Top Women In Business: Mary Hines, Ph.D.

The greatest challenge Dr. Mary Hines faces everyday as the CEO of Penn State University's (PSU) Wilkes-Barre Campus in Lehman, Luzerne County is helping local companies understand the competitive advantage that education and training will bring. "Education is about shaping the future," she said.

Through her work at PSU and involvement in a long list of community development organizations, including chairing the Northeast Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Universities (NEPACU), Hines is dedicated to improving the life and economic conditions in northeast Pennsylvania. She strives to attract new business, assist existing businesses in their endeavors, and give the future workers in her classrooms reasons to stay in the northeast Pennsylvania workplace.

And, she is confident the area has what it takes. "We must help companies see northeast Pennsylvania as a viable option for their businesses," she said. "We have a good current workforce and we have the potential for our college students to be a valuable one in the future."

Hines learned a lot about how to work professionally and maintain a family fife from watching her mother as she was growing up. "I respected the way she successfully balanced home and work."

"Work is a part of life," she said. "I believe that life must be lived well and work must be done with principles."

She gives credit to her supportive husband, Ken, who teaches full-time at PSU.

Hines always ensured that her family came first and she makes sure to spend time with her four grown children who are now pursuing their own professions.

Hines said businesses should stress ethical standards, despite the hurdles they may face.

"I once chaired the Business Ethics Committee of the WilkesBarre Chamber and our motto was: 'Good ethics is good business,' " she said. "Businesses have a responsibility to foster 'human flourishing'- not just make profits."

She said that by watching her peer mentors over the years, she learned much about what to do and what not to do. And, she holds strong to her religious faith that tells her to use her life for service to others.

Hines said that since moving into northeast Pennsylvania, she has met many people who care deeply about the region.

"They work relentlessly to ensure its future," she said "Their leadership and vision have shaped how I see and contribute to m

y larger community."