Legislative Roundtable to Review Future Growth at Penn State Hazleton

HAZLETON - Opportunities to expand the number of students and courses at Penn State Hazleton are the focus of a public roundtable set for Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at Penn State Hazleton's Kostos Building, Room #001.

Sens. Dave Argall (R-29) and Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) and Reps. Dane Watro (R-116) and Jamie Walsh (R-117) are hosting this event to identify initiatives to strengthen the campus, after it was saved from closure earlier this year.

"Our efforts to save this much-needed campus succeeded - now we're looking to the future," said Argall. "We believe Penn State Hazleton can thrive for decades to come, serving more and more students and further contributing to the economic growth of our region."

"I look forward to working with my colleagues, Penn State, and the community to make sure the Hazleton campus remains closely connected to the region and continues serving the educational needs of students and families for years to come," said Culver.

"As the Republican chair of the House Education Committee's Subcommittee on Higher Education and with Penn State Hazleton being so close to my legislative district, I am well aware of the incredible contributions PSU Hazleton makes to higher education, as well as the communities and region it serves," Watro said. "With Penn State's commitment to invest in PSU Hazleton, we need to continue to identify what needs to be done to support their long-term success and ensure quality, affordable higher education remains accessible to anyone seeking it."

"Penn State Hazleton is an important academic and economic contributor to our region," said Walsh. "This roundtable will help us find ways to improve the campus and ensure not only that it remains open long into the future, but that students continue to get a high-quality education and hopefully remain in the area to work upon graduation."

Participants will include educators, employers, community organizations, students, and other stakeholders. Time will be available for public comment.

CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Sam Clepper (Culver)
Chris Comisac (Watro)
Katelin Morrison (Walsh)