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President
Brandon Gillispie, bpg5255@psu.edu
Bacherlor’s Business Managment, Fall 2024
Indiana, United States
I believe that I am qualified for the president position as I am very organized, very professional, but more than anything truly want to help the student body grow and connect with each other and with the staff of Penn State World Campus.I have several years of management/leadership experience within my career and currently am employed as a Parts manager with a company that services the utility industry. I am very interested in helping the staff and students of World Campus achieve common goals. In the year and a half that I have been enrolled in the World Campus I have experienced several pressing issues that the WCSGA should address in the 2020-21 academic year such as finding ways to make more efficient the communication between students/instructors on grades as well as bettering the Smart Track to Success mentor/mentee program.
Jeffrey Pidlaoan, jap6373@psu.edu
BA in International Politics – National Security Option, Summer 2021
Okinawa, Japan
Living overseas and being a manager in the military have given me the skills to lead and organize people, no matter the time or distance. I have what it takes to get things done, when they need to be done, and to get the very best out of our people. PSU World Campus needs to be just as strong as any brick and mortar university when it comes to networking opportunities and collaboration with outside agencies. More distance participation opportunities need to happen when special events such as guest speakers or lecturers come to Penn State schools. Lastly, more library resources need to be available to students who do not have access to physical libraries.
Daniel Serfass, djs6555@psu.edu
BS SRA, Fall 2021
Pennsylvania, United States
Since I’ve been enrolled in World Campus, I have recognized the ways that changes to the reputation of online learning can greatly improve our experience as online students. With my familiarity of Penn State’s academic policies and involvement with University Park organizations, I bring a unique view that knows the tremendous resources that can be extended to World Campus students. And thankfully through my initiative, those organizations were set up to fully handle the recent COVID-19 spread. I believe we’re in a time to strengthen the World Campus experience. Promote our involvement in Penn State organizations such as THON, and seek out the partnership of other Big Ten Universities to form a coalition of online student governments to strengthen the nation-wide and global opportunities that a Penn State education can afford us. By doing this we can take steps to get fully recognized for our tremendous accomplishments in pursuit of a degree from Penn State at University Park.
Mason Taylor, mvt5483@psu.edu
BA ESP, Spring 2021
California, United States
I will lead Penn State WCSGA courageously and respectfully. I will take initiative to learn about the pressing issues, remaining collaborative and adaptable when creating and evaluating solutions, and will be persistent to ensure we receive the results we desire. And by we, I mean all of those tied to our campus”from the faculty to staff and students. Penn State prides itself on collaborative work and forward-thinking, and I intend to highlight these attributes within the student body. Climate change is the most pressing issue Penn State should address. We are living through history as COVID-19 halts the world. This moment in time has shown us two contrasting premises. One”the world is not as well prepared for emergencies as it should be; and two”the world’s ability to unite in order to overcome global challenges. The 20-21 academic year is the perfect time to develop solutions that mitigate climate change and be more urgent proactive, and collaborative in our problem solving.
Sean Walsh, smw5312@psu.edu
BS IST, Spring 2025
Pennsylvania, United States
I am incredibly passionate about serving others and I have been a student advocate for most of my Penn State journey. I have served on the Hazleton SGA, CCSG, the WCSAB, and the first WCSGA. Throughout these roles, I have continued to improve my robust leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. It has been an honor to serve as president last year and if elected for a second term, I look forward to improving the Penn State experience for current and future generations of Penn Staters. One pressing issue the WCSGA should tackle is engagement. With such a diverse student body, there should be a focus on opportunities to engage students in their Penn State experience while providing an inclusive environment for co-curricular activities. The cost of attendance is another issue. Open educational resources should continue to be promoted and scholarship opportunities must be expanded. As issues develop, effective communication with the student body will be crucial for the WCSGA.
Vice President
Thomas Weaver, ttw5069@psu.edu
BA Economics / Finance, Spring 2021
Maryland, United States
I am uniquely qualified for this position because of the skillsets that I have been able to develop while in undergrad. I served in leading roles as both a Financial and Project Management Analyst for two primer government organizations within the last year. I successfully lead both teams through audits and fiscal year closeouts while also optimizing our workflow. Before transferring to Penn State, I was a Bonner Scholar, where I lead community service projects and an at-risk STEM program. The 2020-2021 WCSGA should tackle the issue of engagement, accessibility, and inclusivity amongst the student body. It would be amazing to be able to find new ways to foster student engagement through the creation of new programs and interest-based clubs. Also, I feel that the SGA should discover new ways to be accessible to students. Allowing students better vocalize to the SGA their issues, concerns, and ideas, would create a wider feeling of inclusivity in our community.
Stacy White, smw6192@psu.edu
BS PSYCH, Spring 2022
Pennsylvania, United States
As a professional leader and mentor with demonstrated competency and passion for education, diversity, and inclusion, I plan on heading the Vice-Presidential role with the same dedication I have shown as the Inaugural Student Affairs Chair. I will support the SGA by continuing transparent communication for all stake holders and will tirelessly serve the Assembly Chairs as they strive towards their goals and initiatives. Some issues that remain unresolved that WCSGA could address within the 2020-21 year include reviewing the process for World Campus students’ disability documentation, transparency of access to on-campus engagement & events to include making them accessible online, as well as making it imperative to obtain the voice of our peers through initiatives such as a World Campus Survey or online submission available through the WCSGA website.
Secretary
Leena Khuffash, lxk78@psu.edu
BA Psychology, Fall 2021
Doha, Qatar
I would love to serve as secretary on the student body. I enjoy interacting with others. My writing skills also will bring great benefit to the group. I have strong attention to detail as well as great execution and follow up abilities. I would like to see the WCSGA address mental health related campaigns that deal with today’s increased anxiety and depression especially with students.
Patrick Martin, pjm60@psu.edu
BA LWSC, Summer 2021
Louisiana, United States
I worked as a secretary for two years while in the military and have ample administrative experience. Creating more extra-curricular activities for world campus students such as: Fraternities, Sororities, Clubs, Etc.
Treasurer
Andrew Herr, ajh6720@psu.edu
Accounting BS, Spring 2022
New York, United States
I want to be involved in implementing new strategies that improve the overall quality of student life, activities, and opportunities. As an Accounting major, my forte is in budgeting and finance. As a great public speaker, and a great listener, I feel like I would excel in this role and represent the student body as a whole. As part of the WCSGA, it is important to recognize that the main purpose of the WCSGA, is to represent the student body as a whole. It is also our purpose, to create a better campus life for all of us students. Concerns and issues raised by the student body should be addressed in a timely manner by the WCSGA. I am to act as a mediator/voice for the student body. The question that I will ask to the student body as whole is, what must be done to improve campus life? Then, I will take action.
Speaker of Assembly
Johanna Welsh, jmw1153@psu.edu
MHA, Spring 2021
Texis, United States
I have a strong experience building up the role of Speaker of Assembly. I have had leadership experience starting with new organizations within WC. Reaching out to graduate students and ensuring opportunities are equally available to them. In addition, having their participation in student organizations.
Academic Affairs Committee Chair
Bonnie Biggs, bonniebiggs@psu.edu
MS Higher Education and Certificate in Institutional Research, Spring 2021
North Carolina, United States
I have been in volunteer roles in higher education for 22 years, largely at the intersection of student life and academics. I have seen close-up how four institutions shape, and reshape, the academic experience, and observed the impact on students. As a result of being in an advisory role, I have been involved in managing student crises, as a result I feel particularly equipped to support the academic goals of our students at this time. Student academic performance will continue to be impacted by COVID-19 through the next year. The World Campus environment is very well-suited to support its students in juggling multiple demands toward degree completion, however, we could be of real benefit by helping create even stronger bonds between faculty and students, creating virtual communities across disciplines and geographies.
Kyle Harmon, kxh434@psu.edu
Accounting HPA, Spring 2022
Indiana, United States
I work well in team setting can lead the group and come up with ideals on the fly. I spend the last term following and learning under my chair and now I feel like it’s time to lead in the committee. We should address the improving communication times with advisors teachers on the campus.
Andrew Swerdlow, aps6343@psu.edu
BA FIN, Fall 2021
Pennsylvania, United States
I consider myself in a very unique position to be exceptionally qualified for this role. I just finished my Associate’s degree in Business Administration last Fall and currently, I am working toward my BA in Finance. I have been working toward my secondary education for some time, both part-time and full-time, which I started after my second deployment. Over the last 27 months, I have been the Education Services Officer for the PA National Guard which I oversee Education benefits for 17K members. I believe the biggest issue ongoing with World Campus students is, not knowing the resources available to them. Whether it be financial or educational based. I have been a student on campus and online. A good portion of World Campus students are adult learners. Speaking as a 34-year-old World Campus student, in my opinion, we have a sort of, well, we can figure it all out mentality. That is not a bad thing, however there are times some of us struggle.
Governmental Affairs Committee Chair
Jay Harrell, jch39@psu.edu
MPS Data Analytics, Fall 2022
North Carolina, United States
I began my career as a Naval Officer where I had firsthand experience in Governmental issues. I spent the latter part of my Naval career at the Pentagon working alongside policy makers and experiencing decision making at the highest levels. For the last ten years I’ve worked for one of the largest financial institutions in the world, where I’m responsible for interacting with governmental and regulatory agencies to ensure our operations are in-line with all regulatory requirements. The most obvious pressing issue facing our on-line student body is how to adapt to the changing landscape of virtual education in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Identifying how the university and appropriate governmental agencies can support our students with solutions to the many educational obligations each student faces. We also face challenges with connecting with our peers and the University, and bridging the inherent gap of on-line education.
Marketing & Communications Committee Chair
Caressa Gentile, crg206@psu.edu
BA Marketing, Spring 2021
Pennsylvania, United States
I believe that I am the best candidate for this position due to my previous and current experience in the marketing industry. I have held many different leadership positions including sports team captains, DECA business club president, and was a part of my transfer schools ethics bowl leadership team. I have been able to work with several brands in a marketing position allowing me to gain hands on marketing experience with both digital and word of mouth marketing. World Campus is an amazing school with amazing staff and students. With that being said, I believe that in the 2020-2021 academic year some of the most pressing issues that should be addressed include building more leadership programs while offering services to help students find jobs and internships.
Student Affairs Committee Chair
Juan Delpozo, jsd5488@psu.edu
Business Undergraduate Certificate, Spring 2020
Florida, United States
to work on the student necessities university publishing out there, financial aid, book and supplies prices, etc.
Scott Lewis, sgl5159@psu.edu
AG BM, Spring 2022
Texas United States
My background in customer service has taught me that strong relationships are paramount to success within a community. As student affairs committee chair I will promote a safe and inviting atmosphere that will tighten the bond between us which will assist in our growth and success. In the 2020-21 session of the WCSGA, one of the most important issues that should be addressed is what can be done that will bring the students closer together to each other and to the university.
Janice Manzano, jcm6214@psu.edu
B.S. Kinesiology, Spring 2023
Hawaii, United States
I am passionate towards others and determined to do whatever means necessary to fulfill this position. Being apart of Student Government for five years, I learned to multitask and work well with groups. Joining this past year’s SGA at Penn State Beaver, I was appointed to be a Student Affairs Liaison at CCSG council meetings that were held at University Park. Let’s work together for a better education experience. For this upcoming academic year, I believe WCSGA should be aware of the stress and anxiety the fear caused by the coronavirus outbreak some students may have experienced and help support those families who were affected. Students should be given more opportunities with student events to engage with staff and other peers. Furthermore, WCSGA should acknowledge student’s voices and be heard for a better representation of our student body.
Technology Committee Chair
Todd Greenwood, tmg5805@psu.edu
Graduate Certificate – Remote Sensing, Summer 2021
Massachusetts, United States
Carmina Perez, cqp5472@psu.edu
MPS in Strategic Comm, Fall 2021
Pennsylvania, United States
Since 2007 I have been working in the digital space and have considerable experience in managing websites. Some of my duties included: working with web developers and designers to upgrade functionality and improve customer experience for desktop and mobile; building websites from scratch as well as overhauling an existing site; conducting User Acceptance Testing; tracking analytics. These projects entailed assessing the needs of stakeholders and collaborating with internal and external teams. I would advocate for increased use of virtual classroom and/or group sessions. Some issues with Canvas that I would work on: -Improve navigation between modules. If the user needs to jump to any other module other than previous or next, they have to start from scratch. -Allow drafts to be saved in lesson assignments. -Display professors’ comments in the app. -Test modules after content is loaded to make sure links to articles and library resources are all included and functional.
Richard Schumaker, rms6704@psu.edu
MPS Homeland Security- CTAP, Spring 2021
North Carolina, United States
I’m an IT Systems Administrator for UNC Greensboro and spent my entire career in higher education IT (10+ years). The group I work in is responsible for all Cloud collaboration resources and Learning Management systems for the university so I’ve had considerable experience with online education services. I believe I could bring that knowledge and experience to benefit the PSU World Campus student body. I believe the pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2020-21 academic year would be working with the areas outside of World Campus to help them during this time of conversion to all remote learning during this COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve seen first hand the stress this sudden change can have on not only students but faculty and staff. The upcoming fall semester will likely still be affected by this pandemic so we can start working now to create solutions to uphold academic success at PSU.