Task force named to develop new model for Cheyney

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors announced the formation of a task force charged with developing a new institutional model for Cheyney University.

Robert W. Bogle, chair of Cheyney University’s Council of Trustees and Aaron A. Walton, vice chair of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors, will cochair the task force.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community leaders, elected officials and others will provide input to the task force, who will make preliminary recommendations by May.

The Board of Governors authorized the creation of a task force last month after the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency issued an $8 million line of credit to the university.

“We all understand Cheyney University’s historic value for our students, the system and the whole commonwealth and we are all coming together to ensure its relevance well into the future,” Bogle said. “The work of this task force will be pivotally important to charting a bold path forward for Cheyney.”

Other members of the task force include Cheyney University trustee Sam Patterson, state Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-7, of Philadelphia, state Rep. Matthew Baker, R-68, of Tioga County, chair of Pennsylvania’s Legislative Black Caucus and state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-186, of Philadelphia, Board of Governors Chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira, Board of Governors Vice Chair David M. Maser and Secretary of Policy and Planning Sarah Galbally.

Founded in 1837, Cheyney University is the oldest Historically Black University in the United States and is the oldest university in the state system.

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE IMAGE The entrance to Cheyney University in Thornbury.