Editor's note: The Penn State Board of Trustees voted to approve both transactions described below at its meeting on Friday, Sept. 18.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — At its meeting today (Sept. 17), the Finance and Investment Committee of the Penn State Board of Trustees voted to support the sale of the Penn State Shenango property to JCL Development LLC for $1 million, and the sale of the Penn State Wilkes-Barre property to HGC Development LLC for $5.25 million. The transactions are contingent on approval by the full Board on Friday, Sept. 18.
These agreements to sell closing campus properties are the first to be presented to the board since the University announced in May 2025 that it would close seven Commonwealth Campuses at the conclusion of the 2026-27 academic year.
"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," said Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. "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."
Penn State Shenango
JCL Development LLC, a locally focused redevelopment company, plans to repurpose the nearly 13-acre, 12-building campus in Mercer County as a hub for education, workforce training, economic development and cultural enrichment, an approach intended to support continued reinvestment in downtown Sharon and the surrounding community.
“For the past 15 years, 'Team JCL' has worked to revive the spirit of our community, one project at a time,” said JCL partners Jim Landino and Jen Krezeczowski. “While the Penn State Shenango campus wasn't originally on our radar, we are excited to embrace this opportunity. We plan to bring new energy and innovative ideas to honor its rich history and continue our efforts to strengthen the Shenango Valley.”
Penn State Wilkes-Barre
HGC Development LLC, a subsidiary of the adjacent Huntsville Golf Club, plans to repurpose the approximately 57-acre, 17-building campus in Luzerne County as a multi-use site, including a hub for educational purposes — anchored by a planned partnership with Misericordia University — along with an event and conference venue complementary to the golf club.
"We see this as an opportunity to preserve something important to Northeastern Pennsylvania and maintain the current nature of the property," said Angelo Terrana, attorney representing HGC Development LLC. "It offers new opportunities for an exciting future."
Neither transaction changes Penn State’s previously announced commitments to students, faculty and staff. Both campuses will remain open through the spring 2027 semester, with previously announced pathways and support for students and employees in place.
Penn State has been engaging with local communities and prospective partners to identify future uses for each closing campus property, with the nature of that engagement varying by location. Discussions continue for the remaining five: DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington and York.
"These agreements bring clarity about next steps for two communities, after a period of uncertainty," said Mike Stefan, vice president for Government and Community Relations. "For the remaining five closing campuses, our work with local communities and prospective partners continues, and we remain committed to identifying the path that's right for each one."