Misericordia University’s Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions Launches with Strong Community Partnerships, Fall Programming

Misericordia University’s Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions Launches with Strong Community Partnerships, Fall Programming

DALLAS, Pa. - Misericordia University announces the successful launch of its Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions, which is housed within the College of Business at Misericordia University and has already built strong connections with regional employers and community partners while preparing to roll out new professional development programs this fall.

Since its inception, the center has focused on bridging the gap between education and workforce needs by delivering relevant, responsive and high-impact training. The Center serves not only employers seeking customized training but also individual professionals looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers through accessible, high-quality learning opportunities. In its first few months, it has collaborated with organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania, including the Back Mountain Chamber, Wyman Gordon and Federal Hearings and Appeals Services.

“We’re thrilled with the momentum the center has gained right out of the gate,” said Paul Nardone, director of the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions. “Our early partnerships reflect the demand for customized, high-quality training that strengthens talent pipelines and supports professional growth across industries.”

As part of its commitment to community engagement, the center supported the Back Mountain Chamber in conducting a comprehensive membership survey to inform the chamber’s upcoming strategic planning process. The survey gathered valuable insights from members and will serve as a roadmap for future growth and advocacy.

In Mountain Top, the center delivered a customized onsite session titled “Spanish in the Workplace” for Wyman Gordon, a global manufacturing company in the Crestwood Industrial Park. The training supported Wyman Gordon’s efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive environment by equipping English-speaking supervisors and team leads with skills to better connect with Spanish-speaking employees. Through essential workplace vocabulary, cultural awareness strategies and communication tools, participants left with the confidence to lead with clarity, compassion and cultural competence.

In Wilkes-Barre, the center facilitated a three-day leadership development workshop for emerging managers at Federal Hearings and Appeals Services. The interactive program — “Leading with Purpose: Growing into Your Leadership Potential” — was designed to help participants embrace a leadership mindset, communicate with impact and drive team engagement. Delivered in three onsite sessions, the program featured hands-on learning, self-assessments, role-play and practical takeaways to ensure tools and insights could be shared throughout the organization.

This fall, the center will continue its momentum by launching new professional development courses and customized workforce training opportunities for regional employers. Whether it's leadership development, communication effectiveness, AI for the workplace, project management or industry-specific upskilling, the center aims to be a trusted partner in building a more capable and competitive regional workforce.

Programs are organized around four core focus areas: Business Healthcare, Analytics and Technology, General Business, and Human Development Skills—ensuring that training aligns with workforce demands and supports professional growth at every level.

For more information about the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions and upcoming programs, click here, or contact director Paul Nardone at pnardone@misericordia.edu or 570-674-8130.