As public concern grows over the possible closures of Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton, state legislators and local officials are stepping up efforts to advocate for the campuses to remain open.
In response to the university’s announcement, both state lawmakers and the Schuylkill County Commissioners have taken action to rally community support and appeal to Penn State’s Board of Trustees.
Legislative Response: A Call for Public Input
State Senator Dave Argall (R-29) has launched a public survey, urging residents to share their perspectives on the potential closures. The survey, available on his official website, aims to collect feedback from students, faculty, business leaders, and community members on the impact that shutting down the campuses would have on the region.
The survey could be found here: https://www.senatorargall.com/legislative-survey/
Argall and his fellow legislators—State Representatives Jamie Barton (R-124), JoAnne Stehr (R-107), Tim Twardzik (R-123), Jamie Walsh (R-117), and Dane Watro (R-116)—have continued to voice strong opposition to the proposed closures. Their joint statement condemned the university’s decision, emphasizing the critical role that these campuses play in workforce development, local economies, and regional higher education accessibility.
“These campuses have provided a pathway to higher education for thousands of students in our region,” Argall said. “We cannot afford to lose them without a fight.”
Schuylkill County Commissioners Take a Stand
Meanwhile, Schuylkill County Commissioners Larry Padora, Barron Hetherington, and Gary Hess have penned an official letter to Penn State’s Board of Trustees, urging reconsideration of the proposed closures. The commissioners highlighted the historical significance of the Schuylkill campus, noting that it was the first branch campus of Penn State, dating back to 1934.
Their letter emphasized the financial and community investments that have sustained the campus for decades, including land donations, scholarship funding, and infrastructure improvements. They also pointed out that Penn State Schuylkill has been the only campus in the system to experience enrollment growth over the last five years—a fact that contradicts the university’s justification for potential closure.
“It is hard to imagine this campus may be chosen for closure as it’s the only campus that has seen increased enrollment in the last five years,” the commissioners wrote. “The Schuylkill Campus of Penn State is vital to the future of Schuylkill County.”
The commissioners also requested a meeting with university officials to discuss alternative solutions and to advocate for the continued operation of the Schuylkill campus.
Community Response and Next Steps
As Penn State’s Board of Trustees continues to deliberate, stakeholders across Schuylkill and Luzerne counties remain hopeful that their voices will be heard. The university has indicated that a final decision is expected by the end of the semester.
Original Story from Skook News