Penn State disappointed but doesn't refute report on narrowed campus closure list

Penn State officials expressed disappointment over — but failed to refute — a report that disclosed seven commonwealth campuses are slated to be eliminated as part of a university austerity plan.

The Fayette and New Kensington campuses in Southwestern Pennsylvania were among the seven.

“It is regrettable that our communities who may be impacted by campus closures are hearing information before a final decision,” the university said in a prepared statement.

The university’s Board of Trustees will meet virtually in executive session Thursday to further discuss Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi’s recommendations to close some campuses. The meeting initially was scheduled to be held publicly, but the board sought more time to discuss the recommendation, university spokesperson Wyatt DuBois said.

The final decision would come during a public vote.

David Kleppinger, chair of the board, said it is “disheartening” the information was reported, though neither he nor the university explicitly refuted the content of the report.

“There is significant information in the full recommendation which will be shared following a board vote. I find it deeply frustrating that someone with early access to this recommendation decided to share it with the media with absolutely no regard for how this information would impact members of our campus communities,” he said in a statement.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that, in addition to Fayette and New Kensington, campuses at Dubois, Mont Alto, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York are on the chopping block.

Previously, university administrators had said 12 of the 19 commonwealth campuses could close because of declining enrollment, demographic shifts and finances. Any closures would take effect at the end of the 2026-27 academic year.

Leaders in Upper Burrell — where Penn State New Kensington is — said they were unaware of the news but noted it’s a bit more unnerving with the clock ticking toward a decision.

“It sounds like it’s getting close,” said Upper Burrell Supervisors Chairman Ross G. Walker III. “It would be terrible if we’re on the list, but what are we going to do? It’s not our decision.”

Walker noted the community tried to raise awareness of the campus through rallies.

“I hope it doesn’t happen, but it’s the higher-ups making the decision. They said the middle of May, and we’re pretty close to the middle of May. It would be bad for our local area, Upper Burrell, Westmoreland County and Western Pennsylvania.”

Burrell School District Superintendent Shannon Wagner, who is also on the Penn State New Kensington advisory board, said it would be sad if the campus closes. She said it’s her understanding that its ABC Create technology education programming would be maintained in some way regardless of the campus’ future.

Additionally, the Digital Foundry would be maintained, officials have said.

“It takes away the convenience of having something in our backyard,” Wagner said. “It’s unfortunate. Because they’re here, we could partner and collaborate with them all the time, which we did.”