UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Committees of the Penn State Board of Trustees met today (Sept. 5) at University Park campus to begin work under a refined committee structure.
The revisions to the committee structure, passed in July, as part of a broader effort by the board to update its bylaws, streamline board committees and some committee names. The changes are designed to align the board’s focus with Penn State’s strategic priorities and oversight of the University.
“Higher education is evolving at a rapid pace — it is important for our board structure to reflect the future needs of Penn State,” said Matthew Schuyler, chair of the Board of Trustees. “These changes position the board to support Penn State’s strategic goals for today and the future success of the institution.”
The standing committees are:
Audit and Risk
While the committee’s name remains the same, the group’s additional responsibilities include legal and compliance matters given the incorporation of the Legal and Compliance Committee’s responsibilities. The committee also includes the risk subcommittee.
“The Committee on Audit and Risk, including the Subcommittee on Risk, is tasked with helping University leadership identify and manage institutional risks and to protect the financial health, resources and reputation of the University,” said Randy Black, committee chair.
As part of Audit and Risk’s meeting, the committee was introduced to Penn State’s new chief risk officer and the University’s new vice president for Information Technology and chief information officer.
Equity and Human Resources
The Equity and Human Resources Committee — whose name shifted slightly from the former Committee on Equity and Human Resources, and which now incorporates the duties of the former Subcommittee on Compensation — clarified its oversight to include a focus on educational and employment equity has the full attention of the board; the selection, evaluation and compensation of the University president; executive compensation; total rewards; succession planning; and talent development and training.
Matthew Schuyler, who also serves as committee chair, said, “Our committee’s goal is to support the institution and its leaders as they focus on making this a welcoming culture for all at Penn State.”
Finance and Investment
Formerly the Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning, the revised Committee on Finance and Investment consolidates the duties of previous Subcommittee on Finance and adds a new facilities planning subcommittee.
“This committee and its subcommittee have the significant responsibility of providing stewardship of the University’s financial and physical resources,” said Mary Lee Schneider, committee chair. “We are invested in making sure Penn State has a long and stable financial future, while also providing the modern infrastructure and learning spaces the University requires to prepare our students for life-long success, excel in its research mission and more.”
During its meeting, the Committee on Finance and Investment considered a proposed update to the University’s five-year capital plan, a request for fiscal year 2025-26 appropriations for operations, and advanced proposals for a renovation at the Hamilton Hall residence hall and an addition and expansion for the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine, or START, Laboratory, among other actions.
Governance
Formerly called the Committee on Governance and Long-Range Planning, the Committee on Governance now includes a new nominating subcommittee that will lead the committee’s responsibility for trustee nomination, election and appointment processes. The Committee on Governance is responsible for board education, development and assessment, and board retreats to scope of responsibilities.
Committee chair Daniel Onorato said, “Ultimately, our goal is to create a governance environment for the Board of Trustees to increase its focus on strategy and Penn State’s future.”
Research and Technology
The Committee on Research and Technology is a new committee, incorporating aspects of the former Committee on Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life to oversees information technology, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, innovation, strategic technology partnerships, research funding, research commercialization, technology in the classroom and technology governance. The committee will collaborate with the new Committee on Student Success, particularly in the area of student research and classroom technology. The committee will also collaborate with the Committee on Audit and Risk around data security and data governance.
“Our work supports Penn State’s position at the forefront of research and innovation, contributing to the University’s land-grant mission of advancing knowledge and serving the public good,” said Naren Gursahaney, committee chair. “We also support the University’s efforts to identify and pursue funding and strategic partnership opportunities to accelerate achievements of research-related strategic goals.”
As part of the meeting, Senior Vice President for Research Andrew Read provided an overview of the Penn State Research Foundation and the role it plays in commercializing technology developed at the University.
Student Success
The new Committee on Student Success also incorporates portions of the former Committee on Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life to fully focus its time on how it supports the success of students. Its work includes Commonwealth Campus strategy; college, school and department naming; educational equity; enrollment management; establishment of schools and colleges; graduation rates and progress; Greek life; medical school / law school / graduate programs; merger of departments; program rankings; student engagement; and World Campus.
Committee chair Valerie Detwiler said, “We aim to engage with Penn state students and faculty to gain an understanding of the issues important to them. We also work to support the University’s efforts to promote student engagement and thriving inside and outside of the classroom.”