Area legislators weigh in on proposed Penn State closures

Yahoo

15-05-2025

May 14—WILKES-BARRE — As the potential closing of Penn State Lehman Wilkes-Barre and six other campuses appears likely, local legislators offered their thoughts on Wednesday.
According to StateCollege.com, the Penn State Board of Trustees has scheduled a private special meeting for Thursday
,
May 15,
to consider President Neeli Bendapudi's recommendations for the possible closure of some Commonwealth Campuses.
"The board will meet virtually in executive session at 8 a.m., according to the university," the report states. "Information about the date and time for a public meeting, during which any vote would need to occur, will be shared after the executive session, Penn State spokesperson Wyatt DuBois said."
Sen. Lisa Baker
Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, a strong critic of the plan to close the satellite campuses and of the process itself, issued a statement.
"This rush to judgment, done in violation of the spirit and requirements of the state Sunshine Law, calls into serious question Penn State's understanding of its obligations as a state-related university," Sen. Baker said. "This unfortunate action will look even worse if there is no semblance of a transition plan put forward for the campuses in jeopardy."
Rep. Dan Meuser
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, said Penn State is "a fantastic institution" that offers a high-quality education at a much lower cost than many private universities.
"I've spoken directly with President Bendapudi, and I believe she and her team are working hard to provide a top-tier education at the best value, in the most accessible environments across the Commonwealth," Rep. Meuser said. "It's not cheap, but compared to private schools charging $60,000-plus a year, Penn State's $20,000 tuition is a fraction of the cost. And I'd argue it's as good an education as you're going to get."
That said, Rep. Meuser said enrollment at Penn State's commonwealth campuses has dropped significantly — by about 26% over the past decade.
"A decline like that forces tough decisions, and I trust the university is trying to make smart ones," Rep. Meuser said. "The Wilkes-Barre campus, for example, has seen enrollment drop by more than 40% over the past 10 years. While the potential closure of any campus is disappointing — especially one that has long served our region — it may help ensure that nearby campuses remain open and serving students."
As elected officials, Rep. Meuser said they have every right to ask questions, provide oversight, and investigate these decisions.
"And we will," Rep. Meuser said. "But ultimately, Penn State has to make choices that protect its mission and long-term sustainability."
In northeast Pennsylvania, Rep. Meuser said he is encouraged that the Penn State plan appears to preserve and invest in campuses like Hazleton, Schuylkill and Scranton.
"If that's the outcome, it helps ensure continued access to a high-quality education in our region," he said.
Rep. Rob Bresnahan
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr., R-Dallas Township, also offered comments.
"It is a priority of mine that Penn State continues to have a strong presence in Northeastern Pennsylvania," Rep. Bresnahan said. "I am disappointed by President Bendapudi's recommendation to close their Wilkes-Barre campus, which sits just outside my district. The more than 300 students who attend this campus deserve access to continued education, and I will work with university leadership and local officials to improve access to the Scranton and Hazleton campuses and ensure these students do not lose access to their local education."
Baker and Rep. Brenda Pugh
Earlier this week, Sen. Baker and Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, said they are calling for transparency, accountability and a commitment to the communities the Commonwealth Campuses serve.
"This is an unfortunate juncture for our communities and for the future of higher education in the region," said Sen. Baker and Rep. Pugh in a joint statement. "Penn State has disserved us by using a process that was secretive, arbitrary and lacking in analysis of community viewpoints and needs."
The legislators said that under state law, such a closure must be submitted for review and approval by the Secretary of Education following a detailed evaluation. That process has not yet begun, they said.
Department of Education
The following statement regarding the Penn State issue was received from the Department of Education through the Shapiro Administration's press office:
"The Shapiro Administration last year made the first significant progress on higher education in 30 years by establishing a new State Board of Higher Education, providing more support for public universities, and investing in making a college education more affordable for Pennsylvania students.
"This year, the Governor's budget proposal builds on that progress, including through a new $60 million investment in Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University, to be distributed based on the recommendation of the Performance Based Funding Council.
"The Shapiro Administration respects the autonomy of our Commonwealth's higher education institutions to make their own financial decisions, and we will continue to engage with Penn State, members of the General Assembly, and — most importantly — students and parents as the university releases more information."
Legislation to be proposed
In the meantime, Sen. Baker and Rep. Pugh said they are introducing a bill requiring public hearings prior to shuttering any state-related universities.
They are also exploring the creation of a special initiative — like the State Facility Closure Transition Program — to ensure adequate community support in directly impacted and contiguous areas.
Rep. Pugh and Sen. Baker said, "The Wilkes-Barre campus is a cornerstone for our region — economically, academically and civically. Before any decision is made, there must be a full, transparent process, guided not only by regulations but by a genuine commitment to the students and communities who depend on these campuses."
Discussion at legislative breakfast
On Friday, May 9, Northeast Pennsylvania's federal and state legislators provided answers to questions on several key issues at the Back Mountain Chamber Legislative Breakfast.
Rep. Bresnahan said he sent a letter to PSU President Neeli Bendapudi, following the Feb. 25, 2025, memoranda by PSU to reevaluate campus locations across the Commonwealth.
"I want to make clear the deep concern and growing anxiety I have heard from my constituents that rely on these campuses for both education and employment, and highlight the detrimental impacts the closure of any of these campuses will have on higher education access and economic growth in our NEPA," Rep. Bresnahan said. "I am most concerned about how closures could impact the quality and scope of PSU programs available to our local students and the potential job losses among local PSU faculty and staff."
Sen. Baker said she was not informed of the decisions prior to the public announcement, and to date, no one has shown her a plan. Baker said she recently met with the acting secretary of education, Dr. Carrie Rowe, and expressed her frustration and concerns.
"She (Rowe) informed me that the closure of an institution's campus, including those of state-related institutions, requires approval from the secretary of education and shared a copy of correspondence sent to Penn State University President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi," Baker said. "There is more due diligence required."
Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Pittston Township, said he has always supported state allocations for Penn State, but he said that if the closures go through he will no longer support that funding stream.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.