MANSFIELD, PA (11/01/2022) Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth
University has been appointed to serve on Pennsylvania’s Tuition Account
Program (TAP) Advisory Board by Gov. Tom Wolf. Hanna’s appointment runs from
September 2022 to September 2026.
The board advises on the work of the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings
Program, which provides families with a tax-advantaged way to help save for
their children’s higher education.
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a 1986 graduate of Bloomsburg University, oversees
the PA 529 program.
“I am honored by Governor Wolf’s appointment to serve on the Tuition
Account Program Advisory Board,” Hanna said. “The PA 529 program is
one of the most worthwhile programs offered by the state and assists families
with paying college tuition. The mission of the 529 program matches the mission
of Commonwealth University, which is to provide a world class, financially
responsible degree option that maximizes experiential learning, career
preparation, and efficient time to graduation. I look forward to working with
such a distinguished group of individuals, including Treasurer Garrity.”
PA 529 accounts are designed to help Pennsylvania families steadily and
strategically save for future educational expenses. The PA 529 Guaranteed Savings
Plan allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s
tuition costs.
More than 276,000 PA 529 accounts are open, with over $6 billion saved for
future education. Over the program’s more than 30 years, it has helped families
pay for more than $5 billion in qualified higher education expenses.
“I’m excited to have Dr. Hanna join the TAP Advisory Board,”
Treasurer Garrity said. “He will bring a unique and important perspective
to the board with his vast experience in higher education, his proven
dedication to helping students, and his lifelong passion for teaching. As we
continue to make the PA 529 College & Career Savings Program work better
for all Pennsylvanians, Dr. Hanna will be a strong voice in support of students
and their families.”
In total there are 19 members, five ex officio and 14 appointed, including
six by the governor. Of the six members appointed by the Governor, one must be
the president of a Pennsylvania community college, one must be the president of
a university in the State System of Higher Education, and one must be the
president of a Pennsylvania private or independent four-year, degree granting
college or university.
The advisory board meets quarterly during the year and among its duties the
board reviews and approves an annual report to the Governor and the General
Assembly.