HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Reaction continues to word that Penn State University will close some of their Commonwealth Campuses.
The President of the University cited revenue and enrollment challenges in recent years as factors in the decision to close some of the campuses.
Hazleton, Schuylkill, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton are on the list for potential closure.
A statement from Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi can be found on their website.
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Concern, anxiety, and for some people disgust. That's the reaction we are hearing from many people in NEPA to word that several local Penn State satellite campuses could be closed, four of them in our region.
The President of Penn State announced this week that financial and enrollment challenges have forced the university to make tough decisions.
12 commonwealth campuses are on the list for possible closure. Four of those campuses are located in northeastern Pennsylvania: Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Schuylkill. We spent time in the Hazleton area. People are not happy about it.
"It is very disheartening," said Michelle Nunez, PSU Hazleton student.
Michelle Nunez and Emily Babula are students at Penn State Hazleton, commonly known as the High acres campus, word of its possible closing stunned them.
"I am part of the lion ambassador here on campus. Hearing the news, not being able to give tours or have admission events is deeply saddening," expressed Nunez.
"I was incredibly discouraged to find out. We've been hearing rumors for a while about budget cuts, campus closures, but I didn't think it world be so close to home," added Emily Babula, PSU Hazleton student.
State representative Dane Watro (R) from Hazleton says lawmakers never saw this coming. He says this cold be a game changer in the state capitol.
"The state gives PSU one third of a billion dollars for operating costs and it keep tuition costs down for students. I'm very concerned what the budget is going to look like. Are we going to give you that much money and are going to close down Hazleton, possibly Schuylkill County's campus? I don't know where I'm going to stand on that vote this year," stated Rep. Watro.
State senator Dave Argall (R) had the same reaction.
"If they close PSU Schuylkill or PSU Hazleton, I will be a no vote on their appropriations for the future," stated Sen. Argall.
The closing of any of the commonwealth campuses will have an economic impact on the nearby communities. Rocco Arruzzo is manager of the Laurel Mall in Hazleton.
"I think it will be an impact on all businesses surrounding the mall, with Penn State being right down the road. I know I get a lot of college kids that shop at old navy, TJ Maxx, and other stores. I'm sure it's going to have an impact," said Arruzzo.
A decision on what campuses and how many will be closed will come by the end of this semester. Those closures would take affect at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.
To take a legislative survey from Senator Dave Argall on the closures, head here.
