The Vision of The Trustee
Penn State’s Board in 2025–26 will face major challenges: declining enrollment, demographic shifts, and financial pressures. These realities motivated me to run. I believe my broad executive experience can add value across the board, and in particular, in tackling the priorities ahead.
Commonwealth Campus Challenges
President Neeli Bendapudi has acknowledged the serious issues facing our Commonwealth Campuses. The board must balance financial constraints with Penn State’s land-grant mission, ensuring access to education statewide and supporting Pennsylvania’s economic growth. I’ve led through similar transitions and can offer operational, financial, and HR leadership to help Penn State support affected staff through reassignment and career transition.
Transformative Journey and Strategic Priorities
I'm excited about Penn State’s efforts to modernize its higher education model, guided by five strategic priorities:
Investing in people
Building future resources
Fostering research excellence
Enhancing academic achievement
Ensuring operational efficiency
As higher education evolves, we must modernize infrastructure and embrace technology to drive collaboration, efficiency, and innovation. I’ve led similar transformations in the private sector and hope to bring that experience to Penn State’s journey forward.
roadmap.psu.edu/transforming-our-university
University Employer of Choice
Penn State’s success depends on being an employer of choice. If elected, I will bring my HR leadership experience to support a workplace where faculty and staff can thrive. Career development must be a priority, with proactive support for employee goals. Recent unionization efforts underscore the need to listen, respond, and invest in our people. I’ll advocate for consistent, transparent processes to gather input, evaluate outcomes, and ensure employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Greek Community and Social Organizations
Social organizations, including Greek life, are a vital part of the Penn State experience for many students and alumni. My own fraternity ties have shaped lifelong friendships and deepened my Penn State connection. These groups help students find belonging within a large university and contribute meaningfully to campus life.
I believe stronger university engagement with open dialogue and shared goals can help these organizations thrive while promoting safety, inclusion, and leadership. There’s also significant untapped potential to reconnect alumni through these networks and grow lasting support for the student community.
Athletics and NIL
As a proud supporter living in State College, I regularly attend games and deeply value Penn State’s athletic tradition. College athletics are changing rapidly, and we must invest to stay competitive. Renovating Beaver Stadium is vital to maintaining our football program’s excellence and enhancing the fan experience.
The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), scholarship changes, and rising travel costs require new strategies and strong fundraising to support all 31 Division I programs. With two sons who competed in D1 athletics at Penn State, I’ve been involved with NIL from the start and currently lead the advisory board for Penn State Hockey. I’m committed to helping Penn State thrive in this evolving landscape.
Honoring the Past, Leading the Future
The recent decision to rename the field at Beaver Stadium has stirred mixed reactions. While the generous gift from the Werzyn Family and West Shore Homes must be fully recognized, many also feel strongly about honoring the legacy of Joe and Sue Paterno.
Joe Paterno’s impact on Penn State extends well beyond football, he and Sue were dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and philanthropy. I’ve personally heard countless stories of how the Paternos influenced lives across generations.
I support efforts to meaningfully recognize the Paterno family’s enduring contributions and will work with the Board, the University, and the family to ensure their legacy is honored with the respect it deserves.