The Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education recently conducted its inaugural meeting through Microsoft Teams, providing an opportunity for board members to become familiar with one another. Dr. Cynthia Shapira, chair of the board, conveyed her eagerness to collaborate with the new team and reaffirmed the commitment to jointly shaping the future of higher education in the state.
Board Composition and Mission
Comprising 21 members, the Board is established to assist higher education leaders in formulating a strategic plan for Pennsylvania. Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, the state Secretary of Education and a board member, underscored the board’s mission of uniting leaders throughout the state to improve the effectiveness of educational institutions for both present and future students. He remarked that a thriving postsecondary system plays a crucial role in supporting the workforce, economy, and communities.
Appointment and Terms
The board is composed of representatives from various educational institutions and stakeholder groups, having been appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro as part of a reform initiative passed by the state’s General Assembly. Board members’ terms differ, with some appointed for six years while others serve two or three years.
Main Objectives
The board’s main objective includes reevaluating public higher education in Pennsylvania and enhancing access and affordability for students throughout the commonwealth.
Source: Tioga Publishing