Anita Casper

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - To help develop experiential learning opportunities for students, Lock Haven University has created the position of Internship Coordinator.

“The position, funded through the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Economic Development Internship Project, gives us the opportunity to develop additional internship sites for our students with a focus on Clinton County,” said Joan Welker, director of Career Services, the office that will oversee the new post. “Internships are such a crucial component of a student's academic career. Through an internship, students gain practical experience in their chosen career field and are given the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom.”

Hired for the position is Anita Casper, who has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Central College in Iowa and a master’s degree in International Administration from the School for International Training in Vermont.

Casper has worked in Honduras as a Peace Corps Volunteer and Trainer, for AFS Intercultural in New York City developing cross-cultural training materials and for STEP Inc. in Williamsport in the Employment and Training sector where she matched people with jobs, prepared people with job readiness skills and oversaw on-the-job training. For seven years, she worked in the International Programs Office at Pennsylvania College of Technology, assisting international students, working with study abroad programs and coordinating international events on campus. Most recently she has volunteered at her son’s school, where she coordinated the marketing and publicity for the West Branch School and organized the school’s fair and music festival. She currently serves as president of the Governance Committee.

“Anita has the perfect blend of experience working in higher education with students, faculty and administrators, as well as with employers in business and industry,” Welker said. “I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”

“It’s great to be back in a college setting again,” Casper said. “I look forward to working with the students, faculty, businesses and organizations to match students to internships and create new opportunities. Joan and the Career Services staff have been wonderful in welcoming me to their office and showing me around the campus.”