Alle-Kiski Valley lawmakers are hoping the combination of political pressure — and even legislation — can help keep Penn State New Kensington off the chopping block when the university considers the closure of branch campuses.
“I am in the process of putting out a letter to the university president in support of keeping Penn State New Kensington’s location open,” said state Rep. Jill Cooper, R-Murrysville. “As a first-generation college student from my family, it’s an important campus in our region. I feel we definitely need it here.”
On Feb. 25, university President Neeli Bendapudi and her administration announced that some branch campuses will close in two years. They cited declining enrollment, demographic shifts and finances.
Among the campuses potentially on the chopping block are New Kensington, Fayette, Beaver and Greater Allegheny in McKeesport.
It’s anticipated that the decision on closures will be made before Penn State’s spring commencement.
Cooper said, if Penn State New Kensington closes, job, educational and economic opportunities in this region would be lost.
She pointed to the college’s collaborations in the area, including the Digital Foundry, a business development service; The Corner Launchbox, an entrepreneur training center and co-working space; and ABC Create, a program that integrates technologies and project-based learning in area school districts.
“They’re all things that make an important part of the region; look at the revitalization of New Kensington,” she said. “The impact of the school can’t be overstated, in my mind. I want to make sure the president knows how crucial this is to our area, and how important it is to keep those doors open.”
Cooper, whose district includes the Penn State New Kensington campus in Upper Burrell, has support from lawmakers including state Reps. Abby Major, R-Leechburg; Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel; and Joe McAndrew, D-Penn Hills.
Although the state Legislature does not have control over which campuses Penn State chooses to close, McAndrew said, representatives teaming together across party lines can send a strong message.
“There’s strength in numbers,” McAndrew said. “The more representatives that come in support of a really good regional asset is something that is valuable. We don’t have direct ability to control Penn State’s decisions, but we want to do what we can to make sure the voices are being heard.”
He said Penn State New Kensington does a good job educating students for the workforce and obtaining jobs that benefit and promote the Valley.
“We need that education to continue to maintain the services of our region,” he said.
The Upper Burrell campus is accessible, affordable and convenient for students and adults in the area, Major said.
“Having a Penn State branch campus in the Valley is beneficial for the economy and the opportunities it provides for students,” she said.
Now more than ever, nontraditional students are attending colleges, and resources like Penn State New Kensington are a great outlet for them, Major said.
“It’s good to have opportunities so people can get an education best for their current lifestyle,” she said.
Steele said her constituents support Penn State New Kensington.
“There is overwhelming support in our community to keep that campus open,” Steele said.
Statewide effort
Cooper said she is reviewing a proposal from state Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, R-Fayette, that aims to give people a greater voice when it comes to regional higher education in response to the pending Penn State branch campus closures.
Grimm Krupa announced her intention to introduce a package of legislation consisting of three bills that, if approved, would not allow publicly funded state-related universities like Penn State to close branch campuses without legislative oversight and public input; would protect regional access to higher education; would ensure tax money is used responsibly; and would require state-related universities to assess the economic and workforce consequences for communities affected by a branch campus closure.
“The proposed closure of branch campuses, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged regions, is a direct betrayal of Penn State’s mission and an unacceptable misuse of public funds,” Grimm Krupa said in a statement. “These universities have an obligation to weigh the full consequences of their decisions.
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“This is about fairness, fiscal responsibility and protecting the future of our communities.”
Penn State spokesman Wyatt DuBois said the university will review the bills when they are introduced.
Sen. Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, said the looming Penn State branch campus closures are affecting work on the state’s budget.
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday completed three weeks of budget hearings to examine Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which Pittman noted would increase state spending by $3.6 billion.
“As we now look to craft a realistic state budget that respects taxpayers, we will also be exploring the best ways to safeguard all forms of education across the commonwealth,” Pittman said. “Just like in urban and suburban areas of our commonwealth, residents in rural communities deserve to have the same access to educational opportunities.”