By: Joseph S. DeRenzo

As we approach the 2025 Penn State Board of Trustees election, we must recognize and urgently prioritize the need for stronger representation from healthcare professionals, physicians, and academic leaders, along with the continued development and strengthening of healthcare-related programs.

The Penn State Board of Trustees’ 2024 report reveals a troubling gap in healthcare 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 healthcare’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 healthcare landscape is facing unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many vulnerabilities of our healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare. 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare, education, and institutional advancement, which are areas where I am ready to make a meaningful impact. 

From April 21 to 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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.

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Joseph S. DeRenzo, M.D. is a physician, healthcare executive, and associate professor with leadership experience in a premier academic medical center. He currently serves as the Chief of Anesthesiology at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital where he has worked for nearly two decades. A proud Penn State alumnus, he has contributed to advancements in medical education, healthcare policy, and patient care, shaping the future of medicine through his work in clinical practice and academia.

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This post, written by Board of Trustees candidate Joseph S. DeRenzo, was submitted independently as part of our community content program. You could have your content published on Onward State by submitting it here or by contacting editors@onwardstate.com.