UNIVERSITY PARK- In a majority vote of 25-8, the Pennsylvania State College Board of Trustees elected to close seven of their Commonwealth campuses and divert investment into their 13 remaining campuses. The seven campuses that will not continue after the 2026-27 academic year are:
● Mont Alto ● York ● Fayette ● DuBois ● Shenango ● New Kensington ● Wilkes-Barre
While the remaining 13 are:
● Scranton ● Altoona ● Beaver ● Greater Allegheny ● Great Valley ● Hazleton ● Lehigh Valley ● Brandywine ● Harrisburg ● Abington ● Behrend ● Schuylkill ● Berks
The decision comes as a shock to the community surrounding Penn. State’s Mont Alto campus. Originally founded in 1903 as the Pennsylvania State Forest Academy, Mont Alto is the oldest Penn State commonwealth campus and is home to the oldest building in the Pennsylvania State University system, Wiestling Hall, built in 1807.
“Tonight’s decision to close Mont Alto and other branch campuses is very disappointing. I appreciate the support of some of the board members who also questioned the data and accelerated timeline for a final decision,” said state Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin). “They, and I, also recognize the importance of the campuses and the valuable lessons and services each provide. That is why I am exploring other means to keep Mont Alto open. It is my hope the institution will continue to serve the people of Franklin County and students from outside the area who choose to come here for a great education.”
Franklin County Commissioners have issued the following statement on the Penn State Board of Trustees’ decision to close its Mont Alto campus:
“We are deeply disappointed by the Penn State Board of Trustees’ decision to close its Mont Alto campus. Penn State Mont Alto has been a cornerstone of Franklin County for nearly a century, and its closure will eliminate programs that were unique and in high demand in this region. Moreover, the Mont Alto campus is the only campus on the chopping block that is located within an area with consistent population growth, further making the decision to shutter this historic campus a questionable decision. Closing the campus will have a lasting negative impact on our region, our businesses, our residents and, most importantly, our students.”
While the 28-6 vote was final as far as trustees were concerned, it still must be approved by acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe, who as a 25-year educator is known for her commitment to policies that promote college and career pathways, including things like dual enrollment. She has been a teacher, school principal and supintentendent.
The vote itself was preceded by heavy public comment, with the board receiving 154 public comments on social media this week alone, in addition to each member receiving a large amount of emails on the issue with the number estimated to be around 500. During the meeting itself, there was much discussion about the campuses closure, with calls for deferment of the vote beginning almost as soon as the meeting began.
Local impact
The direct impact to local communities was one that was not left untouched in the discussion. A desire to encourage the use of the now unoccupied campuses for their home communities was mentioned. Board of Trustee member Anthony Lubrano noted that he felt the vote was “the most impactful vote that we will ever make on this board,” giving his perspective on how the development of this campus ecosystem allowed many Pennsylvanians to become first-generation college students for the first time in their families.
Ted Brown, a fellow board member, felt even stronger, noting that he was “almost embarrassed” to be a second generation graduate of Penn State. Giving a request to research on how all seven campuses could grow enrollment and stay open at almost two hours into the meeting, his comments echoed that of his fellow board members, who recognized the gravity of the situation and its impact on Pennsylvania’s future.
Changing of times
“Declining enrollment, stagnant state funding, rising operational costs and shifting student demographics… [have threatened] the University’s ability to maintain access and quality across the state,” according to the report upon which an advisory body shaped its recommendation.
“Over the past ten years, the seven campuses [that are facing closure] have experienced a 43 percent decline in enrollment. We are spreading our students, faculty and staff so thin… we are subsidizing decline at the expense of growth” said Penn. State President Neeli Benapudi.
Benapudi further emphasized that this was not a decision made in haste, and that Penn State would work to ensure smooth transitions for faculty, students and staff. The immediacy of these transitions was also emphasized, as plans would be put into place to repurpose the unoccupied campuses.
“We’re not making a technical adjustment – we’re charting a new course for the next century.” said Benapudi, who stressed that “…even after these closures, Penn State will have the largest system of campuses of any [American] university.”
Looking toward the Future
Benapudi continued to look toward the future for Penn State’s campus system in a public address following the meeting. Noting that the remaining 13 campuses would enroll over 96 percent of the Penn State’s student body, she highlighted the need for patience.
“As we move through this period of change over the next two years, I want to be crystal clear about one thing: our people come first,” Benapudi said, adding that there would be continued transparency to the community about plans for all campuses involved.
To access the livestream from the meeting of the Board of Trustees, please visit https://psu.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Public+Board+of+Trustees+Meeting+May+22%2C+2025/1_uuh2f7gb/237280832. For the address the president delivered after the meeting, the full transcript is provided at https://roadmap.psu.edu/2025/05/22/bendapudi-addresses-penn-state-community-following-commonwealth-campus-decision.
