Chancellor outlines vision as Penn State New Kensington, Fayette wind down operations

The regional chancellor for Penn State’s New Kensington, Fayette and Greater Allegheny campuses plans a smooth transition focused on students, faculty and staff as two of those campuses wind down operations in two years.

“Through the 2026-27 academic year, we remain fully committed to supporting our students, faculty, staff and community,” said Megan Nagel, who became regional chancellor of the three campuses in 2023.

“Our priority is to support all students in continuing their education with minimal disruption, and we will provide guidance and resources for our community throughout this process.”

Penn State’s board of trustees last week voted to close its New Kensington, Fayette, DuBois, Mont Alto, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York campuses. They cited declining enrollment, finances, demographic shifts and their struggle to sustain themselves in a competitive higher education landscape in Pennsylvania.

In the region, Greater Allegheny — which is near McKeesport — and Beaver campuses will remain open.

Nagel declined an interview but did answer questions emailed to her by TribLive.

At New Kensington and Fayette

Nagel said students at Penn State New Kensington and Fayette will receive personalized guidance to understand degree completion options, timelines and paths to other Penn State campuses, including its online World Campus.

“Navigation coaches” have reached out to students at the closing campuses to answer questions and connect students with Penn State resources, such as support staff and academic and financial advisors, she said.

Penn State also wants to limit the impact of campus closures on faculty and staff, Nagel said. The university is offering priority hiring consideration throughout the system and resources for employees and their families.

Many decisions have yet to be made regarding the future of the New Kensington and Fayette properties, but Penn State officials are aware of their importance in the communities, Nagel said. She said the campus locations have the potential to serve as regional economic zones and hubs for innovation, development and community engagement; and Penn State will work with area leaders to develop a plan to repurpose the sites.

“Penn State is committed to having local communities included in decision-making regarding the future of these facilities and land,” she said.

Morale

“This transition undoubtedly presents challenges, and it’s natural for change of this scale to impact morale,” Nagel said.

“What continues to ground all our campuses, however, is a strong, shared commitment to student success. Our faculty and staff find deep meaning in that work. By staying focused on that mission and fostering open, transparent communication, we can support one another and navigate this moment with purpose and unity.”

To maintain retention at New Kensington and Fayette, Nagel said, faculty, staff and students over the next two years will be engaged in processes to cease operations at those campuses, help to guide faculty and staff transitions and support students through their academic careers.

Asked how she plans to keep New Kensington and Fayette students engaged in the Penn State system, instead of transferring elsewhere, Nagel pointed to Penn State’s mission of serving students.

“Many of our campuses are poised for long-term success with the right strategic investments,” she said. “Students will continue to receive a high-quality education and access to the full benefits of a Penn State degree, no matter which campus they attend.”

At Greater Allegheny

It’s too early to provide an estimate of how many students, faculty or staff would come to the Greater Allegheny campus after the seven branch campuses close following the Spring 2027 semester, Nagel said.

“At this stage, we are just beginning the important work of evaluating our academic portfolio to ensure it aligns with the needs of both our students and regional employers,” she said.

Greater Allegheny will play a vital role in Penn State’s long-term vision, Nagel said. That campus is beginning an evaluation of academic offerings and courses to make sure its programs align with students’ and the region’s needs, she said.

“This includes responding to workforce demands, supporting economic mobility and aligning with the growth and investment taking place across the greater Pittsburgh area,” she said.

“Success at Greater Allegheny will be measured not only by traditional metrics like enrollment, retention and graduation rates, but also by the impact we have on the region — through partnerships, workforce development and the preparation of graduates who are ready to contribute to a rapidly evolving economy.”