August 08, 2022
Natalie Imhoof ’24Natalie Imhoof ’24 has been appointed to a two-year term on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.
“I want to know more about how higher education works,” Imhoof said. “I want to learn about the policies and the great people around me on the board.”
At Susquehanna, Imhoff is a student ambassador, summer intern at the Mid-Atlantic Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, treasurer of the American Sign Language Club, and other honors and activities.
A Management graduate from Selinsgrove, she is also the Vertical Garden Project Manager for Partners for a Healthy Community, where she creates and coordinates the installation of indoor gardens in seniors’ residences. She has studied the effects of gardening on social isolation and loneliness, and will provide the study to the National Gardening Association.
“The board values input and perspectives from our student members on issues important to Pennsylvania students,” said board chair Karen Farmer White. “By including student leaders on the council, we seek to encourage civic engagement among Pennsylvania’s youth and give students a voice in shaping education policy.”
Since 2008, the state council has incorporated non-voting student representation into the Basic Education Council and the Higher Education Council. Student members must attend and participate in board meetings, advise and consult with the board, and abide by the bylaws of the board. They will also establish an ongoing relationship with other students across the Commonwealth to more effectively represent students in the development of Pennsylvania educational policies.
Student representation on the State Board of Education is made possible through a grant provided by Highmark, supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania students to have a direct voice to help shape education policy.
