Governor names Elizabeth Bernard newest YSU trustee

By Harold Gwin

Attorney Elizabeth Bernard of Canfield succeeds Dr. H.S. Wang.

YOUNGSTOWN — Gov. Ted Strickland has appointed Atty. Elizabeth Bernard of Canfield as the newest member of the Youngstown State University board of trustees.

Strickland announced the appointment Friday.

Bernard earned a bachelor’s degree in American studies from YSU in 1984 and a law degree from the University of Akron in 1988.

She was born and reared in the Mahoning Valley and, as a YSU graduate, has an interest in what happens to the university, she said, noting that she is particularly excited about Strickland’s plans for education in Ohio. Being a member of the YSU board of trustees allows her to play a direct role in those plans, she said.

Bernard said she likes the direction YSU is going under the University System of Ohio, citing its expansion in both academics and housing as well as its overall growth.

Youngstown is so lucky to get an urban research university designation under the University System, she said, adding that she wants to be part of incorporating that development into the community.

Bernard joined the law firm of Harshman and Gervelis in 1988, became a partner in the 1990s and remained with the firm as a partner after it merged with Betras, Maruca and Kopp in 2005. She left to open her own practice about three years ago.

She previously served as an adjunct professor at the University of Akron School of Law from 1988 to 1992. She is a member of the Mahoning County and Ohio State Bar Associations. She has a son, Luke Franken, who is a student at Ohio University, and a daughter, Abby Franken, who attends Canfield High School.

Her appointment is for a nine-year term and gives the YSU board a full complement of nine members and two student trustees again. Bernard succeeds Dr. H.S. Wang, whose term expired in May.

Scott Schulick, board president, said the board is thrilled to have Bernard as a member and looks forward to working with her beginning with the next board meeting in December.

gwin@vindy.com