HARRISBURG – Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) issued the following statement regarding Penn State Board of Trustees’ vote to close seven satellite campuses after the 2026-27 academic year:
“The harsh reality is that higher education in general throughout Pennsylvania is greatly oversubscribed. We have too much physical plant in higher education to support the declining demographics that we are faced with, and there has also been a significant increase in the variety of job opportunities available that don’t necessarily comport with the deliverables of higher education in this state. Rightsizing is a necessary step that must happen across higher education, however the process from a transparency perspective and the lack of messaging on what these campuses can be used for going forward has been far from ideal.
“I certainly do not favor losing the Penn State New Kensington campus in my own district. But the big picture view of this issue is at the end of the day something needs to give in higher education. When it comes to the New Kensington campus, conversations will need to take place to ensure the Launchbox and Digital Foundry they have supported continue, and we figure out a path to make the property even more productive than it is now.
“While the Penn State Board of Trustees’ decision will surely be met with considerable frustration, there are many individuals who also recognize Penn State is trying to do what they can to contain costs and acknowledge the demographic shift occurring in our state. Ultimately, Penn State will have an obligation to make sure the campuses are all repurposed and brought to a higher and better use in the communities where they reside. This is a responsibility the University bears, and their efforts must be supported by the state. We cannot allow closed satellite campuses to become blighted properties. The facilities must be repurposed in a thoughtful way.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Flessner kflessner@pasen.gov