Across the country, we are witnessing a troubling trend: the closure of regional college campuses. Some may see these as mere financial restructuring decisions, but I see them for what they truly are: economic earthquakes that shake the very foundation of local economies.
The announced closure of Penn State New Kensington is not just a higher education issue — it is an economic crisis that will have profound and lasting consequences for our region.
For decades, this campus has been a pillar of economic growth, workforce development and talent retention in Westmoreland County. Its closure will send shock waves through our communities, affecting businesses, workforce pipelines and regional competitiveness. The toll will be severe:
• Job loss: Faculty, staff and support personnel will be displaced, increasing strain on our local economy.
• Reduced local spending: The students, faculty and visitors who once fueled local businesses — cafés, bookstores, rental properties — will disappear, leaving these businesses struggling to survive.
• Weakened workforce development: Regional employers in health care, manufacturing and technology have long relied on this campus for a steady pipeline of skilled graduates. Without it, that pipeline will dry up.
• Talent drain: Young people who would have attended Penn State New Kensington will be forced to seek educational opportunities elsewhere. Many may never return, deepening our region’s population decline.
At a time when Westmoreland County is already grappling with population loss, we cannot afford to lose another institution that attracts and retains young professionals, fuels economic activity and fosters innovation.
This decision is especially devastating given New Kensington’s extraordinary transformation in recent years. Once struggling with economic decline, the city has become a beacon of revitalization through bold investments, entrepreneurial growth and community engagement. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association recently honored New Kensington with the Great Transformation Award, recognizing its remarkable resurgence. Programs like the Corridor of Innovation, the Digital Foundry and The Corner collaborative workspace have been instrumental in drawing new businesses and opportunities to the area. The closure of Penn State New Kensington threatens to undermine this momentum.
I am reminded of the words of Mayor Tom Guzzo: “Our people are our greatest asset.” If that is true — and I believe it is — then we must invest in opportunities that keep our people here. That means standing against this closure and finding real solutions that will preserve educational access and economic opportunity in Westmoreland County.
What can we do?
• Demand transparency and accountability: We need clear, honest answers beyond vague references to demographic shifts. Why was this campus chosen for closure? Were any alternative solutions explored?
• Collaborate on solutions: Policymakers, business leaders and educational institutions must work together to mitigate the damage and explore ways to reinvest in local higher education.
• Support workforce development: If the closure is unavoidable, we must ensure regional employers have access to workforce training programs to fill the void left behind.
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce stands firmly with our community, our local businesses and our policymakers in opposing this closure. The chamber urges all stakeholders to come together and take action to protect both educational and economic opportunities for our region.
The loss of Penn State New Kensington is not just about a campus; it’s about the future of Westmoreland County. Let’s fight to preserve it.
Dan DeBone is president and CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce.