Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, Ph.D.
to higher education in a variety of leadership and administrative roles. Committed to leadership excellence, institutional performance and student success, she is a scholar-practitioner, whose experience in higher education is both diverse and expansive.
Read the Full BiographyContact Information
Office of the President
(412) 809-5100
Christine Raizin
Executive Assistant
(412) 809-5306
raizin.christine@ptcollege.edu
Presidential Event Series
The purpose of this exciting series is to foster a learning platform to engage the Pittsburgh Technical College community and our stakeholders. The series promises to be a fun, cultural, dynamic, and professional development opportunity to encourage discussion and to build our community.
Please submit your ideas and topics for future Presidential events.
Engage with the President’s Office
Alicia Harvey-Smith, PhD. and President of Pittsburgh Technical College, is a champion of the College’s mission on campus and in the community at-large. Browse this timeline for internal and external communications that reflect her thinking on the topics that affect not only PTC and our students, but on issues that drive education and the impact it has on the success of the Commonwealth.
Presidential Timeline
PTC Teams up with West Liberty University for MBA Fast Track Partnership
January 11, 2022
Pittsburgh Technical College finalized its Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Fast Track partnership with West Liberty University (WLU) today at 10 a.m., as PTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Eileen Steffan took part in an event signing with WLU President/CEO Dr. W. Franklin Evans.
The signing, conducted in the Board of Governors Room, located in WLU’s historic Shaw Hall, finalized the MBA Fast Track Partnership that will enable PTC graduates with Bachelors of Science degrees in Business Administration, Applied Management or Information Systems and Technology programs to accelerate their bachelor’s to master’s degree pathway.
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
December 14, 2021Pittsburgh Technical College hosted Chaîne des Rôtisseurs for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Pittsburgh Bailliage.
PTC’s own Jill Kummer, Culinary Instructor, serves as Bailli for the Pittsburgh Bailliage. The event was hosted by Dan Brennan, General Manager of the Pittsburgh Golf Club.
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith was chosen to represent and encourage other college Presidents to join the non-professional category with the other leading executive professionals in the Pittsburgh Area. She is the first president of a college to be inducted to the Pittsburgh Chaine.
Discovery Day
December 4, 2021It was a pleasure meeting all the new faces at our Discovery Day on campus this past weekend!
Tech50 Award Winners
November 10, 2021
We are truly humbled to be recognized by the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s 2021 Tech50 Awards as Innovator of the Year alongside our President and CEO, Dr. Harvey-Smith, who was recognized as CEO of the Year!
Tech50
November 5, 2021We salute all of the Pittsburgh Technology Council‘s 2021 Tech50 finalists, including PTC’s President, Dr. Harvey-Smith, CEO of the Year nominee, and Pittsburgh Technical College, Innovator of the Year nominee—along with anyone, anywhere, who is finding a better way to do something.
Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
October 15, 2021Thank you for the shout out Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and recognizing our recent designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. PTC is the college for students interested in serious cybersecurity careers. Discover our School of Information Systems and Technology.
Golf Scramble for Scholarships
September 13, 2021
Extending a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in our Student Scholarship Annual Golf Scramble, and a special thanks to our event sponsors.
Celebrating 75 Years!
August 27, 2021It was a pleasure to have RMU President Chris Howard on campus today. PTC President, Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith, was gifted with a special resolution from the Robert Morris University Board of Trustees recognizing PTC’s 75th anniversary. Our special year coincides with RMU’s centennial anniversary!
RTM Higher Education CIO Congress
August 10, 2021Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, PTC President/CEO, was a featured speaker at the RTM Higher Education CIO Congress, an invite-only, informative dialogue among CIO’s and VP’s from higher education institutions across the country. She shared a series of post-Covid tools, resources, and innovative ideas directly addressing the ramifications of the pandemic.
TechVibe Radio Presents: Geeking Out with Dr. Harvey-Smith & Dr. Scarpino
August 7, 2021We sat down with Audrey Russo and Jonathan Kersting from the Pittsburgh Technology Council to discuss our collaboration with local tech employers and students to continue to fill the ever-growing demand for skilled talent.
Power52 visits PTC
July 30, 2021
We were excited to welcome Power 52 from Baltimore, MD to the PTC campus July 28-July 30, 2021. Power52 was born under the leadership of Cherie Brooks and Ray Lewis who joined forces after the Baltimore Riots in 2015 to develop a 501(c)3, non-profit foundation that works to train and employ at-risk youth focused in the Clean Energy Industry.
State Senator Devlin Robinson
July 8, 2021
Today, Pennsylvania State Senator Devlin Robinson visited PTC to learn more about PTC’s vision for reimagining the workforce in Pennsylvania.
President & Trustee Emeritus Celebration
June 10, 2021At an on-campus reception, Dr. Harvey-Smith, PTC President/CEO, our Board of Trustees, and invited guests honored John (Jack) R. McCartan and Michael Yurisic who were proclaimed President Emeritus and Trustee Emeritus, respectively. As we move forward, we also look back to those who’ve supported PTC to help our students succeed.
All College Development Meeting
May 7, 2021PANDEMIC SUCCESSES AND POST PANDEMIC REALITIES WE WILL FORGE AHEAD TOGETHER
2021 State of the College Address presented by Dr. Harvey-Smith at the All College Development Meeting.
The Power of Partnerships: Creating Inclusive Educational Opportunities
April 1, 2021
A bigger focus on technical education
March 28, 2021Dr. Harvey-Smith’s letter to the editor in response to the March 21 article “Some Liberal Arts Colleges Add Career, Technical Training” published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Read the Post-Gazette Article
COVID Anniversary
March 12, 2021Black History Month – Pittsburgh
February 26, 2021It has been a pleasure to share with you the stories of so many influential African Americans this month. I hope that you have enjoyed them as well, and you’ve taken the time to learn more whether through the links I’ve provided or your own research.
It seems to me that there is no better way to wrap up Black History Month than by spotlighting some of the individuals who have made an impact in their hometown of Pittsburgh and beyond. Please review and see if you can spot the PTC connection. Perhaps someday a PTC employee or graduate will be featured as a leader of significance on a list such as this.
PTC Featured in Pittsburgh City Paper
February 24, 2021
Business Students and Faculty at Pittsburgh Technical College Make a Smooth Transition to Online–a profile on PTC’s successful shift to online learning featuring student Marita Adams and School of Business Academic Chair Michele Zollner.
PTC Earns Military Friendly Designation 2021-2022
February 22, 2021Western Pa. colleges, universities received Military Friendly designation. Read the article from Trib Total Media
Conversations about change and transformation
February 22, 2021
How Two Community Colleges Make Equity Transformative–an article on building more inclusive communities in higher education.
Black History Month – Leaders
February 19, 2021I believe that when we think of Black History Month we automatically reflect upon the civil rights leaders of the past. It has been a pleasure the past two weeks to share with you profiles of Black leaders in academia, science, and innovation.
Leaders such as Medger Evers, Marcus Garvey, Stokely Carmichael, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. have made undeniable impacts on the Civil Rights Movement, and I invite you to learn more about them here: https://www.biography.com/people/groups/civil-rights-activists. Today, I want to share with you the background of some individuals who continue to champion civil rights today.
Black History Month – Inventors
February 12, 2021Continuing our Black History Month recognition of African Americans who have been influential in their field, I ask that you take some time to learn about and celebrate the accomplishments of the following individuals who have significantly impacted science through their research and inventions.
These are just a few of the great black Americans who have changed our world with their work. Additionally, I hope you’ll take the time to review the following link featuring a list of items that you use, and probably take for granted, every day that you can thank a black inventor for creating: Black Inventors List
Black History Month – Academics
February 5, 2021Dear PTC Community,
Since 1976, February has been designated Black History Month and it is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of so many African Americans in our nation’s history.
One of the Core Values of Pittsburgh Technical College is Diversity and Inclusion, and we are taking great strides in developing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus, and thereby encouraging our graduates to take this framework with them into the world both personally and professionally.
Each Friday this month I will highlight African Americans who have been influential in various fields. It only seems appropriate to begin with academics. I invite you to learn more about the following five featured individuals as well as so many others who impacted education.
Reimagining the Future of Higher Education
February 3, 2021
Thank you to all who attended our Inaugural Webinar Series, Reimagining the Future of Higher Education. It was an honor to have Dr. Harvey-Smith and our featured panelists provide their unique insights for how they reimagine the higher education learning, teaching, and support landscape evolving in the coming years. A recording of the webinar is available on the event page.
Diversity Workshop
January 28, 2021The Value of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Learning Enviornments
Power52 Foundation and Pittsburgh Technical College
January 27, 2021Pittsburgh Technical College (PTC) has partnered with Power52 Foundation, a 501(c)3 non- profit foundation dedicated to providing employment training for at-risk and underserved individuals in the city of Baltimore, Md., and surrounding counties to prepare them for careers in the solar industry. The partnership will provide Power52 students with an opportunity to receive entry in a college program and course credits in pursuit of a PTC certificate or degree.
To celebrate the partnership, PTC and Power52 conducted a virtual contract signing event. Watch below.
AAC&U-Cengage Inclusion Scholarship
January 22, 2021Thank you Association of American Colleges and Universities, Cengage, and the committee of peers that selected Dr. Harvey-Smith, PTC President and CEO, as a recipient of the AAC&U/Cengage Inclusion Scholarship. Dr. Harvey-Smith will join a diverse community of leaders united by their shared commitment to promoting quality, equity, and innovation in education through institutional transformation and public advocacy.
In Memory of Dr. King
January 19, 2021Today we celebrate the birth and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This past Friday, Dr. King would have turned 92 years old. He did not live to see his 40th birthday. Yet in his short 39 years, he became one of the most recognizable and memorable figures of the Civil Rights Movement.
2021 New Year Presidential Address
January 12, 2021We Will Rise!
January 7, 2021Dear Students:
I thought it important to reach out to all of you after yesterday’s disturbing events in our nation’s Capitol.
Democracy is a living, breathing, and sometimes messy form of government that requires constant attention and care by American citizens and our nation’s leaders; it’s defined by the collective voices, vision, and votes of all Americans. It’s rarely perfect except in its belief of governing based on the will and good intentions of the people, by the people, for the people.
Workforce Development in the Era of COVID
December 17, 2020Dr. Harvey-Smith, PTC President and CEO, was at the table to discuss workforce development in the era of COVID and what is being done from a regional workforce development perspective to prepare workers for the jobs of the future. This topic is important now more than ever as PTC is committed to rebuilding the Commonwealth post COVID-19. Thank you Pittsburgh Business Times for the opportunity.
Greater Pittsburgh Higher Education Diversity Consortium
December 4, 2020Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith, PTC President and CEO, served and participated in the presidential panel held by Greater Pittsburgh Higher Education Diversity Consortium to discuss topics that are impacting all of us on all levels.
Beyond the Rankings: Regional Colleges’ Impact on Their Communities
November 20, 2020
Important January 2021 Quarter Information
November 19, 2020Pittsburgh Technology Council’s 2020 CEO of the Year
November 13, 2020Congratulations to Pittsburgh Technology Council‘s 2020 CEO of the Year, Barb VanKirk from IQ Inc., and to all top-notch finalists. We are honored to have Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, PTC President and CEO, selected as a finalist and surrounded by all of the outstanding leadership.
A Special Election Message
November 2, 2020Dear PTC Faculty, Staff and Students,
On Tuesday, millions of Americans will go to the polls to exercise their sacred right to vote in federal, state, and local elections. This will be the culmination of an unprecedented election season, one in which more than 92 million votes have already been cast. This election is historic, as all elections are. Voting is an opportunity to dream of the possibilities of America.
October Commencement Address
October 7, 2020A Message of Encouragement
October 5, 20202020 Women in Leadership Symposium
October 2, 2020Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith, Pittsburgh Technical College President and CEO, will be a panelist and presenter at today’s 2020 Women in Leadership Symposium. Once again the Pennsylvania Diversity Council has brought together a diverse mix of successful women leaders who, through the discussion of topics relevant to today’s issues, will educate, inspire, and encourage women to reflect on their own goals and status.
U.S. News & World Report
September 23, 2020
For the first time, Pittsburgh Technical College has been ranked with other colleges and universities by “U.S. News & World Report” and has been recognized in four categories.
Women of influence: Alicia Harvey-Smith charting a new course for Pittsburgh Technical College
September 16, 2020
A newcomer to Pittsburgh, Alicia Harvey-Smith became president of Pittsburgh Technical College last year after serving in leadership roles at several colleges throughout the country. Since taking on her current role, she has worked to develop a number of programs that enhance and promote technical career education. She’s also in the midst of developing a new strategic plan for the school, which recently switched from being a for-profit institute to a nonprofit college.
Read the article by By Richard Cerilli – Special Projects Editor, Pittsburgh Business Times
Pittsburgh Business Times Women of Influence
September 14, 2020This afternoon we celebrate the region’s most influential business women at for-profit companies, nonprofits, and government entities. Congrats Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith and all the women named this year.
Pittsburgh Technology Council – Business as Usual
September 2, 2020Dr. Harvey-Smith, President and CEO of Pittsburgh Technical College will be joining Pittsburgh Technology Council to re-introduce the Pittsburgh Tech Community to the mission of Pittsburgh Technical College, and to discuss colleges going back to class amid COVID-19.
Leading Higher Education’s Emergence Post COVID-19: A Call to Action
July 14, 2020
An article written for Ferris State University’s Alliance for Community College Excellence in Practice
A letter to the Class of 2020
May 5, 2020“Today, I write to you and your families on behalf of our faculty and staff, to honor each and every one of you for the expression of fortitude during such an unprecedented time in our world’s history.”
The Student Above All: An Introduction
April 12, 2020
Visits to PTC
March 9, 2020
President Harvey-Smith briefed Jennifer Beahm, Editor Pittsburgh Business Times, on the progress, changes, and advantages of Pittsburgh Technical College. Editor Beahm had the opportunity to tour the 180 acre campus, explore high-tech equipment / simulations and applied curriculum offered to PTC students.
Family Night Out
March 7, 2020Pittsburgh Technical College’s first Family Night Out at Pastoli’s in Squirrel Hill. The audience was treated to the sounds of PTC’s Faculty Band: King Crab & Company with Eric Joesph, Frank Schurter and Cyrus Anderson, and original poems from Dr. Harvey-Smith’s book Eclectic Insights.
Presidential Event Series: African-American Legacy Celebration – Through Music and Literature
February 21, 2020
a very special evening of music, poetry, literature, presentations and community learning
Learn more about the event and see the photos
Visits to PTC
February 19, 2020
Charlene Newkirk, Southeast Campuses President at CCAC visits PTC
Visits to PTC
February 18, 2020
Dr. Neupauer, Butler County Community College, tours Pittsburgh Technical College
WA+PTC: A Dual Enrollment Opportunity
February 13, 2020
We’re partnering with West Allegheny School District (WASD) to launch five healthcare-based, dual-enrollment programs to address the growing need for professionals in the region. Through this workforce-driven program, students in the WASD can earn college credits while simultaneously completing their high school diploma.
Visits to PTC
February 10, 2020
Karina Chavez, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Council of Higher Education, visits Pittsburgh Technical College
PTC launches a COVID-19 Communication Center
January 29, 2020
How the Workforce Skills Gap is Placing Increased Focus on Technical Education
January 28, 2020
Visits to PTC
January 28, 2020
Valerie Gaydos, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, with Dr. Alicia Harvey Smith
Visits to PTC
January 14, 2020
Pittsburgh Technical College hosted members of the Allegheny County Airport Authority for a partnership discussion.