Council of Trustees
Each Pennsylvania State owned university has a Council of Trustees, consisting of 11 members who, except for student members, are nominated and appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Student members are nominated by their respective campus, approved by the Chancellor and appointed by the Governor. The University President and PASSHE Chancellor also serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the Council.
Primarily, the trustees are responsible to make recommendations to the chancellor for the appointment and dismissal of the president and to approve the university budget, new academic programs, contracts and fees other than tuition. The full list of trustee powers and duties is located in Act 188 of 1982, which is the legislation for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
The trustees are an active, valuable supporting force for Millersville University. The President frequently consults with trustees on University issues and they assist with public relations and advancement. Trustees further support the University by serving actively on the Strategic Advisory Council, Honorary Degree Committee, the boards of affiliated organizations and capital campaign cabinets. They also participate in various other University events.
Current Trustees
Councilman Thomas J. Baker, '02
Thomas J. Baker represents residents in District 1 on Allegheny County Council. Councilman Baker is the President and CEO of Variety the Children's Charity (of Pittsburgh) and is the Founder and Chief Program Officer of Get Involved!, Inc. He previously served as Executive Director of North Hills Community Outreach and Chief Community Affairs Officer & Vice President of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Millersville University and a master's degree in Higher Education from Indiana University of PA. Tom was appointed to the Council of Trustees in January 2020 and serves as a member of the Programs Committee.
Dr. Brandon W. Danz, '03
Dr. Brandon Danz is Vice President of Population Health at WellSpan Health, providing leadership for the development, implementation, and management of strategies to improve the health outcomes of patient populations while reducing costs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Millersville University, a master of public administration from Shippensburg University, a master of health administration from The Pennsylvania State University, and a Ph.D. in Corporate Leadership from Alvernia University. Brandon was appointed to the Council of Trustees in October 2018 and serves as a member of the Programs Committee.
Dr. Saul W. Fink, '85
Saul W. Fink is currently Chief Technology Officer at Q32 Bio and leads CMC for the development of antibodies for targeted immune therapeutics. He is a biotech and pharmaceutical R&D leader and was most recently with Normunity and Goldfinch Bio. He was previously with Bristol-Myers Squibb where he held key strategy, business operations and laboratory roles and worked closely with senior executives to accelerate strategy execution, business transformations and operational performance. He graduated from Millersville University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and earned a doctorate in analytical/physical chemistry from the University of Houston. Saul was appointed to the Council of Trustees in May 2020 and serves as chair of the Governance and Nominations committee, as well as a member of the Resources Committee.
Dr. Richard L. Frerichs, '64, '69(M)
Richard L. Frerichs is a professor emeritus of Educational Foundations at Millersville University. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in education/counselor education from Millersville University, as well as a doctoral degree in education from the University of Delaware. Richard was appointed to the Council of Trustees in September 2013 and serves as the Council Vice Chairman, as well as a member of the Programs Committee. He is also President of the PA Councils of Trustees (PACT) Executive Board.
Representative Jordan A. Harris, '06
Jordan A. Harris currently represents the 186th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives where he also serves as the Democratic Caucus Whip. He received a bachelor’s degree in government and political affairs from Millersville University and later a master’s degree in education from Cabrini College. Representative Harris was appointed to the Council of Trustees in October 2016 and serves as the Council Secretary, as well as a member of the Resources Committee.
Ms. Bridget M. Lau
Bridget Moira Lau serves as the student member of the Council of Trustees for Millersville University. She is a Special Education Major and has enjoyed working as an Assistant Teacher at Ducklings Early Learning Center in Exton, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Bridget is a Resident Assistant for Millersville’s Housing and Conference Services. Bridget was appointed to the Council of Trustees in March of 2024 and serves as a member of the Programs Committee.
Mr. Rick Rodgers
Rick Rodgers, CFP, CRPC, is co-founder and president of Rodgers & Associates. As a leading retirement expert and personal wealth adviser to high-net-worth individuals, Rick provides integrated financial, tax, and investment strategies, retirement planning, executive compensation, and estate and charitable planning. He is the author of the book Don’t Retire Broke: An Indispensable Guide to Tax-Efficient Retirement Planning and Financial Freedom, where he offers expert advice on how to navigate complex tax issues using clear language and real-life examples. Rick was appointed to the Council of Trustees in May 2020 and serves as a member of the Resources Committee.
Ms. Kathryn R. Ross
Kathryn R. Ross is the founder and CEO of the sales and marketing advisory firm, Kross Strategies, LLC, and has over 25 years experience working with and for fortune 100 companies, and advertising and media agencies. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health and sports sciences from Wake Forest University. Kathryn was appointed to the Council of Trustees in October 2018 and serves on the Resources Committee.
Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, '06, '08(M)
Amber M. Sessoms, Ed.D., NCSP, is the principal and founder of Natural Inclinations, LLC, which supports courageous leaders in cultivating liberatory spaces of belonging. Amber earned her bachelor's in psychology, with a minor in African-American Studies, from Millersville University. She continued her studies at Millersville University and earned a master's degree in psychology and a certification in School Psychology. Amber earned her doctorate in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education from The Pennsylvania State University. She was appointed to the Council of Trustees in January 2020 and serves on the Programs Committee.
Ms. Holly L. Trego, '98
Holly L. Trego is currently employed as Manager of IT Solutions at Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Millersville University, as well as a master’s degree in computer science from The Pennsylvania State University. Holly was appointed to the Millersville University Council of Trustees in October 2018 and serves on the Resources Committee.
Mr. Michael G. Warfel, '84
Michael G. Warfel is currently employed as the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Highmark, Inc. He graduated from Millersville University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in governmental administration. Michael was appointed to the Council of Trustees in June 1999 and serves as the Council Chairman.