About

Each university in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is governed by a Council of Trustees whose duties, responsibilities, and powers are set by law in Act 188.

PennWest’s Council of Trustees consists of 15 members who, except for three student members, are appointed by the Pennsylvania’s governor and approved by the state Senate.

Powers and Duties of Trustees 

  1. Make recommendations to the chancellor for appointment and retention of the president.
  2. Assist president in developing proper relations and understanding between the institution and its programs and the public.
  3. Review and provide input to the president on facility policies and procedures.
  4. Approve schools and academic programs.
  5. Review and approve the university’s annual operating and capital budgets.
  6. Review and approve charges for tuition, room and board, and other student fees.
  7. Review contracts and purchases negotiated by the president.

Bylaws

View the Council of Trustee Bylaws.

Meet Our Trustees

Portrait of J.D. Dunbar

J.D. Dunbar ’77, ’79, Chair
Clarion

 

Portrait of Larry Pickett

Larry Pickett ’77, Vice Chair
Clarion

 

Portrait of Tyrique Whitson

Tyrique Whitson, Student Trustee, Secretary
California

 

Portrait of Timothy John

Timothy John, Student Trustee
Clarion

 

Portrait of Aiden Dougan

Aiden Dougan, Student Trustee
Edinboro

 

Portrait of Barbara Logue

Barbara Logue
California

 

Portrait of Larry Maggi

Larry Maggi ’75
California

 

Portrait of Barry Niccolai

Barry Niccolai ’93
California

 

Dr. Mohamed Yamba

Dr. Mohamed Yamba
California

 

Portrait of Rep. Donna Oberlander

Rep. Donna Oberlander ’91
Clarion

 

Portrait of Neil Weaver

Neil Weaver ’00
Clarion

 

Portrait of Mark Bellini

Mark Bellini ’79
Edinboro

 

Portrait of Patricia Kennedy

Patricia Kennedy ’85
Edinboro

 

Portrait of Danny Jones

Danny Jones ’13
Edinboro

 

Portrait of Kathy L. Pape

Kathy L. Pape ’75
Edinboro

 

Portrait of Dr. Christopher Fiorentino

Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino, Ex-Officio State System Chancellor

 

 

 

The council’s regular meetings are held in person and livestreamed.

View livestream

If you wish to provide public comment at an upcoming meeting, email the board liaison at least 24 hours prior the meeting to be added to the public commenter list.

Meetings

2023 Schedule
2024 Schedule

2024-2025 Schedule

January 23, 2025
PennWest Clarion
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Resolution: Kathy Pape
Resolution: Larry Maggi
Resolution: Donna Oberlander
Resolution: University External Financial Support
Watch on YouTube

 

March 27, 2025
PennWest Edinboro
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Resolution: Order of Succession
Watch on YouTube

 

‍June 26, 2025
PennWest California
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Watch on YouTube

 

 

Upcoming Meetings‍‍

‍June 26, 2025
PennWest California

September 25, 2025
PennWest Clarion

January 22, 2026
Virtual

April 23, 2026
PennWest Clarion

June 25, 2026
PennWest Edinboro

‍September 24, 2026
PennWest California

Contact Information

Information: 
Rachel Scofield
Executive Staff Assistant and Trustee Liaison
rscofield@pennwest.edu