Eric L. Ewell working to reinvigorate lost and forgotten communities and people
Eric L. Ewell
Director of Continuing Education
Penn State Greater Allegheny
exe78@psu.edu
412-675-9017
Favorite Place
McKeesport Marina, a Marina/boat dock with a bike trail running through it.
What was your first interaction with a school-community partnership project?
When I was in high school I had a summer job at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). We were tasked with turning rough terrain into a series of trails for community and college to enjoy. We worked and built a network of trails that included education and introduction to the horticulture onsite.
How did you first learn about EPIC-N?
Through one of my co-workers in the Penn State System.
What are some of the top priorities you are working on this year?
- Reusing current structures in the city of McKeesport.
- Developing entrepreneurs within the Mon Valley region.
- Working to develop a better relationship with University and surrounding community.
In what ways are you looking to engage, or work with others, either from within the EPIC-Network, or in general?
We are looking to develop relationships with others from across the country and world to learn best practices. We also hope to learn from others who are working to reinvigorate lost and forgotten communities and people.
Why do you think the EPIC-Network is important?
It brings together thought leaders and practitioners from across the country and world.
What is your favorite part of the EPIC-Network
The Networking and learning.
What are you hoping attendees will take with them after attending your presentation?
For the “Hope Wanted: From Rust to Sustainability” presentation I am hoping to broaden our network and generate new best practices for many universities to use as well as our own.
Bio
Eric L. Ewell, a native of the City of Duquesne since the age of four, grew up playing football and attending the Duquesne Education Center from K-12 and graduated in the 1997. After graduation, Eric attended Youngstown State University where he and high school sweetheart, Sonia married and graduated. Then the Ewells moved home to pursue post graduate employment. Shortly after coming back to Duquesne, Eric began work as a management trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. After leaving Enterprise Eric had a strong desire to make a difference for young people who were growing up in Greater Pittsburgh and wanted to have his work intersect with his ministry and passion. Since coming to this conclusion, Eric has had many amazing opportunities to do just that. Eric has worked with youth and adults helping to enrich their lives and produce better outcomes for all. Eric currently serves as the Director of Continuing Education and Co-Facilitator of the Mon Valley Launchbox for Penn State Greater Allegheny.
