AFSCME member appointed to new State Board of Higher Education
AFSCME Council 13 congratulates Local 763 President Bobbie Jo Zapor on her appointment by Governor Josh Shapiro to Pennsylvania’s State Board of Higher Education.
The new board was created with the passage of the 2024-25 state budget, and thanks to the lobbying and advocacy efforts of union members, it includes two seats for labor leaders.
Zapor, a Library Assistant at Indiana University, will represent her fellow AFSCME members working in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).
“AFSCME workers assist students at every phase of their education in a myriad of ways,” Zapor said.
“We are committed to the success of our universities and the communities around them. I look forward to being a voice for us.”
Council 13 applauded the many investments in both K-12 and higher education found in the recent state budget, many of which exist due to the diligence and activism of AFSCME members.
“The workers on PASSHE campuses know better than anyone what’s working and what needs to change when it comes to servicing and educating students. Bobbie will be a strong voice on the higher education board that will benefit students and workers alike,” said Mike Sukal, Administrator of AFSCME Council 13.
According to the Shapiro Administration, this board will ensure higher education in Pennsylvania supports critical workforce needs and serves as an economic driver for generations to come. The board will also create a performance-based funding council that will develop recommendations on how to create a performance-based funding formula to drive funds to state-related institutions.
