Penn State All-Americans Brandon Short, Carl Nassib Join for Board of Trustees Run

Two former Penn State football All-Americans are teaming to run for seats on the university's Board of Trustees. Brandon Short announced Monday that he will seek re-election as part of a bloc with Carl Nassib and Steve Wagman. Nassib announced recently announced his candidacy to become a first-time trustee. Wagman is an alumni-elected trustee.

"We’re excited to announce that we’re running as a slate for election to Penn State’s Board," Short said in a statement announcing their joint candidacy. "The Board’s primary mission is to educate, to enhance the student experience, improve access & affordability, and improve Penn State so that future generations can benefit from being Nittany Lions. We must elect Trustees who have a passion, who understand that their primary mission is to serve the University who also have the empathy & strength to lead.

"Penn State is a world-class research institution with the world’s largest and most active Alumni network. There's no question that Penn State is a leading institution and at the forefront of higher learning. However, there are many challenges facing our great University. Budgetary constraints, rising tuition, and the need to adapt more quickly to the changing nature of higher education are issues that could hamper Penn State. The three of us have been recognized as natural leaders and we believe we have the talent, vision, and strength to face these challenges and lead Penn State into the future."

Short, an All-American linebacker at Penn State in the 1990s, has served as a Penn State trustee since 2018. Wagman was elected in 2019. Nassib, an All-American defensive end who retired from the NFL in 2023, is running for Penn State's board for the first time. Nassib cited financial stability, improving the university's academic rankings and "supporting Penn State Athletics in the new era of the Big Ten" in a statement regarding his platform.

Penn State begins its alumni-trustee election April 10.