SRU’s Dunlop appointed to State System Board of Governors
From left, Claudia Fischer, Slippery Rock University administrative assistant for student affairs, and William Behre, SRU president, participated in Nicole Dunlop’s swearing in ceremony Oct. 9 at SRU. Dunlop took the oath of office to officially become a member of the board of governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education.
Oct. 10, 2019
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Nicole Dunlop, a Slippery Rock University junior corporate security major and president of the Slippery Rock Student Government Association from Latrobe, was sworn in Oct. 9 as a member of the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. Dunlop is one of three student leaders selected from Pennsylvania's 14 public universities to represent students on the board.
"The chance to represent 100,000 students from across the State System is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Dunlop said. "I found something I'm passionate about and that's representing a group of people who I understand and whose lives I can potentially impact in a positive fashion."
"The board of governors serves students, so it's important that students have a seat at the table," said William Behre, SRU president. "It's wonderful to have one of our own students contribute to the decisions of the State System and we commend Nicole for representing her fellow students here at SRU and across the state."
Dunlop, who applied for the position, was appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf and confirmed by the state Senate. She joins Alex Fefolt from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Aven Bittinger from Shippensburg University on the board.
DUNLOP
The 20-member board of governors, which meets at least four times per year, has overall responsibility for planning and coordinating the development and operation of the State System. The BOG establishes broad fiscal, personnel and educational policies under which the member universities operate.
Student BOG appointees, who may serve until they graduate, participate in all board discussions and have the same voting rights as all other members.
"This is a huge step in my educational career," Dunlop said. "I started in student government as a freshman senator and then worked my way up to SGA president, so learning about the University and getting the big picture on the entire State System has prepared me for this role. This is a great opportunity to share the voice of the students. Making sure all 100,000 students' voices are heard will be an incredible challenge, but I'm ready for it.
"SRU students should know that they can approach me with any questions about the board and to share with me any concerns, issues or ideas that they have and would like the board to be aware of. The board wants the students' voice; I'm a student and I will deliver that voice."
Dunlop's first meeting as board member is Oct. 16-17, 2019, at Kutztown University.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu