DUBOIS – Educator and local business leader Lois Richards will speak at spring commencement ceremonies at Penn State DuBois, scheduled for 2 p.m. May 9, in the campus gymnasium. As a campus alumna and former returning adult student, her story will inspire many new graduates.
Richards began her college career at Penn State DuBois in January of 1986 as a 32-year-old mother of three elementary-age children. She graduated four years later with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and a minor in psychology. In 2002 she attained a Master’s degree in Workforce Education and Development from Penn State.
During her 25-year career in education, she has held positions as a long-term elementary substitute for Clearfield Area School District. Then she joined the Clearfield County Career & Technology Center staff, first teaching the adult business education program for seven years, followed by seven years as the cooperative education coordinator.
In 2004 she began a 10-year career as the first female director of the CCCTC. She retired from that position Dec. 31, 2013.
Currently, she is a faculty member of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, as well as a consultant for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Among her interests, Richards enjoys volunteer work with several organizations. She spent eight years on the Alumni Board for the campus. In 2004 she was proud to accept the Outstanding Alumna Award for the campus.
Richards is married to Edward and they have three children, Michael Richards, Carrie Wood and Dr. Matthew Richards, in addition to four grandchildren, Claireese (Reese), Parker, Maya and Isabella.
