Kevin Snider Pens Open Letter to Penn State Trustees Amid Campus Closures
May 23, 2025 | New Kensington, PA
In a heartfelt open letter to the Penn State Board of Trustees, Kevin Snider, the outgoing Chancellor of Penn State New Kensington, has called for a reevaluation of the university’s recent decisions to close several Commonwealth campuses, including New Kensington and Fayette. Snider, who has led the New Kensington campus since 2008, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2024, after 16 years of service.
The closures have sparked significant concern among faculty, staff, students, and alumni, many of whom view them as a departure from Penn State’s land-grant mission. In his letter, Snider expressed gratitude to Trustees Jay Paterno and Ted Brown for their public opposition to the closures and their defense of the university’s foundational principles. He emphasized the importance of exploring all viable alternatives before making such significant decisions. The letter, dated April 21, 2025, urges the Board to reconsider the closures and to engage in a more transparent and inclusive decision-making process.
Under Snider’s leadership, Penn State New Kensington has been a model of innovation and community engagement. Initiatives such as The Corner LaunchBox, a hub for entrepreneurship and small business development, and The Digital Foundry, a center for advanced manufacturing and technology training, have positioned the campus as a catalyst for regional revitalization. These efforts have not only transformed the campus but have also contributed to the economic and social revitalization of the New Kensington area.
Snider’s open letter underscores the need for the university to remain true to its mission of accessible, community-centered education. He calls for a comprehensive review of the closures and advocates for a governance approach that prioritizes transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the long-term well-being of the university community.
As the university moves forward, Snider’s letter serves as a poignant reminder of the values that have guided Penn State’s success and the importance of thoughtful, inclusive decision-making in shaping its future.
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