The State Board of Higher Education in Pennsylvania has appointed Kate Shaw as its executive director. Shaw currently holds the position of deputy secretary for Higher Education within the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She possesses extensive experience in government, the private sector, and academia, emphasizing accessible and effective postsecondary education.
Background and Experience
Before her appointment, Shaw contributed to higher education reform efforts in various states while working with HCM Strategists. She previously led Research for Action, an education research organization in Philadelphia that specializes in applied research initiatives throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
Shaw has a background in public service, having worked under former Governor Ed Rendell, and brings teaching experience from her tenure at Temple University’s College of Education, where she served as a department chair for a decade. Additionally, she is a current member of the State System of Higher Education’s board of governors, which oversees ten state-owned universities in Pennsylvania.
Responsibilities of the State Board
The newly formed State Board of Higher Education is tasked with the development of a strategic plan for the state’s college and university system. Its responsibilities include minimizing competition among institutions and providing assistance to colleges facing financial difficulties. The board will also establish a formula for performance-based state funding for Pennsylvania’s four state-related universities: the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, Temple University, and Lincoln University.
Acknowledgment and Legislative Support
Shaw acknowledged her appointment and noted the board’s potential to improve postsecondary education and ensure it aligns with workforce requirements. This board was created through legislation included in the 2025-26 state budget approved by the state legislature and Governor Josh Shapiro, aimed at addressing escalating education costs and promoting better operational collaboration among colleges.
Inaugural Meeting Highlights
During the board’s inaugural meeting, Governor Shapiro highlighted the importance of a coordinated higher education system that aligns qualifications with the economic demands of the future.
Source: Triblive.com