August 08, 2022

Natalie Imhoof '24 Natalie Imhoof ’24Natalie Imhoof ’24 has been appointed to a two-year term on the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.

“I want to learn more about how higher education works,” Imhoof said. “I want to learn more about policies and the wonderful people surrounding me on the board.”

At Susquehanna, Imhoff serves as a student ambassador, a summer intern at the Mid-Atlantic Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, treasurer for the American Sign Language Club, and other honors and activities.

A biology and management double major major from Selinsgrove, she also serves as a vertical garden project leader of Partners for a Healthy Community, where she creates and coordinates installation of indoor gardens at senior living facilities. She researched the effects of gardening on social isolation and loneliness, and will provide the study to the National Gardening Association.

“The board values the input and perspectives that our student members provide on issues that are important to Pennsylvania’s students,” said Chair of the Board Karen Farmer White. “By including student leaders on the board, we seek to encourage civic participation among Pennsylvania’s youth and to empower student voices in education policymaking.”

Since 2008, the state board has incorporated student representation in a non-voting capacity on the Council of Basic Education and the Council of Higher Education. Student members must attend and participate in board meetings, advise and consult with the board, and adhere to board regulations. They will also establish an ongoing relationship with other students throughout the commonwealth to more effectively represent students in Pennsylvania’s educational policymaking.

Student representation on the state Board of Education is made possible through a grant provided by Highmark, supporting opportunities for students in Pennsylvania to have a direct voice in helping to shape education policy.