Allison Ross named new Student Trustee

Each university within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has a governing board called the Council of Trustees. The COT includes a student trustee who is approved by PASSHE’s chancellor and appointed by the governor. Millersville University’s student trustee is Allison Ross, a senior early childhood education major from Havertown, Pennsylvania.

A student trustee is a voting member on the COT who works with the University President, cabinet, advisors, chancellor and PASSHE officials.

Ross believes the role is important as it allows current college students to share their experiences with decision-makers. “It is greatly important for the Council of Trustees to have a student trustee as I am able to share a glimpse of my current student experience and my perspective on current issues within the University.”

“Each PASSHE institution has a student trustee serve on the Council and we work together as a part of the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees. The Council of Trustees works on many items to support the University, from approving recommendations for charges for tuition to representing the institution at official functions. The trustee’s role is to serve the University to the best of their ability,” she explains.

Ross became a member of Millersville’s COT in December 2022 and will serve until May 2024.

As the student trustee, Ross has many responsibilities, including monthly meetings with President Wubah to discuss the University’s successes and ways to improve MU, meetings with other student trustees from PASSHE schools, attending the quarterly Council of Trustees meetings, representing the University at events like State of ‘Ville and much more.

To be selected as the Student Trustee, Ross went through a traditional application process, obtained multiple letters of recommendation and a round of interviews with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management.

“Then, I was recommended by the interview committee and recommended by the President of the University to the Chancellor for the PASSHE. I was then interviewed by the Chancellor of PASSHE and was approved by the Chair of the Board of Governors. Once alerted that I was the student trustee-elect, I was grateful to have former student trustee Madison Whitcomb as my mentor before beginning my role.”

The position means a lot to Ross, providing her with many opportunities to grow. “I was truly honored to be selected to serve on the Council of Trustees, as it gives me an opportunity to develop my leadership and professional skills, learn more about higher education and represent Millersville.”

As the new student trustee, Ross hopes her input creates more positive experiences throughout the University.  “As the student trustee, I hope to continue to serve Millersville alongside my fellow trustees to better the experience for all Millersville students and represent the University well.”