Mark Threeton

Dr. Mark Threeton is a tenured Professor of Education (Workforce Education and Development) at Pennsylvania State University and Executive Director of the Professional Personnel Development Center for Career and Technical Education (PPDC). He is based in the Department of Learning and Performance Systems within the College of Education at University Park.

Education: While specific degrees are not listed in the provided text, Dr. Threeton’s extensive record—spanning over two decades of research, teaching, and leadership—indicates advanced preparation in education, workforce development, and occupational studies.

Research Interests:

• Experiential learning and teaching methodologies
• Career development and workforce readiness
• Occupational safety and health within educational settings
• STEM education and instructional practices
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) policy and leadership

His scholarship bridges the gap between academic theory and industry practice, emphasizing evidence-based strategies that enhance learning outcomes and workforce preparation.

Publications & Trends: Dr. Threeton has authored 30+ refereed journal articles and four influential books. Recent outputs reveal a consistent focus on safety in STEM classrooms, competency frameworks for CTE leaders, and experiential pedagogies. The temporal trend underscores a sustained commitment to translating research into practical tools for educators and policymakers.

Grants & Funding: As Principal Investigator he has secured over $3 million in competitive grants, and as Co-Principal Investigator an additional $10 million. These awards support national initiatives in technical teacher training, curriculum innovation, and leadership development in CTE.

Advising & Mentorship: He has successfully chaired 15 Ph.D. committees to completion and currently guides five additional doctoral candidates toward graduation.

Leadership & Outreach: Beyond campus, Dr. Threeton served as President of the Association for Career and Technical Education Research (ACTER), directs national training programs for labor organizations such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and the Electrical Training Alliance, and consults for the Pennsylvania Department of Education on strategic curriculum initiatives.