Thompson Urges Penn State to Protect DuBois Campus 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today released the following statement ahead of the upcoming Penn State Board of Trustees meeting, where members are expected to discuss potential closures of several of the University’s Commonwealth Campuses. Earlier this week, news of campus closures was leaked, indicating that the DuBois campus would be shuttered.

Rep. Thompson urges the Board to reconsider the future of Penn State DuBois:

“The ivory tower of academia in State College has grown so high that Penn State has lost sight of its mission: to educate all residents of the Commonwealth. For nearly 100 years, Penn State DuBois has been an anchor in our community.
 
“Penn State should work with local employers to identify affordable programming that will lead to workforce opportunities for Pennsylvania’s residents, rather than chasing out-of-state and overseas tuition dollars.

“I urge the Board of Trustees to reevaluate this proposal and understand the devastating economic and social consequences that closing Penn State DuBois could have on the region and the Commonwealth’s greater workforce needs.”

Background:

Earlier this year, Penn State University initiated a review of its Commonwealth Campuses, citing financial challenges and shifting enrollment trends. According to documents recently released by Penn State, several campuses, including Penn State DuBois, are now threatened with closure.
 
Congressman Thompson has weighed in previously with Penn State about the importance of the DuBois campus in North Central Pennsylvania.