Alvernia University alumnus gains prominent position to influence Pennsylvania’s 10 state universities
Alvernia University alumnus Brandon Danz, Ph.D. was recently nominated by Governor Josh Shapiro to a term on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors. Danz was unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Senate in July.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors plans and coordinates the development and operation of Pennsylvania’s 10 state universities, establishing broad educational, fiscal, and personnel policies. The board also appoints the chancellor and each university president, sets tuition, and coordinates and approves the annual State System operating budget.
“Given all the movement happening in higher education policy right now, this is an amazing time to join this board of governors,” shares Danz. “There is a need to adapt to rapidly changing technology and workforce demands. I look forward to being an active part of that conversation and an accelerator of innovation.”
Danz credits his recently earned Ph.D. in Corporate Leadership at Alvernia University to preparing him for this opportunity, and also for lending to his nomination and confirmation.
"Alvernia University's doctoral program gave me an essential foundation for this role. Effective leadership transcends every occupation and life situation. After this immersive, research-focused experience in leadership theory, I feel better equipped to plan, curate, monitor, and evaluate my leadership skills." The Board of Governors is comprised of 20 members.
“It comes as no surprise that Brandon was confirmed to this high-profile and important appointment,” shared Travis Berger Ph.D., Dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership at Alvernia University. “We are proud to see an Alvernia alumnus rise to this level of influence in the state.”
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) was established in 1983 to provide high-quality education at the lowest possible cost to students, increase educational attainment in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, prepare students for professional and personal success in their lives, and to contribute to the development of Pennsylvania’s communities, the commonwealth, and the nation.
Danz is Senior Director of Value Based Care at WellSpan Health, providing leadership for development and management of value-based care models, payor partnerships, and population health strategies serving over 200,000 patients in south central Pennsylvania. Danz is a proud graduate of two PASSHE universities. He graduated from Millersville University in 2003 with a degree in History, and from Shippensburg University in 2014 with a master’s degree in public administration. He also has a Master of Health Administration degree from Penn State University and a Ph.D. in Corporate Leadership from Alvernia University.
Alvernia’s Ph.D. in Leadership program has three distinctive tracks for specialization in corporate leadership, community leadership and educational leadership. The program also recently created an all but dissertation (A.B.D.) pathway that is customized to each individual student.
