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Alvernia alumnus Brandon Danz, Ph.D., is making significant strides in the world of higher education. Recently nominated by Governor Josh Shapiro and unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Senate, Dr. Danz now serves on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors—a prestigious role that allows him to influence the direction of the state's 10 public universities.

The Board of Governors is instrumental in shaping educational policy across Pennsylvania, overseeing everything from tuition rates to the appointment of university presidents. In this role, Danz will have a direct impact on the future of higher education in the Commonwealth. "Given all the movement happening in higher education policy right now, this is an amazing time to join this board of governors," says Danz. "There is a need to adapt to rapidly changing technology and workforce demands. I look forward to being an active part of that conversation and an accelerator of innovation."

For Danz, this opportunity is a natural extension of the skills and knowledge he gained through his Ph.D. in Corporate Leadership at ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥. Reflecting on his academic journey, he shares, "ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥'s doctoral program gave me an essential foundation for this role. Effective leadership transcends every occupation and life situation. After this immersive, research-focused experience in leadership theory, I feel better equipped to plan, curate, monitor, and evaluate my leadership skills."

Dr. Travis Berger, Dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership at ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥, expressed immense pride in Danz's achievement. "It comes as no surprise that Brandon was confirmed to this high-profile and important appointment," Dr. Berger shares. "We are proud to see an ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥ alumnus rise to this level of influence in the state."

In his professional life, Danz serves as the Senior Director of Value Based Care at WellSpan Health, where he leads efforts to develop and manage value-based care models and population health strategies for over 200,000 patients in south-central Pennsylvania. His educational background is just as impressive, holding degrees from Millersville University, Shippensburg University, and Penn State University, culminating in his Ph.D. from ÃÄÄïÖ±²¥.

´¡±ô±¹±ð°ù²Ô¾±²¹â€™s Ph.D. in Leadership program, with its distinctive tracks in corporate, community, and educational leadership, provided Danz with the comprehensive, research-driven education that prepared him for this influential role.