(The following press release was published verbatim from Penn State University)
John Pachence, associate teaching professor and program chair of Integrative Arts at Penn State Abington, has received the 2026 President’s Award for Engagement with Students.
The award honors a faculty member who exceeds expectations by actively supporting students’ learning, connecting them with opportunities, and helping them grow as confident thinkers and contributors to society.
Nominators highlighted Pachence’s extensive and exceptional involvement in students’ learning, both inside and outside the classroom.
“Pachence’s teaching philosophy reaches far beyond the traditional classroom. In every setting, he creates environments where curiosity thrives and creativity takes root,” a nominator said.
His digital recording and production course uses an innovative “I do — we do — you do” approach that guides students from demonstration to collaboration to independent mastery. This method gives students the foundation to explore creative and advanced uses of today’s technology.
Nominators said Pachence consistently keeps pace with industry trends and supports students at every stage. He has them work on professional-level projects, including full-length albums, guiding them through composition, arrangement, performance, recording, mixing, marketing and promotion. Many students have used these experiences to secure opportunities with organizations such as Yamaha Musical Instruments, Apple, Ibanez Guitars, Tama Drums, Live Nation, the Philadelphia Orchestra and MilkBoy Recording Studios.
Pachence also leads Lion Productions, a campus-based event production team open to all students. Under his direction, it has become the first choice for all on- and off-campus events, including live concerts, theater performances, film screenings, cultural celebrations, donor receptions and student club programs. Recently, the team partnered with Abington’s Art department to stage an immersive, student-centered event at the Philadelphia Independence Seaport Museum featuring fullscale light, laser, fog and audio production.
He has developed specialized training programs that prepare students in the mastery of advanced audio, video and lighting technologies. Students also gain leadership skills by working directly with event organizers throughout the planning and execution of large-scale, public-facing events.
His mentorship is reflected in students’ acceptance into competitive graduate programs and successful careers in the performing arts, nominators said.
“Through his energetic and collaborative leadership of Lion Productions, Pachence offers students rich, interdisciplinary experiences that promote academic, social and professional growth,” a former student said.
