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University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

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University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ or Pitt-Johnstown) is a state-related college in the Johnstown, Pennsylvania area. It is a baccalaureate degree-granting regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh. The university is located in Richland Township,[6] a suburban area near Johnstown city, and was founded in 1927 as one of the first regional campuses of a major university in the United States.

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Former names
Johnstown Junior College of the University of Pittsburgh
Johnstown College of the University of Pittsburgh[1]
MottoVeritas et Virtus (Latin)
Motto in English
Truth and Virtue
TypeRegional campus of the University of Pittsburgh
EstablishedSeptember 24, 1927
Endowment$37.1 million[2]
PresidentJem Spectar
Academic staff
149[3]
Students2,462[3]
Location
Richland Township
,
Pennsylvania
,
United States
CampusRural, wooded. 655 acres (2.65 km2)
ColorsPitt Royal and Pitt Gold[4]
   [5]
NicknameMountain Cats
Sporting affiliations
NCAA Division II – PSAC
Websitewww.upj.pitt.edu

History

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The University of Pittsburgh first established a presence in the area prior to World War I, when the Johnstown School Board asked the university to offer continuing education courses at extension class sites in local teachers' institutions. By 1926, a more permanent relationship was sought by the school board, and UPJ was officially founded as a two-year college of the University of Pittsburgh on September 24, 1927.[7] Throughout the 1920s and 1930s it held classes in the Johnstown High School building in the Kernville neighborhood which adjoins downtown Johnstown. After World War II, the Johnstown College moved to the Moxham section of the city where the number of courses and students increased. In the early 1960s, community leaders worked with the University of Pittsburgh to build a new campus in suburban Richland Township. The new campus opened in 1967 with two classroom buildings, five dormitories, and a student union. Degree-granting status was awarded to UPJ by the University of Pittsburgh in 1970. The campus has grown significantly since that time with five academic buildings, a library, an expanded student union, a sports and aquatic center, a conference center, a chapel, a performing arts center, and a large cluster of dormitories, lodges, townhouse apartments and other student residence housing. UPJ now offers over 40 baccalaureate and associate degree programs.

Academics

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The Mountain Cat statue outside of Blackington Hall

UPJ offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in over 40 areas of study in seven academic divisions,[8] as well as offering the ability to obtain a Master of Social Work degree,[9] several associate degrees in the allied health area, as well as certificate programs. The college offers 44 undergraduate majors, with minors available in most of the major fields, as well as in other areas of arts and sciences. The average class size is 25, and the student to teacher ratio is 20:1. The college is strictly undergraduate, and all courses are taught by college faculty. Special opportunities include internships, the President's Scholars program, independent and directed studies, a self-designed major, the Freshman Seminar Series, an International Studies Certificate, and the Academic Success Center.

Pitt-Johnstown Academic Divisions[8]
• Business and Enterprise
• Education
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Humanities
• Natural Sciences
• Nursing and Health Sciences
• Social Sciences

UPJ operates on a modified trimester calendar. The standard school year includes a 15-week fall term (September to mid-December) and a 15-week spring term (January to mid-April). Optional summer term offerings from 5-week to 15-week sessions allow students to accelerate their degrees.

The University of Pittsburgh, including UPJ and other regional campuses, is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report's 2021 edition of Best Regional Colleges - North ranked Pitt-Johnstown 31st (tie) overall.[10] The college received the following specialty rankings:

Category Ranking
Top Performers in Social Mobility 38
Top Public Schools 18

UPJ was also ranked 75th among baccalaureate colleges by Washington Monthly in 2020.[11]

Campus and facilities

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Aerial photograph of the campus

The Pitt-Johnstown campus is situated in a suburban, wooded setting occupying 650 acres (2.6 km2) which makes UPJ physically the third-largest campus in Pennsylvania. It is located eight miles (13 km) outside of Johnstown, Pennsylvania (metropolitan population of 110,000); 70 miles (110 km) east of Pittsburgh; and 175 miles (282 km) north of Washington, D.C.

The 32 campus buildings, mostly in freestone masonry, include resident housing, classroom buildings, a performing arts center, sports center, library, student union, and outdoor recreation areas. Other features include a 40-acre (160,000 m2) nature preserve, more than 15 intramural activities, more than 70 student organizations, and NCAA Division II men's and women's sports.

The campus has six academic/administrative buildings: Biddle Hall, Krebs Hall, Murtha Engineering and Science Building, Blackington Administrative Classroom Building, Nursing and Health Sciences Building, and the Living/Learning Center. Each building contains classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and/or administrative offices. Additional facilities include a music room, greenhouse, computer rooms, auditoriums, an audio-visual classroom, and conference rooms.

Also available to students is the advanced technology classroom (ATC) in Biddle Hall. The room is designed for electronic distance learning. It is equipped with satellite down-link programming, three full-motion cameras, data ports, video monitors, and much more.

 
Owen Library

The Owen Library holds more than 146,086 bound volumes, 15,358 titles on microfilm, 625 periodical subscriptions, approximately 130 online subscription databases, and more than 4,500 electronic journals. All students have additional access to many additional libraries on Pitt's other campuses.

Campus-wide computing labs for student use are available. Labs primarily contain Windows 10-based PCs, along with several Macintosh computers, application servers, laser printers, scanners, and advanced graphics devices. The labs can be used to work with software, such as word processing and programming languages, or to access network services, such as online card catalogs, electronic mail, and the Internet. There are more than 150 computers available on campus for student use.

The Student Union, located in the middle of campus, houses the Student Life Office, Health Services, Residence Services, Career Services, and the Bookstore/convenience store. Also included are a full-service mail room, a 400-person cafeteria, and several alternative dining options. The union also holds a game room, esports lounge,[12] information desk, and many organizational offices. Located directly outside the cafeteria, a recently renovated late-night Pizza restaurant offers a variety of options for late-night diners.[13][14]

 
Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center

The Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is a 42,000-square-foot (3,900 m2) multipurpose facility; it was completed in 1991. It contains a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 200-seat black box theater, and supporting operational spaces. Performances include UPJ Department of Theatre Arts shows and Broadway productions. The PPAC is also home to the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Johnstown. The art gallery displays at least eight exhibitions a year as well as work produced by UPJ students.

The J. Irving Whalley Memorial Chapel was constructed in 1991 as well. It is nondenominational and seats 250 people. Weekly Catholic mass and Protestant services are held, as well as personal conferences.

The Sports Center and Zamias Aquatic Center provide recreational facilities for more than 15 intramural sports, as well as intercollegiate activities. The building houses a 25-yard (23 m) indoor swimming pool, a workout room with free weights, an aerobic/dance studio, and locker rooms with showers. On January 5, 2011, the university opened the $9.7 million 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m2) Wellness Center which is adjacent to the Sports Center The Wellness Center features a three-lane elevated running track, cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, dance/exercise/classroom space, two multipurpose courts for basketball and volleyball, an indoor climbing wall, as well as an outdoor wellness park.[15][16]

 
Living Learning Center

In fall 2013, an approximately $12 million 26,000-square-foot (2,400 m2) Nursing and Health Sciences Building was opened.[17] The two-floor facility consists of 11 laboratories for chemistry and biology, a nursing simulation laboratory, two seminar rooms, and six faculty offices.[18]

Student residences

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The Living/Learning Center, completed in 1994 and renovated in 2020, is a 400-person residence unit, which includes a study room, lounge area, dance practice room, and a smaller student cafeteria. The Living/Learning Center is not only used as a residence but also as a conference center throughout the year. With several meeting rooms, the facility can accommodate groups of 20–250 people.

 
The Willow Hall student residence features apartment-style suites

In addition to the residence units in the Living/Learning Center, the campus offers the choice of single-sex and coeducational housing. There are 5 freshman residence halls, one upper class residence hall, seven small-group lodges, 46 townhouse-style apartment units, and two apartment complexes.

 
Laurel Hall is one of five first-year student residences

Heroes Memorial

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Pitt-Johnstown is the home to The Heroes Memorial, which is located between Whalley Memorial Chapel and Blackington Hall.[19] The memorial's centerpiece is a 3,500 lb (1,587.6 kg) steel Ɪ-beam from the World Trade Center which is surrounded by 12 granite panels that are engraved with over 9,000 names of those who died in the September 11 attacks as well as the service men and women who have been killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.[20] Dedicated on November 11, 2011, it is believed to be the only memorial of its kind on any college campus in the United States.[21]

Athletics

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Mountain Cats logo
 
UPJ men's basketball game in 2010

The Pitt–Johnstown (UPJ) athletic teams are called the Mountain Cats. The university is a member of the NCAA Division II ranks, primarily competing in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) since the 2013–14 academic year, becoming that conference's first member from the Commonwealth System of Higher Education.[22] The Mountain Cats previously competed as a member of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) from 2006–07 to 2012–13.

UPJ competes in fifteen intercollegiate varsity sports:[23] Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball. Former sports include men's ice hockey

Overview

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Perhaps the most prominent sport at UPJ is wrestling, which has had several top national finishes and won the Division II National Championships in 1996 and 1999.[24] The wrestling program also includes several highly decorated wrestlers among its former athletes, including the most decorated wrestler in NCAA history, Carlton Haselrig, who went undefeated during his career and won three Division I and three Division II individual national championships.[25]

Men's Basketball is also successful and has advanced to five NCAA Men's Division II Basketball Tournaments, including appearances in the 1997, 1998, 2008, 2009, and 2023 tournaments.[26] The men's basketball team has appeared in the Division II national rankings several times, and finished as high as fifth in the nation in 1999.[27] Women's basketball at UPJ has appeared in 13 Division II and 3 Division III NCAA tournaments, including the 1987 Division II Final Four.[28][29]

Women's volleyball has earned bids to the NCAA Division II tournament five times since 2013, including in 2023.[30]

The baseball team plays some of its home games at Point Stadium. The baseball program participated in the NCAA North Atlantic Regional Tournament in the 2006 and 2008 seasons.

Notable alumni

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References

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  1. ^ "Timeline of Key Events in Pitt-Johnstown History". johnstown.pitt.edu. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
  2. ^ 2013-2014 year end IPEDS endowment data
  3. ^ a b "University of Pittsburgh Fact Book 2020" (PDF). University of Pittsburgh. 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  4. ^ Borghetti, E.J.; Sepich, R.J.; Welsh, Celeste, eds. (2019). "Pitt Quick Facts: University Info". University of Pittsburgh Brand Guidelines (PDF). University of Pittsburgh Althetic Communications Office. p. 42. Retrieved October 23, 2019. Colors: Pitt Royal and Pitt Gold
  5. ^ "Primary Palette". University of Pittsburgh Office of University Communications. 2019. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  6. ^ "2020 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: University of Pittsburgh Johnstown CDP, PA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  7. ^ Hart, Peter (2007), UPJ celebrates 80 years (PDF), University of Pittsburgh, retrieved May 10, 2012
  8. ^ a b "Academic Divisions". University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  9. ^ "Graduate and Professional Programs". University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Retrieved October 19, 2014.
  10. ^ "U.S. News & World Report: Best Colleges: University of Pittsburgh-Bradford". U.S. News & World Report. 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
  11. ^ "2020 Bachelor's Colleges Ranking". Washington Monthly. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
  12. ^ "Clubs and Organizations, Club and Sports Recreation, Esports Club". Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  13. ^ "Jonathan Weaver, Sports bar soon to take place of banquet hall, The Advocate, 2009-02-04". Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  14. ^ Hart, Peter; Barlow, Kimberly K. (September 3, 2009). "What's New? Places". University Times. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh. Archived from the original on June 9, 2010. Retrieved September 8, 2009.
  15. ^ Faher, Mike (November 1, 2009). "UPJ Plans Wellness Center". The Tribune Democrat. Johnstown, PA. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
  16. ^ "UPJ to break ground on new wellness center". The Daily American. Somerset, PA. November 4, 2009. Retrieved December 13, 2009.
  17. ^ Barlow, Kimberly K. (January 7, 2010). "Trustees approve capital budget". University Times. Vol. 42, no. 9. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  18. ^ "Nursing and Health Sciences Building". University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  19. ^ "Solemn Signpost". G.I. Jobs Magazine: 56. February 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  20. ^ Brown, Ryan (November 11, 2011). "Pitt-Johnstown monument to heroes dedicated". Johnstown Tribune-Democrat. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  21. ^ "The Heroes Memorial". University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  22. ^ Kovak, Mike (July 1, 2013). "PSAC opens its doors to UPJ". The Tribune-Democrat. Johnstown, PA. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  23. ^ "Pitt-Johnstown Adds Three Sports Entering PSAC". University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Athletics. July 1, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  24. ^ "NCAA Division II National Champions". Retrieved March 28, 2009.
  25. ^ Caputo, Chris (December 10, 2008). "Six Selected for Induction into Pitt Johnstown Athletics Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009" (PDF) (Press release). University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Department of Athletics. Retrieved March 28, 2009.
  26. ^ "Mountain Cats Earn Second Straight NCAA Tournament Bid; Pitt-Johnstown to Play Top-Seeded Gannon University" (Press release). University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Department of Athletics. March 8, 2009. Retrieved March 28, 2009.
  27. ^ History of NCAA Division II Basketball Rankings: 1961-2008, pg.47 & 153, date=2008-05-23, accessdate=2009-03-28
  28. ^ 2009 NCAA Women's Division II Championship Records, pg. 19, accessdate=2009-04-26
  29. ^ 2009 NCAA Women's Division III Championship Records, pg. 27, accessdate=2009-04-26
  30. ^ "Volleyball Earns No. 5 Seed For NCAA Regional Tournament; Will Take on No. 4 IUP in Quarterfinals" (Press release). Johnstown, PA: University of Pitt-Johnstown. November 21, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2023.

Further reading

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Hunter, Robert J. (1996). The Evolution of a College: a History of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (1927-1993). Johnstown, PA: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

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40°16′03″N 78°50′06″W / 40.267507°N 78.834913°W / 40.267507; -78.834913

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