As a University leader, Danielle Richards has to go some extra miles.

It takes a lot of dedication to work at a Commonwealth Campus and serve as chairwoman for the University Park-based Commission for Women, said Richards, counseling/advising assistant for student programs and services at Schuylkill Campus.

Richards is the first chairwoman of the Commission for Women from a Commonwealth Campus. As the chairwoman, Richards oversees the work of the commission and sets the commission's agenda for the year.

At first, Richards was concerned about serving as chairwoman because she did not know many people at University Park. Other commission members helped her learn about the University Park administration, she said.

The biggest difficulty associated with leading the commission from a Commonwealth Campus is the travel, Richards said.

She must travel 170 miles to University Park about every other week. While she is away, there is no one to perform her job at Schuylkill. Richards usually tries to stay at University Park for only one day at a time.

Despite the travel difficulties, Richards considers being from a Commonwealth Campus an advantage.

"I'm bringing a whole different perspective to the position of chair," she said.

The commission was formed in 1981 to advise the University president on matters concerning University women. Right now the commission is undertaking a faculty tenure study and looking into fellowships and mentorships for women, Richards said.

Since most of the decisions are made at University Park, it is important that women at Commonwealth Campuses have someone to hear their voices, Richards said.

Being from a Commonwealth Campus is a real asset, said Anne Ard, senior diversity planning analyst.

"Danielle has highlighted the concerns of everybody in the Commonwealth Education System, but particularly women," she said.

By nominating a woman from a Commonwealth Campus to serve as chairwoman, the commission made a strong statement about making opportunities available to all Penn State women, not just those at University Park, Richards said.

Richards hopes her term will lead to other leadership opportunities for staff and students from Commonwealth Campuses.

"There's a lot of undiscovered talent at Commonwealth Campuses," she said.

Besides Richards, the outgoing chairman of the University Faculty Senate and the chairmen of the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity and the Commission on Undergraduate Education are all from Commonwealth Campuses, Ard said.

"That, combined with Danielle's effective year as the chair of the Penn State Commission for Women, combine to show folks that you don't have to be from University Park to function effectively in leadership positions," she said.

James Stewart, vice provost for educational equity, said he was never concerned about Richards ability to head the commission.

"I was familiar with Danielle's commitment and overall administrative capabilities. I was delighted when she was selected," he added.

It is in everyone's best interests to utilize the leadership potential throughout the University, he said.