By Rachel Hartman ‘27, staff writer
The Digital Media Technology department at LVC continues to evolve with the growing demands of the digital world.
The department contains two majors: Interaction Design (IXD) and Digital Media, formerly known as Digital Communications. With seven concentration areas, hands-on learning, artificial intelligence integration, business, design and computer science elements, the program allows students to personalize their education.
One of the most influential voices helping shape the program has been Dr. Mary Pettice, who will retire at the end of the semester after more than three decades at LVC.
Pettice earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature from Illinois Wesleyan University before continuing her education at the University of Illinois, where she completed a master’s in journalism and a master’s in literature. She later earned her doctorate in literature and creative writing at the University of Houston.
“I loved watching students learn about the power and art of language,” Pettice said, describing the early experiences that led her to teaching.
Pettice began teaching at LVC in August of 1994 as an assistant professor of English, teaching a variety of literature, journalism, creative writing and communications-related courses. She also served as faculty advisor to “La Vie Collegienne” during her early years at the college.
With an interest in journalism and the rise of digital media, Pettice served on the committee that developed the college’s new Digital Media program in the mid-2000s. She later joined the department in 2013, where she offered students instruction in digital media and current trends in communications.
Throughout her career, Pettice developed a strong interest in media law, teaching courses such as Politics and the Mass Media and Information Law and Ethics.
“The main topics, the First Amendment, privacy law, copyright and the history of our country’s legal framework as it wrestles with new digital environments have never seemed so important as they are today,” Pettice said.
She emphasized the importance of legal literacy, especially with the rise of AI and its effect on digital policies.
“No one will be unchanged by this technology, and our job as lifelong learners, students and faculty, is to prepare ourselves to excel and thrive in new ways, material and philosophical, as we enter the extremely uncertain future,” she said.
Pettice has also been passionate about getting students involved in projects within our community. In her course, Storytelling for Digital Media, students have collaborated with organizations such as the Annville Cleona Fire Department, the Lebanon Veterans Administration Hospital, the Quittapahilla Watershed Association and WITF on a suicide prevention series. These projects allow students to create real-world storytelling-driven content through photography, videography and podcasts.
Pettice said one of the most rewarding parts of her time at LVC has been the college’s dedication to student success.
“I am struck by how the faculty members who were here when I arrived established a culture of deliberation that considered the impact of every decision primarily on student learning and well-being,” she said.
LVC also holds personal significance for Pettice.
“I met my husband at LVC, math and computer science professor Ken Yarnall,” she said. “We were married on the lawn at Kreiderheim, and our children always treated the campus as an extension of our backyard in Annville. I am grateful that I ended up being part of a community that allowed me to learn among and from insightful, intelligent and kind people.”
She encourages students to strive to be curious about everything, especially new ideas that seem challenging. As she transitions into her retirement, she is most looking forward to writing, reading, doing genealogical research, traveling and volunteering at organizations that support the well-being of the local community.
With Pettice’s departure, LVC will welcome Robert Benica in the fall of 2026. Benica will teach courses in visual communications and contribute to the continued growth of the program.