STATE COLLEGE — Penn State’s board heard encouraging words Friday about the potential for further reductions in football penalties, and added a new trustee to the group leading the search for the university’s next president.

Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell, brought in to monitor changes at Penn State, urged the school to continue doing what it has been doing, and said a further loosening of NCAA sanctions is possible next year.

At Mitchell’s recommendation, the NCAA in September decided to more quickly restore football scholarships taken away temporarily last year as part of a consent decree. The NCAA took action over the school’s handling of the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal.

Mitchell did not specify which other penalties might be reduced. Penn State is paying a $60 million fine and serving a multiyear ban on postseason play.

The board announced that first-year trustee Bill Oldsey, who is part of a group pushing for changes in how the organization operates, is joining the group that will recommend someone to take over after President Rodney Erickson retires next summer.

The Centre Daily Times reported that the announcement drew cheers and applause from the people watching the trustees’ meeting in State College.

A statement issued by the school said Oldsey’s appointment gives a voice to trustees elected after the search group was formed last year.