After 21 years of service on the University's Board of Trustees, Helen Wise -- the board's first woman and one of two senior members -- will not run for re-election to the board in June.

"Blue and white blood runs very deep in my veins, but 21 years is quite long enough," Wise said at Saturday's trustees meeting.

Trustee Howard O. Beaver Jr. also announced he would not run for re-election this spring.

Secretary to the cabinet in Governor Casey's office, Wise said she will continue with her position there.

"I'm sure that in my position with the governor I will continue to work not only with Penn State, but with higher education in general," she said.

She added that her decision will provide an opportunity for different alumni to serve on the board.

In 1969 the Board of Trustees elected both Wise and H. Jesse Arnelle, the first black trustee, to serve on the board.

Wise worked closely with Arnelle to create more of a "democracy" on the board, she said.

Before 1969 students and faculty were not involved with the board, Wise said. By making students and their academic concerns a priority she and Arnelle strived to accomplish this goal.

"We broke the trail -- it needed to be (broken)," she said.

Many trustees expressed sadness and regret with Wise's announcement.

"We'll miss her . . . she represented leadership on the board and a depth of understanding on issues that affected women on campus," said Trustee Cecile M. Springer.

"She has never hesitated to share her insights and criticisms," agreed Lt. Governor Mark S. Singel. "She pioneered the changing nature of the board -- that board will be accessible to women and minorities."

Trustee Jim Wagner called her a "superb" board member, praising her "keen insight into business matters."

"Helen is one of the most remarkable individuals and trustees I've had the opportunity to serve with," he said.