March is Women’s History Month, when we recognize and celebrate the contributions of women past and present. With this series, we intend to highlight some of NPRC’s women and the impact they have made through their careers and their contributions to the College and higher education. In 2026, Women’s History Month adopted the theme “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
Assistant Director of Human Resources (HR) Morgan Lupole is rather new to working full time in higher education, but this hasn’t stopped her from making a tremendous impact at NPRC. “What excited me about coming to NPRC was the chance to support the transformative experiences that shaped my path as a college student,” Lupole shared. “Higher education played a pivotal role in getting me to where I am today. The knowledge and confidence I gained through my degree path at Clarion opened the door to two incredible job opportunities, each helping me grow both personally and professionally. In my role as Assistant Director of Human Resources, I am motivated to help create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to give students the same opportunity. Being part of NPRC allows me to contribute to a mission I believe in while using my human resources skill set to strengthen the community that delivers it.”
Lupole is a native of Warren and graduated from Warren Area High School in 2018. After high school, she attended Clarion University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and personnel administration in 2022. She returned to Warren County after graduation and spent nearly three years working in manufacturing as a human resource generalist before joining NPRC in December of 2024. She has enjoyed being a part of how the College is shaping the region. “Higher education is incredibly important for the future of our region. Growing up in this area, I’ve seen firsthand how limited the options used to be and how people truly needed a more accessible way to continue their education. A traditional four‑year college can be a great path for some, but it’s not the only route to success, and not everyone has the financial ability or life circumstances to pursue it. That’s why having NPRC in our community is so exciting; it opens doors to people who might not have had those opportunities before, and it gives our region a chance to grow in ways that weren’t possible.”
Lupole stayed regional for her own college experience, and Clarion played a pivotal role in helping her understand a broad range of life experiences and perspectives, which she also encounters as an HR professional. No two professionals are in the same life or professional circumstances, and it is her duty to make sure each person is treated fairly to help them have the best experience and opportunity from working at the College. What led her to human resources was learning about what her mother did throughout career. “My mom played a big role in that decision. She was always involved in HR-related responsibilities in every workplace she was part of and seeing her navigate those situations made the field feel natural and approachable to me. When I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take, HR stood out as something that aligned with what I’d seen growing up. It also offered stability and flexibility. I knew it was a field where I could find work no matter where I lived and that there would always be a need for it. Those practical reasons, combined with the influence of my mom’s experience, ultimately led me toward HR and a career in business overall.”
Not only did her mother lead her into human resources, but she’s also been the number one person in her life. “She’s the person who always believed in me, even when I wasn’t totally sure of myself, and she’s been there for every decision, every change, and every moment I needed someone in my corner.”
Lupole’s late grandmother has also had a tremendous impact on her and showed her what a strong woman looks like. “My grandma was the strongest woman I’ve ever known. She went through a lot in her life, but the way she stayed strong through everything is something I still admire. She handled tough moments with so much grace and determination, and I think about her often when I need a reminder of what resilience really looks like.”
These two women have encouraged her to be a leader and find her own identity as one. Her personal leadership style is rooted in servant leadership, making a role in HR a perfect fit as she works to help people every day in a variety of ways. “I try to support and empower people across the College through clarity, fairness, and honest guidance. I see leadership as something that comes from influence and trust, not titles, and I aim to be someone people can turn to for reliable information and support. In HR, that means teaching rather than taking over, helping remove obstacles when I can, and setting clear expectations so people feel confident handling challenges on their own. I also really value hearing people’s thoughts and opinions, helping me understand their perspective, and it often leads to better, more practical solutions. I try to recognize the full scope of what people contribute and advocate for recognition that’s meaningful and tied to growth. Transparency is a big part of how I lead. I communicate openly, give honest feedback, and focus on creating an environment where people feel comfortable trying new things, asking questions, and embracing change. My goal is simply to help people feel supported, valued, and capable in the work they do.”
Lupole’s perspective as a young woman and young professional can certainly resonate with women who are finding their place in their lives and careers. She shared, “You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Life isn’t a straight line, and it’s okay if your path looks different from what you expected. What matters is staying open to learning, trusting yourself, and giving yourself permission to grow at your own pace. Strength doesn’t always look loud either. Sometimes, strength is choosing to keep going when things feel uncertain, speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, or simply believing you deserve a seat at the table. Your ideas, voice, and dreams matter. Even if you come from a small town or a place where opportunities can feel limited, you are capable of so much more than you realize. The world needs what you offer, and you should never underestimate the power you hold to lead and serve.”
Morgan’s addition to the NPRC community has already been impactful, but she’s only getting started. There’s much more to come during her time at NPRC and throughout her career in human resources. “The best career advice I’ve ever gotten is to leave things better than I found them, and I take that approach not just in my career, but in life. This advice reminds me that even minor improvements, like a smoother process, a kind interaction, or a clearer explanation, can make a big difference in someone’s day. It’s become a guiding mindset for me. No matter what I’m working on, I try to walk away knowing I helped make things a little easier, a little more positive, or a little more organized than they were before,” she said.
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