Clinton commissioners express concerns on LHU integration proposal

LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Clinton County Commissioners have joined Lock Haven City Council in expressing concerns to the proposed “integration” of Lock Haven University with Bloomsburg and Mansfield universities. The proposal is to be voted on by the state system of higher education board at its meeting later this month.

Commissioner Angela Harding read the statement at Thursday’s commissioners’ meeting; there was no further comment from the commissioners beyond the statement.

It read:

The Clinton County Board of Commissioners are concerned about the adverse effects that the proposed merger of Lock Haven University will have on our county. We understand that changes need to occur within the PASSHE system for sustainability and longevity. However, those changes should not come at the cost of employees who live and work in our community. These changes should neither be made in haste, nor without careful consideration of the economic impact on Clinton County.

Furthermore, these changes should not abandon the integral role that Lock Haven University plays in the past, present, and future as one of our county’s educational, collaborative, cultural and branding assets. The Board of Commissioners of Clinton County urge Chancellor Greenstein and the Board of Trustees to refrain from outsourcing positions, from renaming Lock Haven University, and from eliminating educational areas of study.
We instead encourage growth, realignment, and the opportunity to use reserves to give Lock Haven University the opportunity to continue to succeed educationally, financially, and with its own identity.

The county commissioners’ statement on Thursday follows a Lock Haven City Council resolution to the same effect from a council meeting in mid-March.

The text of the city council resolution:

Whereas, The State System of Higher Education has announced its intention to integrate, or combine, Lock Haven University, Bloomsburg University, and Mansfield University into a single accredited entity; and

Whereas, The integration is described by the State System of Higher Education as a process of multi-year engagement that lasts only six months from October 2020 to April 2021; and

Whereas, A complete and comprehensive integration plan that provides financial review and community impact, and shows that our community’s students will have expanded on-site opportunities has not been provided to City Council; and

Whereas, The integration calls for at least 15 faculty positions to be eliminated in 2021 and an additional 43 in 2022, removing a quarter of the university’s instructors which has the result of reducing rather than expanding on-site student opportunities; and

Whereas, Through sound fiscal management, Lock Haven University has more than $50 million in reserves that can used to sustain Lock Haven University while allowing additional time to plan for a university integration;

Now, Therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of Lock Haven does resolve to oppose the integration of the three institutions until a complete and comprehensive plan is presented to Council and the community that shows that the cost-saving measures will result in greater on-site opportunity for the students, staff, and faculty at Lock Haven University and the community they call home.