and Pepper.
Pride and Spirit Award
The Pride and Spirit Award is earned by a person whose contribution to the success of Penn State Schuylkill campus is significant and meaningful. This year, Travis J. Williams, '22, received the Pride and Spirit Award.
A legacy of leadership, service and dedication to Penn State Schuylkill: Travis J. Williams
Travis Williams’ life has been deeply intertwined with Penn State Schuylkill since 2007, when he accepted the interim head men’s basketball coaching position. From that moment, his journey has been marked by unforgettable memories, meaningful friendships, and transformative relationships. His connection to the institution only deepened when he transitioned to a full-time role in the admissions department in 2015, where he has become known for his genuine ability to connect with everyone he meets, both on campus and within the local community.
Over the years, Travis has had the privilege of wearing many hats, each providing him with opportunities to grow as a leader and expand his experience at Penn State. Some of his most significant contributions include overseeing the conditional admissions process, recruiting students, and actively participating in programs such as CSP, EPIC, and PASSS. Additionally, he has played an integral role on multiple search committees, including the Chancellor's search committee that led to the hiring of Dr. Patrick Jones.
Beyond his work at Penn State Schuylkill, Travis has demonstrated a commitment to community service and leadership. He served as Vice President of the Schuylkill County NAACP's first chapter and lent his support to various organizations, including the Lion Ambassadors. He also volunteered with the basketball team at the Orwigsburg Area Food Pantry and officiated local spring and summer basketball leagues. His involvement with Penn State Schuylkill also extended to promoting the university through radio ads on T-102 and hosting the Roadmap to College series.
Travis’s athletic background has had a lasting influence on his professional life as well. As a member of the “IRON FIVE” finalist basketball team at Schuylkill Haven High School, and a Hall of Fame member of the GEFA Semi-Pro Football League's “WOLFPACK” team, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to everything he does. He also serves on the Bill and Peg Stine Scholarship Committee and conducts "Travis's Trivia" for campus visitors and bus groups, providing a fun and interactive way to engage with the university community.
Through these experiences, Travis has developed a deep understanding of student engagement and advancement. He has always believed in recruiting not just students, but graduates—individuals who are deeply connected to the campus community and are set to thrive beyond their time at Penn State.
At the core of Travis's dedication to his work is a deep appreciation for the people of Penn State. He finds the greatest joy in working alongside individuals who pour their hearts and souls into their roles, always striving to give their best for the students, colleagues, and the university as a whole. Travis has cherished every moment of his time at Penn State—first as a student, and now as a professional—and he remains committed to continuing the meaningful relationships and connections he has cultivated over the years.
Travis resides in Lake Wynonah, Auburn, PA, with his family Stephanie, Dylenah and David and their beloved pet, Marley Mae. He looks forward to many more years of serving the Penn State Schuylkill community and fostering a positive, supportive environment for all.
Alumni Impact Award
The Alumni Impact Award is presented to a Penn State alumnus who has made significant professional contributions to Penn State Schuylkill and has left a lasting, positive impact on the campus. This award is open to all Penn State alumni, not exclusively those who graduated from the Schuylkill campus, recognizing individuals whose dedication and service enhance the university's mission and community. Honorees exemplify the Penn State spirit through their commitment, achievements, and ongoing support, enriching the campus culture and inspiring current and future students. This year, Dr. Patrick M. Jones, '02, received the Alumni Impact Award.
Dr. Patrick M. Jones is president & chief executive officer of Bucks County Community College, a multi-campus college that offers associate degrees, industry certifications, and non-credit programs to over 35,000 people annually on three campuses, two public safety training centers, and through Bucks Online. In addition, he serves on the Bucks County Workforce Development Board, the boards of the Bucks County Foundation and the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership, and the steering committee of Blue Zones Ignite Bucks Area.
Most recently, he served as professor of music and chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill. During his tenure there he oversaw the addition of degree programs in areas of great demand such as nursing, cybersecurity, and information technology, as well as upgrades to the campus’ physical plant—including new laboratories for chemistry, nursing, and radiological sciences, a learning center, and technology and equipment upgrades to classrooms and athletic and recreation facilities. In addition, the campus partnered with the business and non-profit community to develop and launch Penn State Schuylkill Co-op. He served on the Boards of Directors of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Schuylkill Chamber Foundation, the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, and Primary Health Network—which is the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Pennsylvania and serves over 70,000 patients annually in 17 counties.
Dr. Jones served in a variety of academic and administrative roles prior to Penn State, including Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Drexel University, Director of Veteran Enrollment Practice and Director of the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, Chair of the Music Education Department at Boston University, and Head of the Music Education Division at The University of the Arts. He also held leadership positions in national and international scholarly societies, presented papers at academic symposia around the globe, and published book chapters and research articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals.
In addition to his academic career, Dr. Jones served for thirty years in both the Army and Air Force, retiring from the Air National Guard at the rank of Colonel. His assignments included serving as a musician, unit commander, and Chief of Air National Guard Bands and Advisor to the Air Force Director of Public Affairs. He led joint force and total force strategy, planning, and policy development, presidential budget submissions, and guided units toward readiness. As Chief of Bands, he was responsible for units across the country and a worldwide mission that included diplomatic outreach globally and troop entertainment in deployed locations throughout the Middle East, Central and Southwest Asia, and the Horn of Africa.
Dr. Jones holds the Bachelor of Science degree in music education from West Chester University, a Diploma of Fine Arts in conducting and wind literature from the University of Calgary, the Master of Arts degree in conducting from George Mason University, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in music education from Penn State University. He also is a graduate of the Armed Forces School of Music, Air National Guard Academy of Military Science, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College.