- Make recommendations to the chancellor for appointment and retention of the president.
- Assist president in developing proper relations and understanding between the institution and its programs and the public.
- Review and provide input to the president on facility policies and procedures.
- Approve schools and academic programs.
- Review and approve the university’s annual operating and capital budgets.
- Review and approve charges for tuition, room and board, and other student fees.
- Review contracts and purchases negotiated by the president.
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
Bylaws
View the Council of Trustee Bylaws.
Meet Our Trustees
J.D. Dunbar ’77, ’79, Chair
Clarion
Larry Pickett ’77, Vice Chair
Clarion
Tyrique Whitson, Student Trustee, Secretary
California
Timothy John, Student Trustee
Clarion
Aiden Dougan, Student Trustee
Edinboro
Barbara Logue
California
Larry Maggi ’75
California
Barry Niccolai ’93
California
Dr. Mohamed Yamba
California
Rep. Donna Oberlander ’91
Clarion
Neil Weaver ’00
Clarion
Mark Bellini ’79
Edinboro
Patricia Kennedy ’85
Edinboro
Danny Jones ’13
Edinboro
Kathy L. Pape ’75
Edinboro
Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino, Ex-Officio State System Chancellor
The council’s regular meetings are held in person and livestreamed.
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
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
Resolution: Al Jacks Field Naming
Watch on YouTube
September 25, 2025
PennWest Clarion
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Watch on YouTube
Upcoming Meetings
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