Student Services Team
Melissa Gnoth
With degrees in Parks and Recreation and Higher Education, Melissa joined PTC in 2000 when she earned the opportunity to establish the college’s first Director of Student Activities. She oversees extracurricular events and activities, intramural programs, organizations and clubs, as well as the student newsletter. She will also assist Resident Life with some of their duties when they need extra hands.
One of Melissa’s fondest experiences at PTC occurred during the pandemic when she was tasked with reaching out and checking in on students who were learning remotely, as well as overseeing the on-campus health screeners. It was very rewarding to talk with students both on- and off-campus and see just how important it can be to establish those connections.
Melissa is the mother to two teenage boys and keeps busy running to their sporting events. She is active in her community serving on the North Fayette Parks and Recreation Board, as vice president for the West Allegheny Middle School PTA, and as the manager for her son’s cup soccer team.
Corey Kranak
Corey is a Coordinator in PTC’s Resident Life Department. He began his career in resident life while a Criminal Justice student at La Roche University where he worked as a Student Resident Assistant. Upon graduation he gained employment as an officer with a security firm as well as an Adult Community Advisor with a regional business school.
Corey was hired by PTC in 2005 and was soon tasked with building a college community with 100 new students at an apartment complex newly leased by the college for student housing.
These days Corey can be found in the on-campus residence halls organizing and presenting all types of events from life skills and educational programs to athletic and social programming. He is readily available to assist with any issues the housing residents may have with their apartment, roommates, schooling, or personal issues. Corey also is instrumental in preparing both on- and off-campus apartments for current and new student move-ins.
Corey earned an MBA from Point Park University and lives in Robinson Township with his wife and two children.
Mercedes Major
Mercedes transitioned to Pittsburgh Technical College after working in Residence Life and Student Services in New York at both Pace University and the New York’s Education First. Mercedes is going on her 10th year in Higher Education.
Beginning as an RA herself, Mercedes served as a Mentor and Student Leader at Pace University while she was completing her BA in Applied Psychology and Management. She believes that college is the only place where we can continuously have conversations towards self-development and civic leadership.
Mercedes continued to move up in Housing while also expanding to the Department of Multicultural Affairs and spearheading programs target towards fostering the First Year Experience. Mercedes continues these efforts with Pittsburgh Technical College by working with the Wellness and Resilience course and the Dyad Mentorship program.
Shane McGarvey
Shane can’t imagine not working with students, and has been doing so since he first applied for an entry level live-in position with the Boyd School which later merged with PTC. Shane has now been with PTC for more than 20 years and is the Assistant Director of Resident Life which keeps him busy continuously managing quarterly starts and housing move-ins.
In addition to his work with Resident Life, Shane is a lifelong LGBT activist and serves as the advisor of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at PTC, a role in which he takes great pride. It is the longest active non-academic club on campus.
A Pennsylvania native, Shane grew up on a farm which he says was in the middle of nowhere and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of work he can be found at home gardening or enjoying one of the many cultural events Pittsburgh has to offer.
Keith Merlino
Keith has proudly worked in higher education since 1979 and was hired in 2000 to build PTC’s first Student Services Department. Don’t be surprised to hear him say that he “finds something to be proud of every day at PTC.”
As Associate Vice President of Student Services, his work includes resident life, activities, intramurals, counseling, community service, accommodations for students with disabilities, student conduct, and other support services.
Keith lives within walking distance of the PTC campus with his wife and mother and loves when his two children are home to visit. Keith and his family have long been active in the Oakdale community, and Keith has served as VP of the Oakdale Youth League, Chair of the North Fayette Boy Scout Troop, and in local government as a council member and Mayor.
Gloria Ritchie
Gloria has been working with students in Resident Life for nearly 25 years, beginning with the Boyd School that was purchased by PTC. As PTC’s Director of Resident Life, she enjoys seeing her student learn and grow.
Gloria’s career started as a travel agent and providing new-hire training for two major airlines. She also taught dance classes at the time for both a private studio and a college. She first worked with the Boyd school as an instructor in the travel division before moving into Resident Life.
Gloria and her husband have two daughters and look forward to someday being grandparents.