Beyond the Books: Walking the Walk at PennWest

At PennWest, we believe in walking the walk, not just talking the talk. We’re exploring the transformative journey of college life through the lens of experiential learning and internships. Our students and faculty members don't just sit in classrooms; they actively engage in real-world experiences that shape their futures. Today, our guests talk about their experiences outside the classroom and how those experiences have opened doors, built confidence, and paved the way for successful careers. First, to the golf course – as we examine PennWest’s professional golf management program and the hands-on work with the PGA and golf experts. We’ll tee off the chat with Justin Barroner, the department char of Exercise, Health and Sport Sciences and a PGA golf professional. Barroner not only teaches about the fitness and exercise of the sport, but also how to operate a golf course from the grass to the concession stand. He’s led many experiential trips – most recently to the U.S. Masters Golf Tournament. Shawn Luce is a senior in the Professional Golf Management Program, who has worked at the Masters tournament for the last two years. While studying at PennWest, Shawn has worked in merchandise and supervisory toles at golf courses along the east coast. Next, we’ll explore the field of nutrition with Dr. Kim Schwabenbauer – an exercise science professor at the Clarion campus – who has served as the Sports Dietitian for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only does she remain active in her field, completing marathons, triathlons and Ironman events, but she also connects her students with valuable, life-changing internships. Finally, we shift to the world of Economics with PennWest students Diletta Mungo and Wayeera Robertson. The pair recently earned an opportunity to share their Applied Economics research at the Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland, Ohio. Mungo, a junior economics major and member of the PennWest California tennis team, investigates the relationship between female leadership and company performance. As an interdisciplinary studies major with an Economics minor, Robertson explores the critical issue of residential electricity rates in the United States, examining the effect of private ownership and deregulation.