Dr. Mark Threeton

Dr. Mark Threeton, a tenured professor in Workforce Education and Development at Pennsylvania State University, brings over two decades of expertise in research, teaching, and leadership. As Executive Director of the Professional Personnel Development Center, Dr. Threeton leads initiatives to advance Career and Technical Education (CTE) through innovative research, transformative teaching, and collaborative leadership.

Research, Publications, and Grants 

Dr. Threeton’s research focuses on experiential learning and teaching, career development, and occupational safety and health within education and the broader workforce. With 30+ articles in refereed journals and authored books, his work addresses critical issues, including instructional practices in STEM and the intersection of education and workforce needs. 

A sample of recent publications include: 

A safety study on educators of technological and engineering design-based instruction in STEM related courses (2024), The Journal of Technology Education.

Triangulated research methods to operationalize Career and Technical Education Administrator Knowledge and Skill Core Competencies (2022), Journal of Research on Leadership Education.

Factors associated with employment intention of agriculture students (2022), Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension. 

An exploration of experiential learning practices utilized by STEM Educators (2021), Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education. 

Industrial engagement in the technical and vocational training (TVET) systems (2021), International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. 

 An investigation of instructional practices which promote occupational safety and health (2019), International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics.

Co-author of four influential books, including Managing Technical Programs and Facilities, Dr. Threeton’s work is widely cited in academia and professional circles.

• As Principal Investigator, he has secured over $3M in funded grants, and multi-year partnerships. As Co-Principal Investigator, Dr. Threeton has secured over $10M in grant funding. These grants have supported state and national efforts to enhance technical teacher training, curriculum development, and leadership in CTE.
• He has successfully chaired 15 Ph.D. committees to degree completion and is currently chairing another five that are nearing completion, exemplifying his dedication to fostering academic excellence.

Areas of Teaching Excellence

Dr. Threeton is a dedicated educator, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses that prepare future leaders in Workforce Education and Development. His teaching portfolio spans: 

• Undergraduate Courses: Assessment Techniques, Classroom Laboratory Management, Cooperative Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Education for Work, Navigating Cultural Shifts in the Workplace, Occupational Safety and Health, and Training and Development for Business and Industry.
• Graduate Courses: Assessment and Analysis Techniques, Cultural Diversity, Curriculum and Instruction, Ethics, Platform Skills, Research and Development, Scholarly Research Writing, and Training and Development for Business and Industry.
• His non-credit instruction includes advanced training for educators within national and international settings on pedagogy, curriculum design and development, occupational safety, and leadership in business and industry.  

Leadership Experience

Dr. Threeton’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, driving innovation and collaboration in education and policy. 

• Executive Leadership: As President of the Association for Career and Technical Education Research (ACTER), Dr. Threeton spearheaded initiatives fostering interdisciplinary research and mentorship, focusing on bridging gaps between industry needs and academic programs. His efforts have significantly enhanced the organization's influence on national career and technical education policies. 
• Academic Program Leadership: He has served as Professor-in-Charge of the Workforce Education Program and Director of the Occupational Competency Assessment Program at Pennsylvania State University, roles in which he promoted excellence in teacher certification, developed competency-based assessments, and enhanced student outcomes. Under his leadership, these programs have achieved national recognition for innovation and quality assurance. 
• Labor Organization Leadership: Dr. Threeton has extensive experience advancing leaders, trainers, and the workforce for prominent labor organizations such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC), the Electrical Training Alliance, and National Job Corps to name a few. His work has included developing leadership training programs, enhancing workforce readiness, and designing educational frameworks that empower labor trainers to meet evolving industry demands. 
• Community Impact: He actively contributes to strategic planning and curriculum development for organizations such as Pennsylvania Department of Education and STEM educational institutions. His involvement has led to the creation of programs that address workforce demands, improve skill development initiatives, and foster stronger connections between education and industry stakeholders. 

Dr. Threeton continues to lead efforts in education, research, and professional development, creating pathways to bridge education and workforce opportunities.