Laurel Technical Institute, Uniontown’s local career and technical school, celebrated its 40th year on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Marking four decades since its founding in 1985, Laurel used this milestone not just to commemorate its growth from a single campus to six locations, but primarily to express gratitude for the trust, collaboration, and support received from local families, employers, and government partners. Laurel welcomed local Premier Employee Partners, students and alumni, local dignitaries, and dedicated community members to celebrate with a specialized career fair and luncheon in the Laurel Center.
When Laurel Business Institute first opened its doors in 1985, it operated with just a handful of programs focused on secretarial, accounting, and banking skills. Nancy Decker, President and CEO for Laurel, recalls, “My late husband, Chris Decker, was the head of HR for Gallatin Bank and was tired of not having qualified candidates to work, so he decided we were going to start a school and train them, and we did!” Over the years, the institution has successfully navigated technological shifts and economic cycles, constantly adapting its curriculum to remain on the cutting edge of industry requirements.
During the Luncheon, Nancy Decker and son, Dr. Douglas Decker took time to reflect on special memories and recognize students, employers, and faculty members with awards and gratitude toward the support they have seen over the years. First to be recognized by Uniontown’s Campus Director, McKenna Gower, were the Distinguished Graduates for the class of January 2026. Gower expressed pride for the award recipients, recognizing their hard work, great attendance, and willingness to be helpful to their instructors and classmates. Candidates must also have a QPA of 3.0, and at least 90% attendance. She recognized Practical Nursing graduate, Kevin Hendrix, and Lucas Stevens, Welding & Fabrication graduate with a certificate of achievement.
Next to be recognized was one of Laurel’s Premier Employer Partners, Automated Logic. Automated Logic and the Laurel Institutes partnered to help build a new generation of technicians while outfitting campuses in three states with the latest technology in building automation systems. Dr. Decker thanked Automated Logic for their dedication and willingness to provide training and equipment to the campuses.
Finally, Ms. Nancy Decker presented a special Presidential Award to Mrs. Bonnie Marsh, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Executive Director. Nancy states, “The Presidential Award is presented to someone who exceeds expectations and believes in the quality and effectiveness of the work we do here. The recipient displays helpful and responsible management skills for the team they work with, while being supportive and compassionate to the community of Laurel.”
“Celebrating 40 years is truly a humbling experience, and it’s a moment of reflection and deep gratitude,” said Dr. Douglas Decker, Chief Operating Officer for Laurel. “We held this event to honor the trinity that we do this for: our students, our employers, and our community. ”
Along with students, employers, and alumni, Laurel was also joined for this celebration by local dignitaries such as State Senator, Pat Stefano, who recognized Laurel’s 40 years of business and community involvement with a certification of recognition. Also joining Laurel to present a certificate of recognition was Debbie Hoone, a representative from Charity Grimm Krupa House of Representative member. Finally welcomed up to present Laurel with a certificate of appreciation was Fayette County Commissioner Vince Vicites. Ms. Nancy Decker and son, Dr. Douglas Decker, were honored to accept these recognitions and extremely pleased to have such great advocates for local business and education in attendance.
Laurel offers more than 20 educational programs designed with input from local industry advisory boards. This ensures that every certification, degree, or diploma earned is highly valued in the current industries. Programs range from practical nursing and respiratory therapy, to welding and electrical technician, computer network security, and cosmetology arts. In response to the growth and changes that Laurel has seen, earlier in 2025, they announced that the naming convention of Laurel Business Institute would modernize to Laurel Technical Institute. This specific naming convention for LTI, Laurel Technical Institute, has been part of the Laurel school system since 2009, with locations in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The impetus for the change after 40 years, is the addition of a new satellite location of the Uniontown campus in Penn Township, located in Northern Westmoreland County. Nancy Decker, said that ‘The timing was right with the launch of our new location to bring all of our Pennsylvania schools together under one name.’
As Laurel Technical Institute steps into its fifth decade, the institution is reaffirming its commitment to future innovation. Plans are underway to integrate more specialized training programs ensuring Laurel remains a relevant and vital resource for the workforce of tomorrow and the students who want the opportunity to make an impact on the community and their future.
“Our commitment remains to the communities across our six campuses,” states Dr. Decker, “We will continue to listen, adapt, and invest in the resources necessary to keep our programs relevant and the opportunity accessible. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for 40 incredible years. We look forward to continuing growth and legacy for many decades to come.”
Founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Laurel has over 500 current students and 3,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.