Megan Coval named BC3 interim president
BUTLER TWP — Butler County Community College’s board of trustees named president Nick Neupauer’s successor at a meeting Wednesday, March 20, three months after BC3’s longest-serving president of 17 years announced retirement plans.
Neupauer will retire in December after taking a six-month paid sabbatical beginning in July, and will be replaced by Megan Coval, executive director of the Butler County Community College Education Foundation.
BC3’s board of trustees voted unanimously to appoint Coval as interim president Wednesday afternoon following an hour-long executive session.
Coval will begin her role as interim president beginning May 16, filling a need “for a seasoned expert in relationship management, higher education prowess and government relations to succeed Dr. Neupauer,” chairman Joseph Kubit said.
Coval’s role as interim president has no set end date, Kubit said. Naming an interim president will allow the board to assess Gov. Josh Shapiro’s plans for higher education announced in February before filling a permanent position.
“What perhaps has magnified this presidential transition at Butler County Community College is the unknown impact Gov. Shapiro’s new blueprint for higher education may have on Pennsylvania’s community colleges,” Kubit said.
Coval’s transition as interim president comes at a critical time in state government that could see the unification of Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities and community colleges under a new governance system.
Amid “a lot of unknowns at the state level,” Neupauer described Coval’s experience working with colleges at the local and state levels and in Washington, D.C., as an asset.
“I will be very focused on making sure we’re staying engaged with what’s going with the state and with Gov. Shapiro’s proposals,” Coval said after the meeting. “Making sure we stay engaged in those conversations and that we continue to have a seat at the table and are able to provide feedback that’s specific not only to BC3, but to the community college sector as a whole.”
Coval has served as executive director of the education foundation since 2021, prior to which she worked in Washington, D.C., as vice president for policy and federal relations at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
In D.C., Coval also worked for the U.S. Department of Education’s Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance. She also served as an admissions counselor at the Pennsylvania State University in State College.
Neupauer noted after the meeting the board of trustees has been looking into succession and transition since 2020.
“Megan’s expertise in government relations, external relations, not just here at BC3, but across the state and in Washington, D.C., is needed at this institution,” Neupauer said after the meeting. “I’m happy to serve as a resource and help in any way.”
He described Coval as “the right person for the right time at the right institution.”
“You know, for me, a big focus is just being a present and thoughtful leader during this time of transition,” Coval said after the meeting. “I hope that really translates into a steadiness and calmness for folks on campus, leading to continuous smooth operations.”
According to board member Jennifer Pullar, Coval’s position was approved with an annual salary of $178,000.
