Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith, a member of the Slippery Rock University Council of Trustees, was elected to a two-year term as president of the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees.

Smith, who also serves on Butler City Council and is a former city treasurer, begins his term on July 1.

PACT comprises the members of the councils of trustees of the 14 universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The organization provides professional development opportunities for its members by holding workshops and conferences throughout the year.

Each of the 14 state system universities is governed by an 11-member council of trustees. All 154 trustees are PACT members.

“Trustees have a wide range of duties and responsibilities at their universities — from making recommendations for hiring and evaluating the university president, to approving the university’s annual budget and academic programs, to setting room and board and other fees.” Smith said in a news release.

“We care deeply about the success of our universities and the whole state system and are committed to being good partners in designing its future.”

Smith has spent his professional career working for PPG Industries, now known as Vitro Flat Glass. He was recognized as the Outstanding Borough Councilman in Pennsylvania in 2008. He has served on the SRU Council of Trustees since 2013.

Also elected to two-year terms during PACT’s spring conference Friday were Jack Wabby, first vice president, a trustee at Kutztown University; Milissa Bauer, second vice president; Clarion University; Karen Russell, treasurer, Mansfield University; and Mary Coploff, secretary, Lock Haven University. Their terms also begin July 1.

“The state system is on the verge of a renaissance,” said Harold Shields, Edinboro University trustee and outgoing PACT president. “The entire system is undertaking an important redesign effort that will help our system be less bureaucratic and more focused on student success.”