Resource Library
Topic: board of trustees
A message from BOT Chairman Karen Peetz
Penn State Board of Trustees Chairman Karen Peetz shared her perspective in a July 18 letter regarding the Freeh report and the University's path forward as a Penn State family. The content of her note follows. For more BOT updates go to http://www.psu.edu/trustees/.
July 18, 2012
The recent release of the Freeh Report marked one of the most sorrowful days in what has been without a doubt the most difficult chapter in our University's history. I am certain that many of you have read or heard about the report's findings, and you may have seen President Rodney Erickson's recent message on this topic. As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees since January of this year, I would like to also share my perspective on the Freeh report and our path forward as a Penn State family.
Penn State’s July 12 press conference: Initial response to Judge Freeh’s report and investigation
Key members of Penn State's Board of Trustees and administration held a press conference on July 12, 2012 and discussed their initial response to the independent investigation of Judge Louis Freeh into all aspects of the University's actions related to child abuse allegations against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, and immediate next steps.
The conference, was held at the Dayton/Taylor Conference Room at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center in Scranton, Pa. The University's initial response statement on the Freeh Report can be found here: http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/story/penn-state-issues-statement-on.
Penn State issues statement on Freeh Report
July 12, 2012, SCRANTON, PA - Today’s comprehensive report is sad and sobering in that it concludes that at the moment of truth, people in positions of authority and responsibility did not put the welfare of children first. The Board of Trustees, as the group that has paramount accountability for overseeing and ensuring the proper functioning and governance of the University, accepts full responsibility for the failures that occurred. The Board, in cooperation with the Administration, will take every action to ensure that events like these never happen again in our university community.
The focus of all of our actions going forward will be on driving a culture of honesty, integrity, responsible leadership and accountability at all levels and within all units of our institution.
Judge Freeh's report concludes that certain people at the University who were in a position to protect children or confront the predator failed to do so. There can be no ambiguity about that. The defenseless victims and their families are at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers. We are deeply sorry for the failure to protect these vulnerable young boys from the pain and anguish they suffered. At the same time, we are filled with admiration for the bravery shown by the young men and their families who came forward to ensure that justice will be done.
Search under way for compliance director
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State President Rodney Erickson has formed the search committee to fill the newly created position of director of University Compliance. Tom Poole, vice president for administration, will chair the committee, and Brill Neumann Executive Search Consulting will assist in the national search.
The position is a new one for Penn State, and will carry the responsibility to coordinate and oversee the vast array of compliance issues throughout the University.
Board of Trustees launches new website
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Board of Trustees website has a new design that puts key information at the fingertips of those who visit.
"This is just the first iteration," said Karen Peetz, chair of the board. "We'll have more changes soon as we work to make the information on the site even easier to find and read. This is, of course, a continuation of the board's pledge for openness and for providing more and better information to the Penn State community and beyond. It's an ongoing process."