Spotlight On: Megan Coval, President, Butler County Community College (BC3)
August 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Megan Coval, president of Butler County Community College, highlighted BC3’s commitment to affordability and workforce alignment, noting that “93% of BC3’s Class of 2025 graduated debt-free.” She pointed to new facilities like the Dr. Robert L. Paserba Teaching and Learning Lab and EMS Academy as examples of how BC3 is responding to regional needs while positioning itself for a flexible, student-centered future.
What is your outlook on the higher education landscape?
It’s an interesting, challenging, and uncertain time for higher education, both nationally and especially in Pennsylvania. We’re seeing the impact of the “enrollment cliff” here, with fewer high-school graduates. But I also think this is a moment of opportunity. With so many different types of institutions in our state, there’s a chance to think creatively and collaboratively about how we serve students going forward.
What are some recent institutional milestones?
It’s been a transitional year. Our previous president was here for 17 years, and I stepped in last May. Even with that change, we’ve hit some exciting milestones. We recently opened the Victor K. Phillips Nursing and Allied Health Building, and just yesterday, we celebrated the launch of our new Robert L. Paserba Teaching and Learning Lab. It’s designed for education students — imagine a flexible classroom where they can move tables, adjust screens, and create lesson plans for a simulated classroom environment.
How does BC3 respond to regional workforce needs?
Healthcare remains a huge priority. Our nursing program is in high demand, and we’ve partnered with Butler Hospital and others in the healthcare space. With a shortage of teachers, we hope the new lab will attract more students to the field. Manufacturing is also critical in our region. We have a dedicated workforce team that responds quickly to industry needs. When Butler County identified an EMT shortage, especially in rural areas, we launched an EMS Academy within 18 months. We already have training running and students graduating.
What role do employer partnerships play in BC3’s programming?
We’re proud of our collaboration with Concordia Lutheran Ministries and Penn Highlands Healthcare. Both of these organizations help students by covering nursing education costs in exchange for employment commitments. Another great example is Cleveland-Cliffs. As they install new furnaces, we’re helping train their employees to operate them. And beyond formal partnerships, we work regularly with local businesses to align training with real-world needs.
How is BC3 integrating new technologies into its academic offerings?
We strive to keep pace with innovation. Our simulation labs in the nursing building offer hands-on, real-life experiences. In our education classrooms, students learn to use technology like Promethean Boards. Faculty are also exploring ways to integrate AI so our students are prepared to enter a world where using such tools is expected.
How does BC3 maintain its commitment to affordability and access?
As an open-access institution, our mission is to provide affordable, quality education. We’ve just confirmed that 93% of BC3’s Class of 2025 graduated debt-free, thanks to outstanding counseling provided by our financial aid team and a strong scholarship program. We’ve hit record levels of scholarship funding and are committed to supporting students from every angle.
What steps is BC3 taking to build a modern, supportive work environment?
One of our goals is to create a 21st-century workplace. We’re building a flexible, supportive environment, even though much of our work is face-to-face. We offer great benefits and try to make BC3 a place where people want to work. But most importantly, we attract people who believe in our mission. Our staff care deeply about students, especially those who are first-generation or may not have seen success as attainable before.
What geographic advantages does BC3 offer its students and communities?
We’re lucky to be in one of the few growing counties in Pennsylvania. Our main campus in Butler has a beautiful, residential feel, and we operate four additional locations in western PA including one in Cranberry Township, as well as virtual programs. That presence across the region helps us stay accessible and connected to our communities.
How is BC3 positioning itself for the future?
With a leadership transition after such a long presidency, we’re taking a steady approach. We’re focusing on our strengths and leaning into collaboration — not competition — with other colleges, businesses, and industries. Dual-enrollment is one area where we’d love to grow, helping high-school students earn college credit. We also see real opportunity in micro-credentials — short-term skills that can build into certificates or associate degrees. It’s a way to meet the changing expectations of today’s learners while staying true to our mission.
How is BC3 staying relevant to today’s learners?
There are a lot of choices, and that can be overwhelming. But we want students to know that at BC3, they’ll find flexibility, support, and a clear path forward, whether they’re aiming for a degree, a skill, or simply a better future.
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