Larissa M. Verta has been named vice president for academic services and student development at Lehigh Carbon Community College, announced LCCC President Dr. Ann D. Bieber. Verta previously served as interim vice president and will begin the role on a permanent basis on July 1.

Verta earned her Master of Science degree in counselor education from Marywood College and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wilkes College.

Before assuming her position as interim VP at LCCC, Verta served in other capacities at the college, including dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Math, liaison for the Jim Thorpe and Tamaqua sites, interim dean of School of Health Care Sciences, associate academic dean and director of Learning Communities and Faculty Development.

She started at LCCC as an adjunct professor in social sciences and criminal justice.

Prior to coming to LCCC, Verta worked in several positions at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections - State Correctional Institution at Mahanoy and spent much of her early career working in mental health services.

She volunteers with Wilkes University Alumni Mentoring Program, is a member of the Tamaqua Business and Professional Women, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce and the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on several Tamaqua Area School District sports booster boards.

“Larissa has an incredible depth of experience at LCCC, having started here as an adjunct instructor and advanced through many positions in administration,” Bieber said. “She is committed to ensuring that all LCCC students have access to the best education and works tirelessly with faculty to ensure that they also have resources they need to make this happen.”