By La Vie staff writer

A LVC alum and former assistant dean now leads a first-of-its-kind commission for the state of Pennsylvania.

Todd Snovel, the former assistant dean for engagment and inclusion, heads the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ affair. The commission went into effect in early August after Gov. Tom Wolf signed an executive order.  Snovel stepped down from his position with LVC this summer.

“As an advocate for LGBTQ community, I think he just gave a voice to our students they didn’t have before and help them raise awareness on issue, not only on our campus but also in the Lebanon area and the surrounding area even,” Jen Evans, LVC direction of student activities, said.

Gov. Wolf said the creation of the commission is one step the state is taking to ensure obstacles are removed for anyone who is facing an unfair disadvantage based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Snovel has also served on numerous committees in central Pennsylvania including the Central Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. He received the Athena award from the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2014.

In addition to his duties as the Assistant Dean for Engagement and Inclusion at LVC, Snovel also taught courses on genders, sexualities and identities.