YSU's plans for programs in Steubenville hit with roadblock due to litigation involving Eastern Gateway

Youngstown State University has hit a bump in the road in its plan to offer a full slate of certificate and degree programs in Steubenville.

University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jennifer Pintar tells 21 News litigation involving Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) has restricted access to the buildings and equipment at Eastern Gateway's site.

The litigation in question is between EGCC and Student Resource Center LLC (SRC), who partnered with Eastern Gateway to administer its Free College Union Benefit Program.

According to court records, EGCC was looking to sell its assets in order to pay its outstanding debts. SRC wanted to make sure this did not happen until they were reimbursed $47 million in damages from operating expenses and profit-sharing payments that were not reimbursed.

Back in June, SRC filed a motion for an Order of Prejudgment, which would prevent the sale of EGCC's assets until that debt is paid off. That motion was granted August 20.

This means YSU is not able to purchase or access the buildings or equipment on Eastern Gateway's campus until this matter is settled.

Despite this roadblock, Pintar says the plan to offer these programs to displaced Eastern Gateway students is not on hold, and YSU is already offering some of the approximately 60 new certificate and degree programs in Jefferson County.

"YSU is working hard to begin rolling out the remainder of educational offerings and continue to build upon our presence in Steubenville and will provide more information to prospective students and the community in the coming weeks," Pintar said.

You can read more about the litigation involving SRC and Eastern gateway in our related coverage below.

RELATED COVERAGE:

Company accuses Eastern Gateway of liquidating assets to avoid paying outstanding debt