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Cal U student Mia Ola is the 2022 recipient of State APSCUF’s $3,000 scholarship, selected by APSCUF’s special-services committee. She is the daughter of James Ola, California faculty member. Click here to read more about her.

APSCUF offers a scholarship to relatives of APSCUF or APSCURF members in good standing. The 2023 application will be available in the coming months on the Students page of the APSCUF website.

Photo: Cal U APSCUF Chapter President Mario Majcen presents Mia Ola with the 2022 APSCUF scholarship. Photo courtesy of Cal U APSCUF

Negotiations for the next faculty collective bargaining agreement have begun. Read APSCUF’s brief press release here.

Members: Faculty and coach negotiations surveys will go out next month, running Oct. 12–20. See the State APSCUF newsletter (login required for archive access) for details. Not yet an APSCUF member? Click here to learn how to join APSCUF.

APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash at the Capitol in August. Photo/Kathryn Morton

Dr. Kenneth M. Mash, who began a new APSCUF presidential term in June, looks forward to rebuilding his relationship with APSCUF members and hopes all members will become more involved in the organization.

“By getting involved, you learn a lot more about academia and public higher education,” Mash said. “That is a side benefit for faculty members; they get to understand the way these institutions operate. There is something extraordinarily fulfilling in knowing you aren’t just working for yourself but for others. I do not think everyone has to devote themselves entirely to APSCUF, but at some point in their careers, members should make a point to dedicate some time involved with their APSCUF chapter and/or State APSCUF. It’s about being part of something that is bigger than yourself.”

Mash wants to remind members that, while APSCUF may not always have the legal authority and control that Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education does, we are smart and we must put that to use in how we organize ourselves to create the best institutions possible.

“This is a very turbulent time, and I know I am capable of serving our faculty with everything I have,” Mash said. “Our work has just begun.”

—Madison Johnson,
APSCUF intern, summer 2022

I accepted my final internship offer with APSCUF and was overwhelmed with excitement. After spending my first college years in a world recovering from a pandemic and slowly returning to in-person activities, I was eager to participate in a hybrid internship experience. While I spent many days in front of my computer completing projects and attending Zoom meetings, I could not be more grateful for Sean (Crampsie, director of government relations) and Kathryn (Morton, communications director)’s commitment to providing me the best in-person days at the State APSCUF office.

Shippensburg University student Madison Johnson interned with APSCUF’s government-and-communication department this summer. Click here to learn more about APSCUF internships.

As a political-science major, spending days in the Capitol were extremely interesting and valuable. I attended fundraisers, sat in on the house Rules Committee, and spent many hours networking with lobbyists, senators, and state representatives. When I wasn’t in Harrisburg, I completed projects including research and policy analysis. I am extremely grateful to have had this experience during the peak of budget season, as it provided me a different perspective compared with that of the classroom.

While my interests were heavily geared toward government relations, knowledge in the world of communication and public relations is extremely valuable. I spent many days discussing various writing projects, proofreading newsletters, conducting interviews, and honing my professional writing skills.

To conclude my internship, APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash and I took to the set of “Behind the Headlines” to discuss student debt and higher-education funding in Pennsylvania. The complexity of public relations is often overlooked, so having this experience has been extremely insightful.

My experience with APSCUF has been invaluable. I could not be more grateful for the opportunities that I have had through this organization. This internship has allowed me to build incredible connections while sparking new interests. If you are looking for an internship experience that will allow you to participate in your field, hands on, then you should apply for an internship with APSCUF. You will not regret it.

—Madison Johnson,
APSCUF intern, summer 2022

Tom Stewart

Tom Stewart was elected as APSCUF treasurer in April 2022. He was the APSCUF chapter president at Kutztown University for the past four years. Prior to his work as APSCUF chapter president, Stewart was elected as an APSCUF department representative and delegate.

“My time as treasurer has been great so far,” Stewart said. “I have gotten to know the State staff pretty well, so it has been a great experience.”

Stewart’s responsibilities include presenting the treasurer’s report at executive-council meetings and legislative assembly, preparing the annual budget, and approving expenses.

Stewart’s involvement in APSCUF sparked after observing his parents as Shippensburg University faculty, and later graduating from Shippensburg with a master’s degree.

“I wanted to be involved and make sure I keep learning about APSCUF,” Stewart said. “I wasn’t sure what opportunities were there, but I wanted to step up and see how I can contribute.”

He plans to incorporate leadership skills from his previous APSCUF positions into his position as treasurer, including maintaining accessibility for those with questions or concerns.

“I plan to keep that up in this new role,” Stewart said.

—Madison Johnson,
APSCUF intern, summer 2022