Misericordia University Dean Presents at tecBRIDGE Innovation Conference

Todd Shawver Discusses Higher Education’s Role in Building Pennsylvania’s Future Energy Workforce

DALLAS, PA - Todd Shawver, dean of the College of Business at Misericordia University, recently presented at the tecBRIDGE Innovation Conference, contributing to conversations about the future of Pennsylvania’s energy industry and the workforce needed to support it.

Shawver’s presentation, “Keeping the Lights On: Building Pennsylvania's Energy Workforce One Student at a Time,” explored how changes in technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure investment and new energy demands are reshaping the industry and creating new workforce needs across Pennsylvania.

Central to his presentation was the role colleges and universities can play in preparing students not only for existing jobs, but also for careers and opportunities that are still emerging.

As industries continue to evolve, Shawver emphasized the importance of collaboration among higher education, employers, economic development organizations, entrepreneurs, government leaders and community partners. These relationships can help colleges and universities understand employers’ current needs while anticipating the skills and occupations that will be needed in the years ahead.

The conference also reinforced the importance of stronger employer partnerships and more responsive approaches to workforce development. In addition to traditional degree programs, higher education institutions can respond to changing workforce needs through certificates, microcredentials, professional education and shorter-term training opportunities.

“The conference reinforced the importance of bringing education, business, and community leaders together to create opportunities for our students and strengthen Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Shawver said. “I am grateful to Don Webster and the tecBridge team for the opportunity to participate.”

Misericordia University President Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D.; James Roberts; Todd Sloan; Michelle Conway; and Selena Popek also attended the conference and supported Shawver’s presentation.

Shawver noted that events such as the tecBRIDGE Innovation Conference provide an opportunity for higher education, business, government and community leaders to exchange ideas and build partnerships that can benefit students, employers and the region.

The conversations align with the work of Misericordia University’s College of Business and its Center for Workforce and Talent Solutions, which seek opportunities to engage with industry and respond to evolving workforce needs.

Shawver said he left the conference encouraged by the opportunities ahead for Northeastern Pennsylvania and the region’s ability to draw upon its educational institutions, businesses, entrepreneurs and communities.

As Pennsylvania’s workforce needs continue to evolve, Shawver emphasized that higher education has an opportunity to work alongside industry and community partners to help prepare the workforce of the future while creating new opportunities for students and the communities they will serve.