HARRISBURG, PA — On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the appointments to the newly established State Board of Higher Education. This initiative marks a significant step in the Governor’s commitment to reforming higher education as part of the 2024-25 budget, aiming to address accessibility, affordability, and workforce readiness.
The State Board of Higher Education is tasked with crafting strategic plans to coordinate efforts among higher education institutions and sectors, making education more accessible while ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary for the evolving job market. The board’s formation also aligns with the Governor’s ambition to establish the first Outcomes-Based Funding Council to recommend optimal funding strategies for state-related universities, especially those facing financial difficulties.
Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed — and that’s exactly what the new State Board of Higher Education will help deliver.” His vision is for the board to address challenges such as workforce shortages and improve educational access, ultimately aiding Pennsylvania’s economy.
Among the appointees is Cynthia Shapira, who will serve as Chair, bringing her experience as the chairwoman of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors. Dr. Brenda Allen, President of Lincoln University, will serve as Vice Chair. The board comprises a diverse group of leaders, including educators, business leaders, and students, such as Sean Eden, a current student at Pennsylvania State University.
The board’s creation is part of a broader budgetary commitment to higher education, which includes a $15.7 million increase for community colleges and a $35.1 million boost for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Additionally, the budget significantly increases funding for scholarships and grants, with more than $120 million allocated to make higher education more affordable, particularly for students pursuing high-demand fields.
Governor Shapiro’s higher education reforms reflect a year and a half of collaboration among stakeholders, legislators, and educational leaders. The effort has been to rethink higher education within the Commonwealth, focusing on building an educational framework that meets current and future workforce demands.
The board will use student-level data to assess programs’ effectiveness, aiming to ensure that Pennsylvania’s higher education system remains a robust economic driver. This data-driven approach is envisioned to guide the development of policies that can adapt to the shifting educational landscape and societal needs.
These reforms are seen as integral to providing Pennsylvanians with the education necessary to thrive in a global economy, making the state a leader in educational innovation and economic growth. As the board begins its work, there is a palpable sense of optimism about the potential for these changes to yield long-lasting benefits for students and the broader community.
Through these transformative steps, the Shapiro Administration is poised to redefine higher education in Pennsylvania, ensuring that it remains inclusive, forward-thinking, and economically viable for generations to come.
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