Today, we get to meet Joan Stizinger, executive director of the Warren/Forest Higher Education Council.

For nearly three decades, Joan Stitzinger has been a quiet force in Warren County–one whose passion for education, love for her community, and commitment to opportunity have helped shape thousands of lives. As she prepares for retirement at the end of this year, the Executive Director of the Warren/Forest Higher Education Council (Hi-Ed)leaves behind a legacy of growth, access, and empowerment.

Born and raised in Warren, Joan’s roots run deep.

“My parents, Alfred and Nancy Davies, started Davies & Sons LLC back in 1959,” she said. “We were raised with a strong sense of family, hard work, and community involvement.”

Pictured are Joan and her grandkids, Austin, Landon, Liam, Sydney, Karsen, and Emilia.

One of four siblings, Joan credits her upbringing for instilling the values that continue to guide her life.

Her journey into higher education wasn’t a straight line.

“I got my start in the family business doing the books,” she explained.

But her curiosity and drive led her to take classes through Jamestown Community College at Hi-Ed. From there, she went on to earn an accounting degree from Penn State Behrend, and later, an MBA from Gannon University.

Joan’s first role at Hi-Ed was as assistant director. But when longtime director Judy Schadt retired, Joan was chosen to lead the organization.

Pictured is Joan on a ziplining adventure.

“It was an honor,” she said, “and one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Since then, Joan has spent the last 28 years expanding Hi-Ed’s mission–to make learning accessible, affordable, and relevant for people in Warren and Forest counties.

“In the beginning, we just brought college courses to town,” Joan said. “But we quickly realized the community needed so much more.”

Under her leadership, Hi-Ed has evolved to offer workforce development, adult diploma programs, GED prep, youth leadership initiatives, personal enrichment courses, CPR/first aid training, and college degree pathways in partnership with institutions like Gannon University, NPRC, JCC, and Venango Technology Center.

Perhaps one of her proudest achievements is seeing students transform their lives.

Shown is Joan and her husband Miles.

“Like the adult learner who came in without a high school diploma and is now graduating from the Practical Nursing program. Or the single mom we helped secure funding so she could become a nurse,” she said. “That’s what this work is all about.”

Joan emphasizes she hasn’t done it alone.

“I’ve been blessed to work with the absolute best team–Donna Smith, Angie Bigelow, Emily Magnuson, Leanna Ashe, and Cindy Phillips. It’s always been about the people.”

Her impact reaches beyond education. Joan has served on numerous local boards and lent a hand at everything from national canoe races to baseball tournaments. She currently serves on the Family Services of Warren County board and is excited about its future expansion.

When she’s not leading educational initiatives or attending community meetings, Joan enjoys the simpler things. She and her husband Miles love exploring the countryside in their bright red Solstice convertible, taking in the beauty of the region she calls “one of the most scenic and peaceful places on Earth.” She enjoys walking with their Westie, Piper, trying new restaurants, reading, and traveling–often with local groups. Her favorite adventures so far include Italy, Great Britain, Alaska, and Hawaii, with more destinations still on the bucket list.

But no joy compares to spending time with her family.

“Supporting my six grandkids–Austin, Landon, Liam, Sydney, Karsen, and Emilia–in everything they do, whether it’s basketball, swim meets, or dance performances, fills my heart with pride,” she said. “They are life’s greatest blessing.”

As Joan prepares for her next chapter, she reflects on her career with humility and gratitude.

“After nearly three decades, what continues to inspire me is watching someone walk through our doors uncertain of their future–and leave with the confidence, education, and tools to rewrite their story. It’s more than a job. It’s my passion, and I feel honored to be part of it.”

She’s not done giving back. Even in retirement, Joan expects to remain active in the community, cheering on her grandkids and supporting the causes she holds dear.

“If there’s one thing I hope people know about me,” she said, “it’s that I truly love this community. Every student, every class, every partnership–it has all meant something. I believe in lifting others up, in helping people see what’s possible, and in making our little corner of the world better, one person at a time.”

And that, more than anything, is the legacy Joan Stitzinger will leave behind.