Penn State Trustees pass recommendation to close Shenango and six other campuses
SHARON, Pa. - Penn State University's board of trustees held a video conference meeting in order to discuss and vote on the recommendation made by Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi to close seven campuses, including Penn State Shenango in Sharon on May 22, 2025.
The board voted 25-to-8 in favor of the recommendation to close Penn State Shenango, DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Wilkes-Barre and York.
Every board member had an opportunity to speak about this recommendation, and most described it as a difficult decision to make. Robert Fenza described his thought process on the issue when giving his statement.
"If you're not in tune with the competitive landscape and you're not ready to make the shifts so that you can position yourself on the path of growth, you're missing out," said Fenza.
Following this meeting and decision, President Bendapudi plans on giving an address on a live stream to the Penn State community. Like the board meeting, a recording of the livestream will be made available to those who could not watch it live.
Trustees were given this recommendation last month by the university president to give the board time to deliberate before this meeting.
A document totaling 143 pages indicated that Penn State Shenango and six other campuses were recommended for closure over two years. Reasons for the recommendation included a 46% decline in enrollment and 46% of the classes having fewer than seven students enrolled.
Students currently enrolled at Shenango or any of the other campuses will be able to continue classes at the campuses through the 2026-2027 academic year. Current and admitted associate degree students will be able to complete their curriculum.
The university has stated that it will not be accepting any new transfers or applicants to these campuses beyond the Fall 2025 semester.
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