Brian Swatt, a political science major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, has been selected for membership on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors.
“Brian is a thoughtful, perceptive, involved and passionate student leader, and we are very pleased to have him selected to serve in this important role,” IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll said. “He will be an excellent representative of our university, and he will be a great asset to the Board of Governors.”
Swatt was chosen to serve by Governor Thomas Wolf, and he was approved by the state senate on March 24. He attends his first Board of Governors meeting on April 5-6 as a member of the board.
“I am absolutely excited for what the future holds,” Swatt said, “and I am looking forward to beginning my service on the board. This is such a great opportunity, and I am privileged and honored to be afforded such an opportunity.”
The 20-member Board of Governors is responsible for planning and coordinating development and operation of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. The Board establishes broad educational, fiscal, and personnel policies, and oversees the efficient management of the State System. Among other tasks, the Board appoints the chancellor and university presidents, approves new academic programs, sets tuition, and coordinates and approves the annual State System operating budget.
Swatt was elected president of IUP's Student Government Association (SGA) in 2016. In this role, he represents more than 13,000 students and is responsible for the oversight and allocation of a multi-million dollar budget in conjunction with the Student Cooperative Association Finance Board. In this role, he also serves on many committees of the university.
Also at IUP, Swatt is the vice president of the College Republicans and a member of the Kappa Sigma social fraternity. Swatt became an Eagle Scout in 2016.
“Every extracurricular experience I have had thus far at IUP has supplemented my classroom experience significantly,” Swatt said. “I foresee this role as building and growing myself more as an individual. From thinking critically in difficult decision making to expanding my professional and social network further, I see so much opportunity for growth, which I hope will equip me with unique attributes that will propel me towards future success in my field and in life after college.”
We are saddened to report that Brian passed away on June 7, 2019 as the result of a car accident. The IUP community continues to celebrate Brian's contributions and his legacy.