The Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education has formed a Three-Year Baccalaureate Task Force. Its charge is to compile all existing robust research on this topic; consult with states, systems and institutions in other states that have considered or implemented such degree programs; hold two public forums to obtain public input; and meet with other interested parties as needed.
Based on this input and information, the Task Force will deliver a set of recommendations regarding whether and under what conditions Pennsylvania should provide this degree option. These recommendations will inform public conversations and potential policy development.
The Task Force is comprised of representatives from each major higher education sector in Pennsylvania, along with several Board members. It will be chaired by Dr. Cheryl McConnell, SBHE Board member and President of St. Joseph’s University.
Task Force members are as follows:
- Board Members
- Dr. Cheryl McConnell (Chair) - President, St. Joseph’s University
- Dr. Ann Bieber- President, Lehigh Carbon Community College
- Ms. Mary Louise Esten - Vice President and Deputy Provost, Temple University
- Ms. Vicki Wilken, representing Senator Wayne Langerholc - Legislative Counsel to Majority Leader Pittman, Senate Republican Caucus
- Members Representing Postsecondary Sectors
- Dr. Quintin Bullock- President, Community College of Allegheny County
- Dr. Lance Kennedy-Smith - Vice President for Planning, Assessment and Institutional Research, Penn State University
- Dr. Melissa Day - Director of K-16 & Strategic Initiatives, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- Dr. Phil Cavalier - President, Kutztown University
- Dr. Kathy Humphrey - President, Carlow University
Dates and locations for the Task Force’s public forums will be posted shortly.