A Schuylkill County native is stepping into a role that will help shape the future of public higher education across Pennsylvania.
Brenna McGowan, a 2024 graduate of Pottsville Area High School and current student at Kutztown University, has been appointed as a voting member of the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), according to an announcement released this week.
McGowan, a sophomore majoring in marketing, will serve alongside other board members with full voting authority on key decisions, including tuition, policies, and systemwide priorities affecting Pennsylvania’s 10 public universities.
Her appointment places a Schuylkill County voice at the table in Harrisburg, representing student perspectives in decisions that impact thousands of college students statewide.
At Kutztown, McGowan has been actively involved in student leadership. She currently serves as vice president of the university’s Student Government Board, along with holding additional leadership roles focused on student services, recruitment, and campus engagement.
She is also involved in multiple campus organizations, including Phi Sigma Sigma, where she serves as academic chair, and works as a Presidential Ambassador representing the university at official events.
In a statement released with the announcement, McGowan said she is eager to begin her role and advocate for students across the state, particularly in expanding opportunities such as internships and career readiness programs.
“When I found out I had been chosen to serve on the Board of Governors, I was ecstatic and immediately called my mom with the good news," said McGowan. "Everyone at Kutztown University has been incredibly supportive, and I’m eager to get to Harrisburg to advocate for State System university students and their needs. I’m especially excited to discuss how we can expand internships, externships and other career readiness opportunities that give students an advantage in the job market.”McGowan is one of two new student members appointed to the board and joins returning student member Ali Sina Sharifi of Shippensburg University.
The PASSHE Board of Governors is responsible for overseeing the state system, including setting tuition rates, approving budgets, and establishing policies that guide Pennsylvania’s public universities.