PA Looks To Merge 6 State Universities

UPDATE: Plans advanced Wednesday to advance the consolidation of six of Pennsylvania's 14 state universities. The State System of Higher Education voted to move ahead with merging California, Clarion and Edinboro universities in the western part of the state and Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield in the eastern portion. READ MORE.

PENNSYLVANIA — Six of Pennsylvania's 14 State System of Higher Education universities could consolidate into two integrations on Wednesday. The system's board of governors will vote to consolidate California, Clarion and Edinboro universities in the western part of the state, as well as Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield in the eastern portion.

The board is scheduled to meet at 8:30 a.m.

The move could provide $18.4 million in savings after five years and save some of the universities from financial collapse, according to documents in the board's meeting agenda. Under the plan, all six campuses would stay open and have two leadership teams with integrated leadership.

"The proposed implementation plan sets the stage for a transformed integrated university that will be positioned to serve students, families, and the region for the future, enabling the continuation and expansion of high-quality, affordable educational opportunities that continue fulfilling the mission of the university and the system," the documents state.

"This plan leverages the scale and resultant operational efficiencies achieved by combining the universities, providing cost savings that allow us to reinvest in our students’ success. It sets the stage for long-term viability focused on the students and regions these universities serve, while improving access to affordable, high-quality education that our students need to continue driving the regional and statewide economies. It is the beginning of the journey, and one, through the experience of building the work included here, that we have every confidence will be successful. "

If the board approves the measure, there would be a 60-day public comment period.

A final vote would occur over the summer and the consolidation would occur in the fall of 2022.