Wilkes is the only private university in the state to be represented on the board
Wilkes University President Patrick F. Leahy has been appointed to serve on Pennsylvania’s Tuition Account Program Advisory Board. Leahy is the only president of more than 90 private institutions in the state to be selected for the board, which includes 19 members. Leahy was appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. Other members include State Treasurer Joseph M. Torsella and State Representative Michael Peifer.
The board advises on the work of the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program, which provides families with a tax-advantaged way to help save for their children’s higher education. Since its inception in 1993, more than 100,000 students have utilized the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program, which has paid over $3.1 billion to cover qualified higher education expenses.
“I am honored to serve the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program, an organization dedicated to higher education planning and access,” said Leahy. “The organization’s mission perfectly aligns with that of Wilkes University, which is to provide educational opportunity to all who show potential. With nearly 51 percent of our students being the first in their family to attend college, and nearly 35 percent of them Pell Grant eligible, we are proud to be a private university with a public purpose. I look forward to working with leaders from across the state to help make college more affordable and attainable to families of all economic means.”
Follow Dr. Leahy on Twitter: @patrickfleahy
