What’s new on campus this year

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is welcoming students back this fall with several significant changes, including a new degree program, a new online learning choice for nursing students, two varsity sports teams and new coaching staff across multiple programs.

One of the most notable academic additions is a new four-year degree in emergency medicine, offered in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Students in the program will begin with general education courses and emergency medical technician certification. Those who meet the requirements after two years can apply to complete their junior and senior years in the emergency medicine major, where they will pursue paramedic certification and gain extensive real-world experience.

“This is an excellent opportunity for a true academic partnership using the resources available on and around our regional campus,” said Dr. Thomas E. Platt, associate dean for academic partnerships in Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Graduates will complete at least 544 hours of fieldwork and may work more hours during summer breaks. According to Doug Graham, instructor of emergency medical services and health sciences, the program not only prepares students to enter the workforce as paramedics but also gives them a competitive edge for graduate and medical school applications.

In addition to the emergency medicine degree, Pitt-Bradford is launching an online version of its RN-to-BSN program this fall. The two-term program is designed for registered nurses who already hold an associate degree and RN license, offering flexibility to complete their bachelor’s degree without leaving the workforce.

“We are thrilled to be able to now offer this reputable program in an online format,” said Dr. Jean Truman, director of nursing programs at Pitt-Bradford and Pitt-Titusville. “This format makes it easier for working nurses to earn their BSN and transform their careers.”

The online program keeps the same curriculum taught by Pitt-Bradford faculty and includes courses in professional nursing concepts, health assessment, community health and nursing research.

Pitt-Bradford is also growing its athletics offerings. The university is introducing a women’s lacrosse team, which began as a club sport last year and is transitioning to varsity competition in the 2025-26 season. The team will play on the recently completed artificial turf field at the Kessel Athletic Complex.

Leading the program is Vic Goeller, who comes to Pitt-Bradford from Wells College, where he guided his team to a 16-1 season and a conference title. Goeller was named 2024 AMCC Co-Coach of the Year and has coached multiple student-athletes to all-conference honors.

Athletic Director Bret Butler said Goeller’s leadership is expected to help lay a solid foundation. “Coach did a fantastic job turning around a program at his last stop,” Butler said. “We know he will be able to steer our new program in the right direction.”

Another varsity sport is set to launch in fall 2025. The university is adding a coed clay target shooting team, which will compete in trap and skeet through the Scholastic Clay Target Program. The Panthers will practice and host meets at the Bradford Gun Club.

Jeff Cattoni, a 2016 Pitt-Bradford graduate and certified NRA shooting instructor, has been named head coach. He previously coached the Bradford Area High School swim team and volunteers with a local youth trap shooting program.

The university has also named new coaches for three existing athletic programs.

Daniel Smay takes over as head coach of the men’s basketball team following two seasons at Penn State DuBois. There, he led the team to a conference championship appearance. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Smay brings experience from multiple collegiate programs, including Florida State and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“The Panthers had a great season under Coach (Jesse) DeLoof last year,” Smay said. “We’ll keep the same intensity, passion and effort as staples of the program going forward.”

In women’s volleyball, Kelly Unverdorben joins as head coach after an 11-year run at Portville High School in New York, where she led her teams to eight state titles and more than 300 wins. Her coaching résumé includes recognition from the American Volleyball Coaches Association and a strong record in club volleyball as well.

In wrestling, longtime coach Terry Schwab returns after serving as interim head coach last season. Schwab previously led the program at Smethport Area High School, where he compiled nearly 200 wins and was inducted into the District IX Hall of Fame in 2021.

For more information on academic programs, visit upb.pitt.edu. For athletics information, visit pittbradfordathletics.com.