Diversity Champion Recognition

Kurtis Matlack, PTC Alumni (Information Technology – Network Security and Computer Forensics, July 2007, and Medical Coding, April 2011)

What does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mean to you?

Diversity is a rule that allows every culture and nationality to work, be treated the same, receive equal services and to be inventive citizens of our nation.

What, in your opinion, is PTC doing to create a more inclusive environment?

It is promoting growth and hiring and training top specialists in the area to implement new rules into education, workplaces, and culture – making sure every single citizen is included.

Is there someone at PTC who has significantly contributed to your success?

Nora Stroop. When I was enrolled at PTC for my first program, she noticed that I was doing well in my part-time tutoring job, and recommended me to help out with light duties in the Center for Teaching and Learning department. Nora has learned who I am, the qualities that I bring to the table, and continues to recommend me for other jobs by serving as a professional reference.

Is there a quote that speaks to how you feel about diversity, equity, and inclusion? Or any quote that resonates with you?

“Many people, all as one.”

Who is your hero?  Why?

Jeff Bezos, for the way he drives people and uses technology. Amazon provides jobs for workers, authors and sellers worldwide today.

“A ray of sunshine”

During the screening phase of the hiring process at PTC, Frank was the first person to greet me at the door and I believe his gregarious personality set the tone for a seamless process.  

Now that we have returned to a much more populated campus, more individuals have the opportunity to be greeted by Frank when they enter our Reception area. Frank engages with our guests, genuinely cares about representing PTC, and exemplifies our culture of care and excellence.  In addition to his important role at the Department of First Impressions, he is assisting the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Talent Acquisition & Recruiting by enhancing the user experience with the PeopleAdmin software. He is meticulous about his duties and willingly assists everyone with a genuine sense of purpose.  His willingness, enthusiasm and dedication are some of the many reasons I am confident our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will reflect our goal to be an employer and institution of choice. 

I am proud to be a part of institution where everyone at all levels is committed to doing their part to support diversity, equity & inclusion and make it a part of the fabric that makes us an institution of excellence, accountability, and care.

Submitted by: Marsha N. Lindsay, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Mark has devoted 20+ years’ as PTC’s Coordinator of Community Service in addition to his responsibilities as a faculty member and Academic Team Leader.

Mark is PTC’s “public face” with community service organizations such as The Bradley Center (an alternative K-12 residential school) and Nursing Homes.

Mark provides all students with opportunities to volunteer their time and talents in support of disadvantaged community members.

Mark promotes and coordinates Service-Leaning opportunities like the Poverty Simulation and the Homeless Project in which students take what they learn at PTC, apply it to helping with real world social problems, and then return and discuss what they learned/experienced with classmates. 

Shane is the founder and long-term advisor to the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), a group that provides a safe space and welcoming community of support and belonging for all students. GSA hosts related educational and social programming and encourages engagement.

Shane has actively advocated for LGBTQ+ students for more than 20 years at PTC, and provides them with direct support via mentoring, referral, advising, etc. He assures that LGBTQ+ students have a safe place to live by networking with current students to identify supportive roommates.

Amber has dedicated more than 10 years to PTC, working in various positions within the PTC community and now serving as the Communications Center Director.

Amber was one of the first people I interacted with during my PTC training, and she pointed out the obvious fact about PTC—that we lacked diversity. This had been her focus for quite some time, and she is passionately ensuring her team is trained and well-versed to handle all students, no matter the background. Her willingness to help change PTC from within is contagious.

Amber has put herself on the line to not only support her team, but also her students, serving as the choir teacher and offering support to the “outcast” art students that have a passion for music and creativity.

I believe that Amber sets an example that the rest of us at PTC need to follow. She acknowledges that what we have done in the past will not get us where we need to be, and that we need to change how we connect with current and perspective students to see an improved PTC.