FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2024
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Arizona Healthcare Program Manager, and New Associate Dean of Academics, as National Award Winner
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Jennifer Kline, Associate Dean of Academics at Erie County Community College, as the 2025 ACTE Region V Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities. The Postsecondary Professional of the Year Award is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox
Jennifer Kline, M.Ed., a dedicated leader in higher education and Career and Technical Education (CTE), has been named the National Postsecondary Professional of the Year. With over 26 years of experience in CTE, Jennifer’s career reflects a remarkable blend of expertise, innovation, and a commitment to student success.
Recently appointed as the Associate Dean of Academics at Erie County Community College in Pennsylvania (Region I), Jennifer previously served as the Healthcare Program Manager for GateWay Community College in Phoenix, Arizona (Region V). Her diverse professional background includes roles as a flight paramedic, firefighter, workforce and business development manager, and a decade of service in higher education as both an educator and administrator.
Jennifer is a passionate advocate for equitable access to high-quality education, inspired by her own journey as a first-generation college student. She is dedicated to identifying and removing barriers to education, creating alternative pathways to success, and minimizing student loan debt. Her leadership has also been instrumental in bridging gaps between education and employment, fostering opportunities for credentialing, and cultivating a culture of innovation, equity, diversity, and belonging for students, faculty, and staff.
A committed lifelong learner, Jennifer is pursuing a doctoral degree in Workforce and Organizational Development, with an emphasis on Career and Technical Education. She has also completed the ACTE Next Level Fellowship program, focusing on college initiatives, advocacy, and funding opportunities, and is currently part of the ACTE National Leadership Fellowship’s Experienced Leader cohort. Her achievements have earned her the ACTEAZ and ACTE Region V Postsecondary Educator of the Year awards.
Jennifer’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the CTE community have made a profound impact. This national recognition celebrates her exceptional career and her dedication to fostering student success, building equitable educational pathways, and advancing the future of Career and Technical Education.
Kline was one of five finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner was announced at the Awards Gala, recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event took place on December 4, at ACTE’s CareerTech VISION 2024. The Awards Gala was sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The U.S. Army, McGraw Hill and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
