The Penn State Board of Trustees voted to close seven Penn State Commonwealth campuses on Thursday evening, with 25 votes for and eight votes against.

The DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York campuses were selected to close following the spring 2027 semester, after President Neeli Bendapudi’s recommendation.

The meeting started as chair of the board, David Kleppinger, read a statement thanking President Neeli Bendapudi for her time and efforts in reimagining Penn State’s future and to the Trustees for all their passion for Penn State and deliberation. He then welcomed Bendapudi to expand on her thoughts and plans for closing the campuses.

“These campuses have changed lives. They’ve fueled business, and they’ve brought Penn State into their communities. That pride is earned, and the fear of losing it is real, but that passion does not change. The reality that we must contend with, maintaining the status quo is not sustainable. Many are understandably hoping for a way to have it all, but honestly, the numbers tell a different story,” Bendapudi said.

She went on to talk about the demographic cliff, a decline in birth rates from 2008-2024, stating that for at least the next two decades, “enrollments are going to decline nationally, as well as in Pennsylvania, and that is why we are recommending a closure of seven commonwealth campuses.”

Bendapudi reiterated continued investment in the other 13 Commonwealth campuses and that supporting people is her top priority. Her plan would have every student receive a path to complete their degree, faculty contracts and tenure would be honored, and Penn State would work hard to manage transitions to priority consideration for jobs across Penn State. She assured that Penn State would have the largest system of campuses of any land-grant institution in the country.

“With this plan, now we can plan for our future with clarity, with the commitment to excellence and with the ability to invest in what works,” the president said. “We have not had the ability to invest as much as we need to. I know this is difficult, believe me, I know this is difficult, but I also know it’s the right moment for courageous leadership, not to retreat, but to reposition us for the next century of excellence. I hope we can move forward together in the pursuit of another century of impact and excellence.”

The floor was then opened up to the trustees to share statements and ask questions, with voting commencing around 6:45 p.m. The vote passed with a majority, 25-8.