A small group of area leaders were expected to meet next week with a major state university that had shown at least some interest in the Penn State Mont Alto campus. But Mike Ross, president of the Franklin County Area Development Council, suggested this week the meeting may be premature.
Ross, one of those who was to meet via Zoom with that university, said in a note obtained by LocalNews1 that an education and healthcare stakeholder group has now been formed to consider uses for the campus, which is to close at the end of next year.
“As you know, we are scheduled to meet via Zoom on March 5 to discuss the potential disposition of the Penn State Mont Alto campus,” Ross said. “I respectfully request that we cancel or postpone that meeting at this time.”
Sheila Vieira, the Fayetteville parent, who had challenged data used in Penn State’s decision to close the Mont Alto campus, demonstrating several flawed analyses, said Ross’ note caught her completely off guard.
“I am deeply disappointed and frankly blindsided by the proposed outcome,” said Vieira.
Ross noted an education and health care stakeholder group has been formed that includes State Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin), senior leadership from WellSpan Health, Lackawanna College, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, three local public school systems which operate the Career & Technology Center, a nonprofit provider of therapeutic services for children with special needs and Franklin County government.
WellSpan had donated $1 million to endow two nursing faculty members for the Allied Health Building at Penn State Mont Alto. Ross said Lackawanna has the capability and capacity to deliver several health care-related programs.
But Vieira countered, “The solution does little to address the harm experienced by students, faculty, staff and families affected by the decisions of the Penn State administration. Suggesting that this alternative will provide support equal to—or greater than—what was previously offered is unrealistic without a university of comparable or higher standing.
“Our region deserves meaningful educational opportunities, strong workforce development and access to healthcare professionals—not a diminished future,” said Veiira, who holds a PhD in engineering.
Ross said the Penn State administrators in charge of determining the future of Mont Alto and six other closing campuses have already been apprised of the consortium. He noted the other university might work through Penn State to continue exploring its interest.
In May 2025 the Penn State Board of Trustees voted to close seven of the University’s 19 Commonwealth Campuses effective June 30, 2027, citing declining enrollments and increasing operating expenses. Vieira’s analysis showed, however, that the Mont Alto and York campuses, both slated for closure, were among the university’s most successful, while some campuses remaining open were not.
