LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven Clearfield Criminal Justice Associate Professor, Dr. Michael McSkimming, will serve as a board member on the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania (COPA) organization.

Dr. Marianne Hazel, LHU Clearfield Campus Interim Dean commented, "We are so proud of Michael and of his accomplishments. Through his service to the board, he will gain more knowledge which will certainly enhance the creation of the conservation law enforcement track and his teaching. Michael is a role model for our students, and it is an honor to have the LHU Clearfield Campus represented so well."

“Michael's selection to the Board of this organization is a tribute to his expertise in the field and the conservation law enforcement professions, as recognized by his peers in conservation law enforcement,” said Dr. Tamson L. Six, Department Chair of the Lock Haven Criminal Justice Department. “This is a perfect fit for our efforts to support the development of the Conservation Law Enforcement Track within our degree.’

Starting in the fall 2011 semester, Dr. McSkimming will offer a new course, "Conservation Law Enforcement”. This is the first step in the University’s development of a track in Conservation Law Enforcement within the Criminal Justice Degree at Lock Haven University.

"It is an honor to be elected to a seat in this association,” said Dr. McSkimming. “Coupled with the Conservation Law Enforcement Track here at Lock Haven University, I have the ability to promote the essence of protecting, conserving, and enhancing the natural resources to a wider array of audiences."
According to the COPA website, the mission of the organization is to increase understanding, awareness and support for the role of Pennsylvania's conservation officers in the management of our natural resources through public outreach programs and by promoting professionalism and fraternalism within our ranks. The association also provides support to various youth outreach and education initiatives and the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association (NAWEO). Their website can be found at www.pawco.org.

LHU Clearfield Campus is a branch campus of Lock Haven University which is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. LHU Clearfield Campus is conveniently located in Clearfield, PA on route PA-322 and close to Interstate-80.

The Clearfield Campus will be hosting an open house for prospective students on Saturday, March 26. Students should pre-register for the open house at www.myfutureisclear.com. For additional information about LHU Clearfield, visit the website at www.lhup.edu/clearfield