Gov. Josh Shapiro’s reforms to the state’s higher education system come amid a lack of funding, declining enrollment, college mergers and, in June, the abrupt closing of the College of the Arts.
As part of his reform plan, Mr. Shapiro created a new State Board of Education that would increase funding, strengthen collaboration among educational institutions and focus on courses that meet the needs of the state’s economy.
Cheryl McConnell, president of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, said the new state board’s increased collaboration among universities could have eased the closure of the College of Arts.
The Popular Art School on South Broad Street in Philadelphia, with an enrollment of about 1,100 students, abruptly closed on June 7, leaving its students, faculty, contributors, and the public at a loss. The school subsequently filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in federal court, citing approximately $50 million in debt.
“When a college unexpectedly closes, only 50% of students persist. That means the 50% who don’t persist have student loan debt without a degree. And this is terrible,” McConnell said. “Therefore, one of the Board’s mandates is to develop better procedures for anticipated university closures, especially unexpected closures.”
McConnell is one of 20 board members who first convened in September.
In addition to educators, the board is comprised of business, government, labor, and student leaders.
The governor’s reform package includes $15.7 million, or a 6% increase, for public community colleges and $35.1 million, or a 6% increase, for colleges that are part of the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education (PASSHE), such as Bloomsburg Commonwealth University and Cheyney University. It also includes a 6% increase. and West Chester University.
Mr. Shapiro’s plan would also increase funding for grants and scholarships by $120 million, including $28 million in scholarships for students seeking degrees in high-demand fields; ), which includes a $54 million increase in grants and a $5 million increase in grants. Scholarships for disadvantaged students.
“The State Board of Education brings together leaders from across the commonwealth to fulfill an ambitious and important mission to enable higher education institutions to better serve current and future learners.” said Education Secretary Khalid N. Mumin. statement. “A thriving post-secondary system benefits our workforce, economy and communities. As a member of this Board, I am honored to help create a lasting impact for generations to come. I think so.”
Another board member, Vice Chair Brenda Fields, president of the University of Lincoln, told WHYY News that affordability is a big issue that needs to be addressed.
Lincoln University is one of two historically black universities in the state, along with Cheyney University.
“One of the most consistent issues states are trying to address when it comes to higher education is affordability, and that’s true across the board. Our institutions are starting to outbid consumers,” Fields said. he said. “This particularly impacts low-income, first-generation students of color. Ensuring they have the resources and equal access they need to earn a degree, and ensuring that it is done equitably. I think that is very important.”
Saint Joseph’s President McConnell said higher education is so competitive that it can sometimes lose sight of the fact that students and their choices are at the center of its mission.
“If we work together better, we can provide a coordinated pathway that provides clear information about pathways and transferability across different types of institutions,” McConnell said. “We can make adjustments to better serve students throughout their entire higher education journey in Pennsylvania.”
Associate degree earners from Pennsylvania community colleges are guaranteed admission to a four-year PASSHE university.
In April, Lincoln University reached an agreement with the Community College of Philadelphia that allows eligible graduates to transfer to the community college’s accelerated baccalaureate associate degree nursing degree program.
“One of the challenges is how can we ensure that higher education institutions provide knowledge, education, and pathways to the highest-need employment areas in our state, such as nursing and general health care? ” Professor Fields said. , President Lincoln. “What are institutions doing to fill that gap?”
As university tuition costs rise and the Internet makes online classes more practical, higher education institutions will need to become more innovative and, in some cases, need to explore strategic mergers and agreements. industry insiders say.
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own path and the opportunity to succeed,” Shapiro said in a statement.
In August, Perth University in Philadelphia and Lackawanna College in Scranton agreed to merge their schools to focus on serving the needs of busy adults. The deal is expected to close by July 1, 2026.
The combined university will be known as Lackawanna University and will enroll approximately 3,000 students and an additional 8,000 graduate students taking continuing education courses or earning professional certifications.
In the past three years, St. Joseph’s has acquired two colleges: the College of Sciences and the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences.
“They were both strategic acquisitions for us. St. Joseph’s President McConnell said he commends these institutions for seeking partners before entering the closing process. “Closing was avoidable. There may not be any, but what you can avoid is the confusion that ensues.”
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