Academics

Smeal junior makes history as first student-selected trustee on BOT

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State Smeal College of Business junior supply chain and information systems major Luke Metaxas made Penn State history recently as the Penn State Board of Trustees (BOT) met at Penn State Beaver.

Metaxas, a Schreyer Scholar who is also majoring in information sciences and technology, attended his inaugural BOT meeting as the first student-elected student trustee.

“It was an honor to be there. Every board member and administrator was welcoming and seemed excited to have an additional student perspective on the board of trustees,” Metaxas said. “Overall, the board meeting was a great reminder of why I am so proud of being a student at Penn State.”

Serving on the BOT is just another high-level activity for the ambitious junior. He is a member of President Eric Barron’s Presidential Leadership Academy, an on-campus resident assistant, co-director of the entrepreneurship group InnoBlue’s Accelerator Program, a member of the Penn State Investment Association and the vice-president of business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi’s executive board.

So, even though he was quite busy already, when he saw the posting for the student trustee position, he was compelled to apply.

“Penn State has given so much to me, and with my remaining time here, I want to give back as much as possible. I saw the posting for student trustee and felt it was an excellent opportunity for me to contribute,” Metaxas said. “Additionally, it offers me the unique ability to explore different perspectives and personalities within the student body, faculty and alumni. I love meeting people, experiencing different organizations and learning about new cultures.”

Metaxas said he hopes his unique dual major will enable him to gain experience in consulting, entrepreneurship or a large IT firm before perhaps pursuing a graduate degree. For now, though, he plans to pour himself into his trustee role.

“I think it is possible to prioritize the things you are most motivated towards and learn to use your time efficiently. I find that when I am passionate about things in life it is easier to be driven to get everything done. I am incredibly passionate about Penn State,” he said.

“I recognize that my voice now affects past, present and future Penn State stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni and many more. This is a major responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I am prepared to devote as much time as needed to becoming an informed trustee.”

Last Updated August 17, 2015

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