Campus Advisory Board Chairs gather at University Park for annual meeting

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Campus Advisory Board Chairs’ meeting on March 31 featured the gathering of 20 chancellors and the Campus Advisory Board Chairs from Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses. Each campus Advisory Board functions as an external arm of the campus and as a liaison with the community.  

The annual meeting brought together campus chancellors, chairs of the advisory board from various campuses, and staff from the Office of the Vice President of Commonwealth Campuses (OVPCC). Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi spoke about the importance of each campus and the breadth of academic programs they offer, as well as the importance of the Commonwealth Campuses in supporting Penn State's land-grant mission.   

David Kleppinger, vice chair of the Board of Trustees echoed Bendapudi’s sentiments about the importance of the campuses in attracting students, their role in the community, and the link between campuses and local industry.  

Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Michael Wade Smith led conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. In those discussions, Smith delved deeply into topics pertaining to equality versus equity, and how bringing diverse voices to the conversation can make for a better Penn State experience across all campuses. 

Kelly Austin, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor, hosted the annual Campus Advisory Board Chairs’ meeting at University Park. “We could not do the work that we do without the support of our advisory board chairs,” Austin said. They are selflessly giving their time to make each one of our campuses a better place and a better environment for our students. I am also very thankful to President Bendapudi, Trustee Kleppinger, and Dr. Smith for spending time with us at the meeting this year. I think the DEIB conversation was extremely beneficial and timely.” The meeting allowed the multitude of chancellors and others on the advisory board chairs to discuss different programs that each campus had to offer, as well as leading practices relating to DEIB both at the campus level and with the board chairs' external organizations.  

Ron Darbeau, who began his tenure as chancellor and dean at Penn State Altoona in January, attended for the first time, and stated that he had a “very positive experience indeed. It was a rich, rewarding opportunity to bond and share ideas with like-minded colleagues committed to excellence and service to our students, faculty, staff, and the commonwealth. Witnessing the passion directly from senior leadership was affirming and inspirational.” 

A highlight of the meeting was a student panel moderated by Manager of Student Award Programs and Compliance (OVPCC) Courtney Horner. The panel held a discussion on an array of topics impacting students, ranging from why the students chose Penn State Commonwealth Campuses, to their career plans. Kenisha Brown (Berks), Amy Yu (Berks), Tina Goldhorn (Brandywine, University Park), Casey Oliver (Greater Allegheny) and Brett Wilson (Hazleton), were among the students who attended.

Brown, a communications, arts and science major at Penn State Berks and a Fort Washington, Maryland native, discussed the cost-effectiveness of attending a Commonwealth Campus. Brown spoke about the impact of Student Support Services Coordinator Alexa Hodge, who assisted her in finding financial aid, grants and scholarships so she can remain in school. 

Penn State Berks Interim Chancellor Todd Migliaccio felt that Brown and Yu reflected the students of the Commonwealth Campus with their stories. 

"Penn State Berks is focusing on supporting students in achieving success, in part, by engaging them and their voice through a learner-centered lens, in the curriculum, and outside of the classroom,” Migliaccio said. “As shared by our students, we are creating brave spaces for them to share their experiences and participate in conversations, so we are better aware of their interests as we make decisions." 

Oliver, a business administration major with concentrations in management and marketing at Penn State Greater Allegheny, went into his experience as a student-athlete and someone who wasn’t prepared to go far from home. He felt faculty like business professor Michelle Gordon, supported him in reaching his potential as a student. 

“Each student's journey to Penn State was different, but they all share a common appreciation for what they have achieved because of their campus experiences,” said Lynda Goldstein, Penn State Wilkes-Barre chancellor and chief academic officer. 

The Penn State Campus Advisory Board Chairs' meeting is held annually to share ideas and promote the 20 Commonwealth Campuses and their many programs.