PA Higher Education: Mansfield University faces major changes in coming years

SHARE NOW

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Mansfield, Bloomsburg and Lock Haven universities in northern Pennsylvanua will be integrated institutions under a plan unveiled Wednesday by the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The plan is aimed at bolstering student success, expanding academic programming, exploring potential growth areas and ensuring high-quality, postsecondary education remains viable in critical parts of the Commonwealth.

“Today’s vote is the most significant reimagining of public higher education since the System was formed in 1982,” Board chairwoman Cindy Shapira said. 

The plan calls for the creation of a accredited, degree-granting university with partner campuses. While the integrated university will be established with a single leadership team, a single faculty cohort, a single budget and a single enrollment management, integration also supports each campus continuing to use its historic name and brand, its traditions and on-campus experiences. Because each campus will continue residential operations, each local community will continue to benefit from the positive economic impact of the institution.

Additionally, students at each of the partner institutions will have access to the full breadth of academic programs—majors, minors, credentialing, among others—that exist across the partner institutions, and student supports will be strengthened, drawing on the collective’s resources and expertise. For schools in the northeast, that means bolstering workforce development, an effort that results from close consultation with major employers and represents a growth opportunity for the three campuses.
The State System will now facilitate a 60-day public comment period. Those who wish to read the plans can do so by clicking here, and to submit public comment, please see this website for more details. Two virtual public hearings are scheduled for June 9 and 10 and more details will be forthcoming.