(WBRE/WYOU)— The Penn State Board of Trustees approved the closure of seven satellite campuses after a 25-8 vote on Thursday.
The following campuses will be closed following the 2027 spring semester: DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York campuses.
In their 143-page report, the reason for closing one NEPA's local campus in Wilkes-Barre was because of persistent enrollment decline, down almost 40 percent since 2015, structural limitations, and geographic overlap.
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Penn State's campuses in Hazleton, Scranton, and Schuylkill are expected to remain open.
Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi has said that students will continue to be admitted for the fall semester at all Commonwealth campuses.
The university says the difficult decision comes during a finically challenging time.
"Believe me I know this is difficult but I also know it's the right moment," expressed Neeli Bendapudi, President, Pennsylvania State University.
The university claims the seven campuses face overlapping challenges including low enrollment, high operating costs and significant maintenance backlog.
"I will vote in favor of closing these campuses," stated Matt McGloin, member, board of trustees.
Former Penn State quarterback and Lackawanna County Commissioner Matt McGloin was among majority to approve the closure.
He says he's confident it was the right decision.
"We have lost that belief in our people that perhaps we aren't the board this university deserves," voiced Jay Paterno, member, board of trustees.
Jay Paterno, son of the late coach Joe Paterno, voted "No".
"To all those students, families, and faculty, we hear you, we see you, we respect you, and we are committed to supporting you," stated Brandon Short, member, board of trustees.
Penn State Wilkes-Barre located in Luzerne County's Back Mountain is home to roughly 400 students.
During the meeting, members shared many messages to those impacted, but say reality has set in.
They explained the combination of fewer college aged students in Pennsylvania and community college's offering more affordable options caused these PSU campuses to suffer.
The university's president added: this tough decision paves the way toward a brighter tomorrow.
"We will still be touching more lives than any other institution of its kind, but with this plan now, we can plan for our future with clarity," said Bendapudi.
The future of the Wilkes-Barre campus staff, students and faculty is a bit up in the air.
According to our news partners at Spotlight PA, the university estimates closing the campus will save around 50 million dollars a year, as well as eliminating 200 million dollars in needed maintenance.
