Amidst concerns of closure and change, Penn State Schuylkill is setting its sights on growth and sustainability. This was the central theme at a recent meeting hosted by state legislators of Schuylkill County, aimed at discussing the campus’s future.
“Let’s focus on the future,” expressed Sen. Dave Argall. He emphasized the need for continued efforts beyond the community’s recent success in keeping the campus open, which he echoed from a similar event held at the Hazleton campus in September. Read more.
Earlier this year, Penn State’s leadership had placed several Commonwealth Campuses, including Schuylkill, under review for potential closure. The Board of Trustees later decided to shut down the Wilkes-Barre campus along with several others by 2027. However, campuses such as Schuylkill, Scranton, and Hazleton were spared.
Robert S. Carl, Jr., who chairs the advisory board for the Schuylkill campus, described the board’s decision as both a relief and a responsibility. “We approach this opportunity with the very seriousness it deserves,” he stated. “The recent review process of Penn State Schuylkill’s status has brought that reality into sharp focus for all of us.”
Expanding programs
In response to potential closures, Penn State began evaluating its academic offerings to align them with local and regional needs, according to Mike Stefan, vice president for government and community relations. Efforts include expanding healthcare-related programs like nursing, which are vital to the local job market.
Joseph Gera, vice chair of the campus’ co-op advisory council, emphasized the importance of fostering more regional partnerships to enhance programs like nursing and radiological sciences. He also advocated for expanding offerings in fields like physical therapy, dental hygiene, and engineering.
Given the national teacher shortage, Schuylkill Haven Area School District Superintendent Shawn Fitzpatrick proposed the introduction of an education program on campus.
The campus has experienced a slight decline in student numbers, with enrollment data showing 653 students this fall compared to 698 the previous year. However, these figures are still an improvement from earlier years, indicating a trend of recovery.
Co-op and community
Highlighting the campus’s unique co-op program, which began in 2020, was a critical factor in its battle to remain open. Currently, around 50% of the students take part in internships with over 100 employers, a program that has been crucial for students like Carter Strouse, a junior majoring in corporate communications who became a licensed insurance agent through his internship.
Strouse praised the program for equipping students with “the skills and knowledge to thrive in the next step of life,” urging the university to emphasize the program’s benefits further.
Community and university leaders alike have expressed a desire to maintain strong ties between the campus and local businesses, aiming to continue offering relevant and affordable academic programs.
Professor emeritus Michael Cardamone summarized the mission ahead: “The challenge we face is to continue providing relevant programs our students and community need, while remaining affordable.”
