LOCK HAVEN While trustees of Lock Haven University do not have any vote in the proposed integration of LHU, Mansfield and Bloomsburg universities, The Express recently asked each trustee a set of questions to gauge their thoughts on the ongoing process.
The Board of Governors meets this Wednesday in Harrisburg to receive the integration plans.
Receipt of the consolidation proposals which culminate months of meetings by multiple task forces established by PASSHE triggers a 60-day public committee period before the board is scheduled to act on integration in July.
LHU trustees include: Daniel Elby, chairman; Mary Coploff, vice chair; Mike Hanna Jr., secretary; Margery Brown Dosey; Krystjan Callahan; John Gower; James Gregory; Albert Jones; Angela Smith; Mark Stern and Mia Swales.
First, the LHU administration was asked: Will LHU trustees get a vote on the integration plan?
LHU interim president Dr. Bashar Hanna provided this answer:
Act 50 provides for approval of any integration action by the Board of Governors. Trustees have been an integral part of the development of the plans through working groups and information sharing workshops and other communication.
The following are the remaining questions posed to the trustees, along with answers compiled by Chairman Elby from the responses received:
Q. Knowing LHUs financial situation and enrollment challenges, what is your opinion about integrating LHU with Mansfield and Bloomsburg?
A. This move is logical to assure a sustainable future for the regions universities, and addresses financial and enrollment challenges. It is important to move in a direction that benefits the students and communities in our region. With integration there will be more educational and networking opportunities accessible to students at all three institutions. This makes for stronger bonds and community within individual and integrated institutions.
Q. Do you see integration as inevitable?
A. This action is necessary to achieve sustainability and is a standard business model. Some concerns have arisen about the timeframe of the integration process as well as establishing a clear picture of affordability for students. Sometimes the only way to go up and get through, is to go through. We may have to crawl before we can walk and get back on our feet, but this is the way to sustainability.
Q. What programs-opportunities and aspects of current student life would you insist on within an integrated LHU?
A. It is important to maintain and offer appropriate athletic and student life opportunities to provide a rich campus experience. It is equally important to have the flexibility to assess the workforce and labor needs and offer a diverse curriculum across the three universities to address those needs, including liberal arts programs. Courses should be offered both physically and remotely to allow all students access.
Q. What would you tell students, alumni, faculty, staff and LHU supporters about LHUs future as this process continues?
A. Change is part of progress and we are on the threshold of change. Whichever way we proceed, we need to concentrate on what is best for LHU and best for our community. This is a great opportunity to survive, grow, and get even better. Change is hard, but we must come together and tackle this action together. We can only be successful if everyone moves forward in a unified manner for the greater good of our students. As an institution, divided we will only graze on the land of The Haven together we can fly as the bald eagles that we are proud to be.
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Lock Haven University trustees address integration | News, Sports, Jobs - Williamsport Sun-Gazette
