Academics

Toomey, instructor in communication arts and sciences, retires

Carol Toomey, instructor in communication arts and sciences at Penn State Berks, officially retired on June 20 after a total of 16 years of service to the college.

Toomey taught effective speech and a performing arts class, which she designed for students in the childhood and early adolescent education major. Her teaching experience includes college public speaking courses, as well as high school speech and English, and private and public communication disorders diagnosis and therapy.

Prior to joining the faculty at Penn State Berks, Toomey worked part-time as a speech therapist for the Berks County Intermediate Unit, area nursing homes, and private practice.

She also serves as the director of the Rainbow Theatre for Kids, which she founded in 1992. In this role, Toomey leads youth ages 8-18 in the process of producing plays each summer. She states that she believes in the benefits children derive from performing before a live audience. Her productions emphasize theatre concepts, cooperation, problem-solving skills, communication techniques, self-discipline, and self-esteem. She is currently planning for the Rainbow Theatre’s 25th anniversary next summer.

Toomey’s love of teaching is evident in the way she described her career at Penn State Berks: “I hated to give it up," she said. "I really did love it! I loved the whole atmosphere, the campus, and the academic ideals. I just loved going to work.”

When asked what she plans to do during her retirement, Toomey stated that she will continue to serve as the Rainbow Theatre director, remain active in the American Association of University Women, and assist in her church office. 

Carol Toomey Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated August 27, 2015