In this episode of PCC Local Time, produced in collaboration with the Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Management (APMM), host Nancy Hess explores the evolving relationship between universities and their surrounding communities — the so-called “Town Gown” connection.

Our guests — borough managers from three Pennsylvania university towns — reflect on how they navigate both the tension and potential that arise when generations, lifestyles, and values intersect.

From housing and community safety to student engagement and communication, they share real-world stories about how small towns are cultivating vibrant, intergenerational communities where students, residents, and local leaders learn to see each other as partners.

Guests

Nicole Sipos — Borough Manager, Indiana Borough, Pennsylvania (Home of Indiana University of Pennsylvania)

• A proud graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), she holds a degree in Business and has dedicated over two decades to public service within her hometown. Nichole was appointed Borough Manager in January 2023. She oversees a $12 million annual budget and leads strategic initiatives to support community development, infrastructure, and intergovernmental collaboration.
• A lifelong resident of Indiana Borough and a strong advocate for the region, Nichole’s deep ties to both the community and IUP have been instrumental in fostering strong partnerships and transparent communication. One of her most notable recent accomplishments includes managing a $4.1 million renovation of the Borough’s Municipal Building.

Rebecca DeSantis Randall — Borough Manager, Millersville Borough, Pennsylvania (Home of Millersville University)

• Rebecca graduated from Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, earning a bachelor’s degree in international studies. She went on to receive her Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from American University in Washington DC. She began her public service career with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) on both the communications team and then on the career and equity advancement team as a program manager. Following ICMA, Rebecca transitioned to the City of Frederick, Maryland to serve as the City’s first Manager of Equity and Inclusion and a member of the Mayor’s Executive Leadership Team. Currently, Rebecca serves at the Borough Manager in Millersville Borough, PA, managing a community of 8,000 residents.

Jessica Whitley — Assistant to the Borough Manager, State College, Pennsylvania (Home of Pennsylvania State University)

• Jess is a public administrative professional with interest in program design, community engagement, youth advocacy and arts & culture, she is currently serving as the assistant to the Borough Manager in State College, Pennsylvania. Jess holds a 'Bachelor of Fine Arts' and a 'Master of Public Administration' from Syracuse University. A proud member of ICMA since 2022, Jess was a recipient of the prestigious Tranter Leong Fellowship in 2024 and began her journey at the Borough as a Local Government Management Fellow. Jess remains an active member of the SheLeadsGov Committee and the LGMF Alumni Committee. Grateful for the opportunities that have shaped her career, Jess remains deeply committed to serving the public and positively impact others.

Follow APMM on LinkedIn and Read more at APMM.net

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introduction: The Spirit of Town and Gown

Nancy introduces the episode and the Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Management (APMM). She frames Town Gown communities as partnerships where universities and local governments collaborate to build places people want to live, work, and belong.

02:00 – Opening Reflections: Student Events as Bridges

Rebecca begins with the Millersville parade — a shared celebration of students and residents. Nicole and Jessica describe similar traditions in Indiana Borough and State College, where collaboration builds connection and civic pride.

06:00 – Balancing Generations in Millersville

Rebecca reflects on the diversity of Millersville — retirees, young families, students, and faculty — and how their values sometimes clash around housing, parks, and growth.

09:00 – Housing, Growth, and Community Values

Nancy links the conversation to broader demographic shifts and the difficulty of attracting young families. Rebecca, Nicole, and Jessica explore housing shortages, zoning revisions, and ways to make their towns livable for all ages.

12:00 – Creating a Sense of Place

Nicole and Jessica emphasize how communication, walkability, and vibrancy define community life — and how student engagement fuels local economies and neighborhood vitality.

13:00 – Technology, Service, and Communication

Rebecca describes updating borough systems to improve resident experience — from online payments to student interactions. Nicole and Jessica share how “Coffee with Comms” and “Coffee with Cops” build trust and transparency across generations.

17:00 – Public Events, Free Speech, and Local Tensions

Nicole shares how Indiana Borough navigates controversial event requests and community pushback while protecting free speech. The group discusses the growing challenge of balancing expression, safety, and community standards.

21:00 – Crisis Management and Shared Responsibility

Rebecca recalls a recent swatting incident during a university parade, describing how collaboration between campus and borough emergency teams ensured consistent communication. Nancy and guests highlight the need for shared safety planning between town and university.

26:00 – Pathways to Public Service: Jessica’s Story

Jessica shares her journey from Syracuse to State College through ICMA’s Local Government Management Fellowship, and how the term “Town Gown” took on new meaning once she began working in local government.

29:00 – Engaging Students in Local Government

Jessica envisions programs where students participate in real municipal processes — from running community dialogues to serving on committees — helping both students and residents understand their shared civic power.

33:00 – Partnerships in Action: Faculty, Students, and Boroughs

Nicole describes how IUP graduate students’ sidewalk mapping project led to a $480,000 grant. Rebecca shares Millersville’s “Day of Caring,” where freshmen volunteer locally and learn what a borough is.

36:00 – The Deeper Role of Local Government

Nancy reflects on how the essence of local government — to engage, educate, and connect — remains the same whether or not a college is present. Town Gown communities simply make that role more visible.

37:00 – What Universities Gain from Collaboration

Rebecca and Nicole discuss how universities benefit from safe, livable, and attractive communities that help recruit and retain students. Jessica adds that engaged students become stronger citizens and future leaders.

41:00 – Keeping Students After Graduation

Nicole and Rebecca wrestle with how to make their towns appealing to graduates in their 20s and 30s, from amenities to affordable housing. Jessica highlights how partnership and place-shaping can inspire them to stay.

42:00 – Why Local Government Matters More Than Ever

Jessica offers a heartfelt closing reflection: when the world feels overwhelming, you can still make a difference locally. Rebecca and Nicole echo that change is most visible — and meaningful — at the local level.

44:00 – Closing and Connection

Nancy thanks the guests and closes with a reflection on mutual benefit, leadership, and partnership. The episode ends with a spontaneous moment of recognition between Jessica and Rebecca over the ICMA fellowship program.