How Fenchak Is Fixing Penn State
I remain a strong advocate for Penn State stakeholders, and for the best interests of the University. Here’s why you should vote to keep me on the Board.
If there is one thing that I believe my fellow Penn State trustees would agree with, it is that my first term as a trustee has been, to borrow a phrase from Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi, a “transformational experience.”
Almost three years ago, when I ran for my first term as a Penn State Alumni Trustee, I wrote “How I Will Fix Penn State.” At the time, Penn State’s tuition was the highest in the Big Ten Conference, our academic standing was plummeting and the long-term debt had quadrupled to nearly $3.5 billion.
Those challenges continue to exist, and I am proud to say I have voted NO on every unwise proposal that contributes to these issues (and have frequently been the only NO vote). I have proposed solutions and advocated for changes that build solutions. And in July 2024, I was duty-bound to sue the Penn State Board of Trustees for financial information necessary to fulfill my obligations after I had exhausted the prescribed protocols the Board leadership dictated, yet still withheld. Believe me when I say, I am putting my money where my fiduciary responsibility is.
One thing I have learned in the last three years is that I may be the only trustee who understands, first-hand, what a 5% yearly tuition hike means to the average Penn State family’s bottom line. Penn State now has the most expensive in-state tuition in the Big Ten and many students are hopelessly priced out of the opportunities generations of Pennsylvania families used to raise themselves up economically and socially. That is very wrong, and the fact that our cohorts at Ohio State and the University of Michigan have figured out how to avoid this trap is embarrassing.
A few weeks ago, in court, Board Chair David Kleppinger scornfully referred to Penn State alumni as my ‘alleged’ constituents. My (and the eight other trustees) formal title is Alumni Trustee, and I’m at a loss to understand why Board leadership is working so hard to silence our voice. Alumni have serious concerns that I rarely hear addressed in meetings, except by me and a few others. And while the alumni are a core constituency, I listen to all stakeholders and try to be their voice as well.
Penn State’s issues are symptomatic of poor governance and a lack of focus on the University’s core missions. Unanimous YES votes will not fix Penn State. I know this because conformist trustees are what got us in trouble in the first place, and are keeping us there. I care deeply for our alma mater and there is no one who understands Penn State’s challenges and is more qualified to address them than me. I have proven that I am not a rubber stamp, and that I can, and want to be, held accountable.
I humbly ask for your write-in vote so that I can continue to work for a better Penn State future. Let’s do this for the glory.
Barry J. Fenchak ‘84
Penn State Alumni Trustee
DeRenzo: The Urgent Need for Health Care Leadership on the Penn State Board
As we move forward with the 2025 Penn State Board of Trustees election, we must recognize and urgently prioritize the need for stronger representation from health care professionals, physicians and academic leaders, along with the continued development and strengthening of health care-related programs.
The Penn State Board of Trustees’ 2024 report reveals a troubling gap in health care expertise. Despite aiming for nine healthcare representatives, only three currently serve, and none hold a terminal medical degree. Meanwhile, finance and business operations far exceed their targets, with 14 and 16 members, respectively. Given health care’s priority status among board disciplines, its underrepresentation is a serious concern.
These figures are more than just numbers, they reflect a critical gap in leadership at a time when the health care landscape is facing unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many vulnerabilities of our health care system, from workforce shortages to supply chain disruptions and the rising cost of care. Additionally, rapid advancements in medical technology, the increasing demand for mental health services and shifts in healthcare policy require institutions like Penn State to be at the forefront of adaptation and innovation. Without adequate representation on the Board of Trustees, Penn State risks falling behind in its ability to equip students with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to meet these evolving demands.
Furthermore, Penn State plays a pivotal role in Pennsylvania’s health care ecosystem through its College of Medicine, its affiliations with major healthcare systems and its research contributions to medical advancements. The University’s ability to continue leading in these areas depends on having trustees who understand the complexities of modern health care. Strategic decisions on research funding, curriculum development, partnerships with hospital systems and student career pathways all require leadership that is well-versed in the challenges and opportunities within the medical and health care fields.
I propose that a goal of the 2025 election should be to begin narrowing this gap. And the first step to accomplish this is through a thoughtful selection of the candidates who will fill the three open seats.
Drawing on my leadership experience at a large healthcare institution and as an associate professor familiar with the inner workings of academia, I am uniquely positioned to contribute to both voids. As a practicing physician, I have seen firsthand the impact of policy and institutional decisions on patient care, medical education and the future of health care delivery. My background enables me to bring a critical and informed perspective to the Board, ensuring that Penn State continues to lead in medical education and health care innovation.
For these reasons, I am driven to offer my candidacy for the Penn State Board of Trustees. With a dedication to our university’s future, I bring a leadership style rooted in empathy, vision and a proven ability to unite people around shared goals. Penn State deserves strong advocates for health care, education and institutional advancement, which are areas where I am ready to make a meaningful impact.
From now until May 8, all Penn State graduates and former students who have completed at least one semester or two terms in a degree program have the opportunity to vote in the Board of Trustees alumni elections. I urge every eligible voter to take part in this important process. Your voice matters in shaping the leadership that will guide Penn State’s future.
Penn State stands at a crossroads, with the opportunity to lead in health care education, research and innovation, but only if we have the right leadership in place. This election is about more than just filling seats; it’s about shaping the future of our university and ensuring that Penn State remains a powerhouse in preparing the next generation of health care professionals, researchers and educators.
I am ready to bring my experience, passion and commitment to the Board of Trustees to help drive this vision forward. But I cannot do it alone. I ask for your support, your vote and your shared belief that Penn State’s potential in health care and education must not only be recognized—it must be realized. Together, we can ensure that Penn State remains at the cutting edge of medical and academic excellence, serving students, faculty and communities for generations to come.
Joseph DeRenzo, ’98, ’01
Penn State Board of Trustees candidate
Supporting Barlow for State College School Board
I’m writing this letter in support of Jesse Barlow, who is running for State College Ara School Board. I’ve known Jesse for nine years now. He has always served the residents in Centre County with respect, fairness, caring, trust and determination in helping others in need also getting the job done. Jesse has always stood up for high quality education for all and defended strong public schools. He values welcoming all students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators and working toward a common goal to provide an excellent education for all.
As a State College School Board member, he would bring a vast knowledge of working with students, parents, teachers and others. As a former State College Borough Council member and former Council president from 2020-2023, Jesse displayed leadership and dedication for the residents (families) that he served. He worked with colleagues from the different municipalities on the Centre Region Council of Governments. Hard work and long hours to get the job done are no stranger to Jesse Barlow. Knowing Jesse’s work ethic in facing challenges, just know that the challenges, concerns or issues will be addressed properly and promptly.
This is why Jesse Barlow is an excellent candidate for the State College School Board
I know Jessie Barrow will bring the same dedication and commitment as he has always done in the past and continues do presently. Jesse Barrow is the kind of State College School Board member which we need to continue the with the mission toward education excellence.
Pamela Robb,
Patton Township
