Allegheny College president recognized as Trailblazer in Economic & Workforce Development
Allegheny College President Ron Cole has been recognized by City & State PA with a 2025 Trailblazers in Workforce & Economic Development award for his dynamic leadership forging important partnerships for the college that create new opportunities for regional economic growth and produce graduates who are prepared for the workforce upon graduation.
The award was presented at an exclusive celebration at The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia.
City & State's inaugural Trailblazers in Workforce & Economic Development honors key figures from Pennsylvania's government, business, advocacy and institutions on the front lines, creating jobs and spurring economic growth at the local, state and national level, officials said in making the announcement.
Under Cole's leadership, Allegheny College has developed and implemented a bold Strategic Pathway with a robust focus on community and economic development.
The awards committee cited how Cole is inspiring academic leaders and institutions to drive regional economic development by actively engaging with local communities, businesses and government stakeholders. They particularly highlighted initiatives that Allegheny College has developed in support of these efforts, including four entities driving development and collaboration across the region:
• Allegheny College Community Impact Hub
• Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity at Bessemer (ALIC @ Bessemer)
• Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC)
• Allegheny College Watershed Conservation Research Center
As Pennsylvania continues to invest in advanced manufacturing, Allegheny's branch campus, ALIC @ Bessemer, will play a key role in developing talent, driving R&D and creating new opportunities for economic growth and industry expansion, officials said. By integrating emerging technologies like automation, digital fabrication and smart manufacturing, ALIC @ Bessemer will help position the region as a leader in next-generation production.
Further, Allegheny College implemented microcredentials last academic year to bolster student learning and post-graduate success with nearly 30 offered this fall to complement its distinctive curriculum of a major and minor in different areas of study.
Andy Walker, who has served as Allegheny College's executive director for economic, civic and community engagement, was also named to the Trailblazers in Workforce & Economic Development list in his capacity as executive director of the MCRC, where he leads renewed investment in Meadville and the Crawford County region by partnering with elected officials and community stakeholders, officials said.
Honorees will be profiled in City & State PA.
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