In a decisive move that has sent ripples across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Penn State's Board of Trustees voted in favor of closing seven branch campuses. The decision comes after grappling with declining enrollments and a stark financial landscape. The closures, set to occur post-Spring 2027 semester, will see operations wind down at Penn State DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York campuses.
According to the details released by the board, these campuses will not enroll new or transfer students post-Fall 2025 semester, and the transition for current students, faculty, and staff is underway with strategies to facilitate moves to alternate campuses or other opportunities. "This process has not just been number crunching, not just a quantitative analysis. It has been qualitative. It has been listening to stories, listening to people, and I want you to know, it has been deeply personal," Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi told the assembly during the meeting, as reported by WTAE.
While some board members voiced concerns and called for more deliberation, the vote tallied at 25-8, indicating a substantial majority in favor of the closures. Trustee Nicholas Rowland expressed his reluctance, stating, "I'm going to vote against and it's not because these challenges aren't real. It's because our values must be real," while trustee Brandon Short defended the tough decision, asserting "this vote is about making the tough decision today that will ensure a brighter future for Penn State," these sentiments were echoed during the meeting and cited by CBS News Pittsburgh's coverage.
The announcement has left students and faculty in shock, with many in these communities seeing the campuses as valuable stepping stones and integral parts of their local landscapes. The seven campuses collectively account for 3.6% of the student body, 3.3% of faculty, and 2.2% of the staff, which might appear minuscule within the grand scope of Penn State's operations but represent lives and careers invested in these institutions. Penn State is committed to the other 13 branch campuses, which they deem strategically important for future investment..
