The Penn State Board of Trustees Finance Committee approved a sale of the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus to a developer on Thursday, according to a news release.

The proposed sale would turn the campus into a golf club and a venue for conferences and events. The buyer also plans to leave some of the academic spaces to Misericordia University for graduate studies and workforce development.

HGC Development, LLC proposed buying the campus, which covers about 57 acres, for $5.25 million.

Angelo C. Terrana, the attorney and spokesperson for HGC, told Onward State that the developer will refrain from commenting on the situation until the full Board of Trustees decides on the deal at a public meeting on Friday.

Terrana did say, however, that HGC is “excited” to hear the finance committee recommended the sale.

“We see this as an opportunity to preserve something important to Northeastern Pennsylvania and maintain the current nature of the property,” Terrana said. “It offers new opportunities for an exciting future.”

HGC also has a planned partnership with Misericordia to create an educational hub.

A representative from Misericordia told Onward State that there are no specific plans for academic programs that might be made available on campus.

“Misericordia is excited about the possibilities this opportunity presents,” the representative said. “The partnership aligns closely with several university priorities, including continued enrollment growth, innovating our academic offerings, launching in-demand workforce development initiatives, and enhanced opportunities for experiential learning.”

The sales approval would mark the first agreement to sell a closing campus since the university announced its closures in May 2025.

“Penn State has worked, throughout this process, to strike a responsible balance between stewarding the University’s resources and honoring our commitment to each campus community, including Shenango and Wilkes-Barre,” Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor, said.

“Both proposals outline a vision for preserving the community-facing qualities of these properties while building on the educational impact the campuses have had for decades, and that’s an outcome we’re pleased to see reflected in each plan.”