Why me? Well, it’s a long story. That’s just it. My history of involvement with Penn State started as a first-year student in 1970 and continues today. I graduated in 1974 and began teaching mathematics and computer science, at the Schuylkill Campus, in 1981. Over 27 years later, in 2008, I retired. Since then, I have volunteered to help coach the Schuylkill Campus soccer team and became a member of the Schuylkill Campus “For the Future” committee. My family continues to support the Palko-Tellep scholarship. My wife, Dr. Michele M. Tellep, is an associate professor in the College of Education and my son, Michael, is a student in architectural engineering and a member of the Blue Band. Our family has held football season tickets since 1976. We love to tailgate!
During my time as an instructor, I chaired the Schuylkill Faculty Senate three times and was one of Schuylkill’s representatives in the University Faculty Senate at University Park, for three terms. My University Faculty Senate committees were Student Affairs, Faculty Benefits, Information Systems and Technology, and Undergraduate Education. I have served on a long list of task forces, search committees, sub committees, and groups like the Legislative Advocacy Network, which was formed to inform state legislators of faculty activities and research projects and garner support for Penn State within the state legislature. With all of that experience and involvement, I can tell you that I have seen a great deal of Penn State behind the scenes.
So, why me? I understand the University. I understand many of the constraints within which she must operate and many of the factions that need to be considered during the decision making process. But most importantly, I know that approaching a position on the Board of Trustees with an attitude that is focused on students is the best course to take. Our current students and our former students are the foundation upon which the University rests. If that foundation is strong, the University will move forward and overcome whatever challenges we face.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I ask for your vote.
During my time as an instructor, I chaired the Schuylkill Faculty Senate three times and was one of Schuylkill’s representatives in the University Faculty Senate at University Park, for three terms. My University Faculty Senate committees were Student Affairs, Faculty Benefits, Information Systems and Technology, and Undergraduate Education. I have served on a long list of task forces, search committees, sub committees, and groups like the Legislative Advocacy Network, which was formed to inform state legislators of faculty activities and research projects and garner support for Penn State within the state legislature. With all of that experience and involvement, I can tell you that I have seen a great deal of Penn State behind the scenes.
So, why me? I understand the University. I understand many of the constraints within which she must operate and many of the factions that need to be considered during the decision making process. But most importantly, I know that approaching a position on the Board of Trustees with an attitude that is focused on students is the best course to take. Our current students and our former students are the foundation upon which the University rests. If that foundation is strong, the University will move forward and overcome whatever challenges we face.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I ask for your vote.
