APSCUF President: ESU’s Dr. Kenneth Mash

By Abigail Dobrowolski
Photography Editor

Dr. Kenneth Mash of the East Stroudsburg University Political Science department has long been an important member of the staff at the university. In addition to being a political science professor, Mash has contributed to programs campuswide and has been instrumental supporting the honors program.

The Association of Pennsylvania State Colleges and University Faculties (APSCUF) is an organization dedicated to the betterment of the schools in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

Mash has been vice president of APSCUF for the past four years. After running unopposed, he was elected president of the association and began his two-year term on June 1, 2014.

Mash faces a number of serious problems: “We have to make sure we get the funding restored that was cut in 2011. That cut in funding has led to higher tuition and fees leading to a student debt crisis. That cut in funding has led to cuts in programs, fewer classes, the growth in class sizes, and a death of resources.”

“I am hoping that students and faculty will work together for the restoration of our public universities.”

– Dr. Kenneth Mash

“We are at the point now where we have to share with our elected officials that students pay enough, that they are entitled to the same excellent education that our alumni received, and that we are putting the Commonwealth at risk by not properly funding higher education. I am hoping that students and faculty will work together for the restoration of our public universities.”

Although Dr. Mash is not currently in a classroom, he considers his new position at APSCUF as “a form of praxis, that is, putting theory to practice.” He believes the position will help him grow not only as a professor, but also as a political scientist.

Regarding his future endeavors, Mash said, “I intend to do my best at this job and then feel free to spend the rest of my career focusing solely on working with students in and out of the classroom and on research.”

Email Abigail at:
adobrowols@live.esu.edu