KU Student Named to PASSHE Board of Governors

KU Student Named to PASSHE Board of Governors

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Two students from Kutztown University and PennWest University have been appointed to the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), where they will serve as full voting members.

The new student members are:

• Brenna McGowan, a Kutztown University sophomore from Schuylkill County majoring in marketing; member of student government.
• Sade Taylor, a PennWest University sophomore from Westmoreland County majoring in early childhood education; member of student government.

Student members bring student perspectives directly into the board's decisions on policy, tuition and systemwide priorities.

"Brenna and Sade are excellent students, and we are excited to welcome them to the Board of Governors," said Cynthia Shapira, chair of the board. "PASSHE exists to serve students across the state, and student members provide an important voice in every decision we make. I appreciate their commitment to serving the system and look forward to working with them."

McGowan is vice president of the KU Student Government Board. She serves as recruitment and retention chair and is vice chair of Kutztown University Student Services, Inc., a partnership between the university and student government that provides free and low-cost services to students and student organizations.

A recipient of multiple scholarships, McGowan is the academic chair of Phi Sigma Sigma, a Presidential Ambassador representing the university at events, and the fundraising and event planning chair for the university's Sales and Operations Club.

"When I found out I had been chosen to serve on the Board of Governors, I was ecstatic and immediately called my mom with the good news," said McGowan. "Everyone at Kutztown University has been incredibly supportive, and I'm eager to get to Harrisburg to advocate for State System university students and their needs. I'm especially excited to discuss how we can expand internships, externships and other career readiness opportunities that give students an advantage in the job market."

Taylor is a member of the PennWest Honors Program and serves in student leadership roles, including as parliamentarian for the Student Government Association. She is involved in the PennWest Leadership Academy, the Black Student Union, and works with the Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility and Engagement to support student engagement and inclusive programming.

She also serves as a Wellness Peer Educator, leading workshops focused on mental, emotional and physical well-being, and has co-presented at an Erie County suicide prevention conference.

"Serving on the Board of Governors is an opportunity to advocate for students in a meaningful and impactful way," said Taylor. "I carry my experiences and the experiences of those around me into this role, and I'm committed to ensuring that student voices are represented in conversations that directly affect their futures. I'm grateful for the opportunity and ready to get to work."

"I am proud that PASSHE's governing board includes three students who serve as full voting members," said Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. "Each student brings a perspective and passion that is important for the entire board to understand. I commend them for their commitment to serving students across the system."

Shippensburg University student Ali Sina Sharifi was reappointed to the board and will continue serving while pursuing a graduate degree in public administration. A member of the Wood Honors College and a political science major, Sharifi will graduate in May. He has also served as a Resident Assistant and received a prestigious internship with the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle.

"I welcome Brenna and Sade to the Board of Governors and look forward to working with them," said Sharifi. "Serving on the Board as a student carries significant responsibility. Student members have a crucial role in the State System and Pennsylvania's public higher education. As full voting members, student governors help make decisions on the priorities that guide PASSHE's future. I am committed to this vision and excited to continue that work with our new members."

Students Abigail Hancox of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Mark-handy Phanor of Kutztown University are concluding their service on the Board following graduation.

The Board of Governors is responsible for establishing the broad educational, fiscal and personnel policies for the State System. The board also appoints the chancellor and university presidents, sets tuition and coordinates and approves the annual State System operating budget.

The 20-member board includes 11 members nominated by the governor and confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Senate. Three students are appointed by the board to serve until graduation. Four legislators are selected by the majority and minority leaders of the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives. The governor, or a designee, and the state secretary of education, or a designee, also serve on the board.