Former UPUA Academic Affair Chairman Sam Loewner, who graduated from Penn State in 2010, announced via email and social media release this afternoon that he is seeking a position on the Penn State Board of Trustees.

Two trustee positions selected by popular vote of Penn State’s alumni are set to expire in 2012: David R. Jones and Anne Riley. Dr. David Joyner, formerly a member of the Penn State Board of Trustees, now serves as Acting Athletic Director, and so his seat will be vacated as well. Elections should take place in April 2012, though no information has been released by the University yet.

Loewner cites the recent Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal as the motivation for his campaign:

I am a different kind of candidate than many who run for the Board of Trustees. I am committed to changing and improving the culture of the University. I have a different set of experiences than any other Trustee.

Loewner says the three cornerstones of his campaign will be our campuses, our community, and our credentials. There’s more information on his campaign website. And, while Loewner is apparently the first Penn Stater to announce a bid for the Board of Trustees, he certainly won’t be the last.

How do you think the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal will affect this year’s Board of Trustees election? Let us know in the comments.