Jessica Dodge is a junior nursing major serving her second year as Bloomsburg’s student representative on the Council of Trustees (COT). The COT is responsible for reviewing academic programs, appointing or dismissing the university president, approving budgets and more. Her role is to relay to the administration Bloomsburg students’ thoughts, opinions and concerns. A task she doesn’t take lightly given the current state of the university. Representing students in the face of deficits, post-merger concerns and $4M verdicts is a challenging ordeal to navigate.

“What I hear from students is what I report to the council…. The more I hear from students, the better it is for students,” said Dodge.

As a student representative, Dodge serves as a voting member on the board. She also works with the representatives for Mansfield and Lock Haven, CU’s other two branch campuses. The main focus for this group of students has been dealing with post-merger concerns. Dodge remains optimistic about the future of Commonwealth University.

“… talking to Mansfield, Lock Haven student trustees there is still concern about the [university] identity, but I think we are all trying to work together to make it equitable for everyone.”

As student concerns rise over the recent verdict involving CU President, Dr. Bashar Hanna, in a wrongful termination suit, Dodge sides with the university assuring students that the support given to Hanna is earned. As a representative, Dodge was involved in the writing of the COT letter of support for Hanna which was published following the verdict. The letter sparked criticism across campus and in the CU community. But to Dodge, she feels that concerns around Hanna’s continued presidency is low on the list of student concerns.

“Frankly, I think students, from what I’ve heard, are more concerned about their academics than anything else,” said Dodge.

Dodge is in full support of the council’s decisions involving the handling of Hanna’s lawsuit and the merger.

“The council wants students to be successful… they are putting students health… happiness, education, and success at the forefront of their decisions.”

Dodge encourages students to seek her out to talk to her about their concerns, comments or questions. She hopes to be able to use her position to bridge the gap between the student body and administration, creating transparency at a time when the Husky community is asking for it.

“I would absolutely love to see my email full of students…. I am happy to grab a coffee. I am happy to grab lunch. I am happy to talk to you on your way to class. Anyway, you have time to talk I am always happy to listen… I am a resource for students.”