Photo: Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A meeting is scheduled today (August 28) to discuss the future of the Penn State Mont Alto campus in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. University officials have stated that this meeting marks the "first of ongoing conversations" regarding the campus property and facilities following the school's planned closure in 2027. According to WHP-TV, the meeting will not reverse the decision to close the campus, which is one of seven Penn State branches slated for closure after the 2026-2027 academic year.
The meeting, held in the Allied Health Building from 9-11 a.m., is not open to the public or media. It involves key community stakeholders and university representatives, including Dr. Renata S. Engel, interim vice president for Commonwealth Campuses, and Trustee Rob Fenza. The Penn State Board of Trustees has emphasized collaboration with communities to repurpose the campuses' buildings and grounds after closure.
The decision to close the campuses was made on May 22, following a 25-8 vote by the board. The closure is attributed to declining enrollment, demographic shifts, and financial pressures, including $200 million in deferred maintenance costs. Despite opposition from faculty, students, and local leaders, the board's decision remains firm.
The university has ceased accepting new students or transfers at these campuses beyond fall 2025, with a wind-down period through spring 2027. Efforts to repurpose the campuses into training centers, community hubs, or other regional assets are underway. The community remains concerned about the impact on educational access and local economies.