Two students recently joined Pennsylvania Western University’s Council of Trustees.

Sarah Seader, from the California campus, and Sonia Yost, from the Edinboro campus, join Kathryn Robinson at Clarion as student members of the council.

The council consists of 15 members, including three students from each campus – California, Clarion and Edinboro. The group advises the university president on issues and initiatives that are important to the university’s success.  

Seader, from Centerville, Pa., is a junior honors student who is pursuing two degrees, in management information systems and business administration with a concentration in management. She is expected to serve as a member of the council until she graduates in spring 2024.

At California, Seader serves as president of the Board of Directors for the Student Association Inc.; president of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society; editor-in-chief of the Cal Times student newspaper; vice president of the Student Government Association; and treasurer of the Student Honors Advisory Board.

“Being a student member of the Council of Trustees has been a great experience so far,” Seader said. “In my role, I can provide leadership with feedback from students and also let students know why certain things may happen.”

Yost, from Altoona, Pa., is a sophomore majoring in English literature with a minor in philosophy. She is expected to serve as a member of the council until she graduates in spring 2025.

At Edinboro, Yost is involved in the Honors College, Highland Ambassadors and the President’s Leadership Academy. She works as an academic aide for the Office of Students with Disabilities and also for the Campus Life office, where her duties include event planning.

“Being at the table and representing the students at Edinboro is very appealing,” Yost said. “I enjoy helping other students realize what goes into the decision-making at the university.”