Meet Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology's Deans
Dean Chris Metzler
Dr. Chris Metzler has served the college with deep dedication and he’ll continue to do so even more as he undertakes a plethora of new initiatives as Dean. A little history on Dean Metzler will quickly reveal he’s very energetic and committed to helping the students reach their full potential both socially and with technical competency. In the fall of 2003, Christopher Metzler was hired as a counselor at Stevens. As one of the College’s counselors, in addition to meeting with students, he coordinated new student orientation and presented various workshops on topics from diversity to college transition. Aft er seven years as a counselor he was named the Director of Student Services. In that role he oversaw the Athletic Department, Women’s Center, Student Organizations, and student conduct. Some of the key initiatives in his new role included increasing activities for students, developing a comprehensive assessment plan for all of Student Services, creating operation policies and procedures, and identifying how Student Services can plan an eff ective role in helping to retain students. Metzler joined the board of the Shreiner-Concord Cemetery Foundation in 2010, the fi nal resting place of Th addeus Stevens. Th is year, Metzler was elected president of the Schreiner Foundation’s board. In 2011, he assumed additional responsibilities becoming the Athletic Director for the College and helped transition three sports teams into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Metzler has also helped with the formation of the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (EPAC) where the College’s NJCAA teams compete for championships. Currently, Metzler serves as Vice-President of the EPAC.
DEAN MICHAEL DEGROFT '03
He’s a man who has a deep respect for our mission and a heart to help our students. Dean DeGroft refl ects on his early days at Stevens both as a student and as an employee. “I have been at Thaddeus Stevens as a student since 2001 and as an employee since 2003. The first 13 years of my time as an employee of the College was in the Financial Aid and Registrar’s Office. During this time, I had the opportunity to work closely with students and families to assist them navigate the Financial Aid process. I also was able to assist students with the registration side of the campus to help ensure graduate requirements were met and help with other registrations questions and issues.” “I thoroughly enjoyed both aspects of these responsibilities. Th is allowed me the opportunity to play a small role in the student’s journey of graduating and beginning their career. During this time I also had the opportunity work closely with the Admissions Offi ce and assist students from the beginning of the process until the end, when they graduated.” “I now have the exceptional opportunity to shift gears in my professional career that provides a new challenge while allowing me to stay at Th addeus Stevens, which has become a part of my family. I truly believe in the mission of the college and I have witnessed countless times where the College has changed the lives of many people, including myself.” “In this new role I am excited for the opportunities to work closely with students, parents, high school counselors, teachers, political appointments and industry. It is important that all individuals are fully aware of the workforce needs and the important role that Th addeus Stevens College of Technology plays in that need.” Under his early guidance the Admissions offi ce has taken on a new process of execution of new duties and professionalism in procedures and responsibilities. Dean DeGroft is a multi-tasker and the right man to implement new ideas in conducting the business of Admissions.