Governor Josh Shapiro has initiated several reforms within Pennsylvania’s higher education system in response to declining enrollment and persistent funding challenges. During a time marked by notable college mergers and the unexpected closure of the University of the Arts, the governor’s plan includes a significant increase in funding and the establishment of a new state board of education aimed at enhancing coordination among educational institutions.
Focus on Economic Alignment
The newly formed board will focus on aligning academic programs with the economic requirements of the state. Cheryl McConnell, president of St. Joseph’s University, suggested that improved coordination could have potentially mitigated the abrupt closure of the University of the Arts, which affected approximately 1,100 students who were left without educational options and led to the institution filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy due to substantial debt.
Funding Reforms Proposal
The funding reforms propose a 6% increase in state support, representing about $15.7 million for public community colleges and $35.1 million for universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Furthermore, the proposal includes $120 million earmarked for scholarships and grants, with $28 million designated for students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields and $54 million allocated for grants through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
Board’s Strategic Role
Khalid N. Mumin, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education, highlighted the board’s function in ensuring that higher education meets the workforce and economic needs of the community more effectively. The board comprises various stakeholders, including educators and business leaders, and held its inaugural meeting in September.
Addressing Affordability
Addressing the critical issue of affordability in higher education, particularly for lower-income, first-generation students of color, the board aims to improve support for students throughout their educational experiences through enhanced coordination among institutions.
Strategic Mergers and Future Goals
As higher education institutions navigate changing circumstances such as increasing tuition costs and the growing accessibility of online classes, strategic mergers are being considered, including the proposed merger between Peirce College and Lackawanna College in Philadelphia. Expected to be finalized by July 1, 2026, this merger aims to better serve the needs of adult learners, potentially catering to a combined student body of around 3,000.
Conclusion
These reforms signify a concerted effort to stabilize and modernize the higher education landscape in Pennsylvania, emphasizing accessibility and responsiveness to evolving educational and workforce challenges.
(Source: WESA)