Educators, employers, students, and concerned citizens gathered in Hazleton today to discuss how the potential closure of Penn State Hazleton could harm the community and regional economy.

Hosted by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27), Rep. Dane Watro (R-116) and Rep. Jamie Walsh (R-117), the roundtable focused on the Hazleton area’s accelerating economic and demographic growth and how Penn State Hazleton is well-positioned to contribute to this economic resurgence.

During his opening remarks, Argall said the Pennsylvania Department of Education is required by law to approve any campus closures undertaken by a state-related university.

“All who testified today are united in our support of Penn State Hazleton and the need to keep it open. This campus is a cornerstone of the community and helps to sustain the economic growth our region has enjoyed in recent years,” said Watro. “Students, faculty and administrators are not standing alone. I am standing with them.”

Culver mentioned the global reach of Penn State Hazleton, noting that students from 20 different states and 10 different countries are currently enrolled. She also praised the Hazleton community for how organized and passionate their defense of saving the campus was.

“The potential closure of Penn State Hazleton represents more than just a loss of an educational institution. It also threatens the future of our region,” said Walsh. “Today’s speakers made it clear — we stand firm in our commitment to preserving this campus and believe its loss would have a profound impact on local jobs, economic growth and future opportunities for years to come.”

Dr. Elizabeth Wright, the regional chancellor and chief academic officer of Penn State Hazleton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre, noted that 49% of Penn State Hazleton students are first-generation college attendees and 90% receive some sort of financial assistance. She also shared that more students have enrolled at Penn State Hazleton so far this year than last year.

Joe Clifford, the chair of the Penn State Hazleton Council, shared that 40 million square feet of industrial space is now under consideration in the greater Hazleton area, noting that those companies will need skilled employees.

Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat said more than 10 members of his extended family attended Penn State Hazleton while also working to grow local businesses, noting that he would not have attended college if this campus was not located so close to home.

Mary Malone, the president of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, cited a 2019 study that indicated Penn State Hazleton contributes $36.5 million to the local economy. She also discussed how the industrial technician program, the engineering program, and the nursing program connect employees directly to local employers.

Dr. Brian Uplinger, the superintendent of the Hazleton Area School District, said the Hazleton Area School District is one of the fastest growing school districts in Pennsylvania, with an annual growth rate of 8%. In the past ten years, student population has increased from 10,871 to 12,609.

Brian MacAuley, an alumnus of Penn State Hazleton and engineer, said the affordability of the campus gave him access to higher education that he would not have otherwise had.

“Our local economic growth is the best in the state, and Penn State Hazleton is a key piece of our economic future,” said Argall. “Today’s discussion made it clear that we stand firmly behind keeping this campus open for decades to come.”

Argall encouraged anyone with opinions about the proposed closure of Penn State Hazleton to take his legislative survey. To date, 5,403 people have submitted responses, with more than 96% saying they support Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Schuylkill.

The full roundtable discussion can be viewed on Argall’s website.