Lehigh Valley campus leaders highlight growth, partnerships and regional impact

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley welcomed members of its campus advisory board for a March 19 event that highlighted a period of growth, strategic investment and regional engagement for the campus, including workforce initiatives, academic innovation and a planned downtown Allentown expansion. Speakers emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship, alumni support and the University’s land-grant mission in expanding access, strengthening partnerships and preparing students for the evolving needs of the Lehigh Valley.

Advisory board chairman Shane McGee opened the March 19 event by welcoming attendees and reinforcing the board’s commitment to the campus and community. The audience included advisory board members, representatives from the Lehigh Valley LaunchBox, campus leadership, and student leaders from organizations across campus — all reflecting the strong network of partners supporting Penn State Lehigh Valley’s mission.

The Penn State Lehigh Valley Advisory Board is composed of alumni, business professionals and community leaders who serve as key liaisons between the campus and the broader region. Members provide input on campus priorities, help strengthen connections with local and state stakeholders, and play an active role in promoting university programs and initiatives throughout the Lehigh Valley.

During the event, campus leaders outlined how Penn State Lehigh Valley is aligning its programs, partnerships and facilities with the evolving needs of the region.

“We are seeing a clear and intentional shift toward strengthening the campuses that will continue to serve their regions,” said Chancellor Tina Richardson. “Penn State Lehigh Valley is not only part of that future — we are positioned to lead within it.”

Expanding programs to meet regional needs

Enrollment and program development remain central to the campus mission, with a focus on serving both traditional undergraduate students and adult learners.

Current continuing education offerings include licensed practical nursing and certified human resources programs, with additional programs under consideration in areas such as industrial maintenance, survey engineering, digital marketing and work-based Pell initiatives in partnership with CareerLink.

“We are listening closely to the needs of the region,” Richardson said. “Our goal is to build programs that not only serve students, but also directly support the workforce and economic growth of the Lehigh Valley.”

The campus also is considering opportunities for global engagement through international travel programs, creating additional pathways for student learning while supporting new revenue streams.

Investing in community engagement and campus life

Penn State Lehigh Valley is growing its presence beyond the classroom, with new initiatives aimed at increasing community engagement and campus activity.

Through a partnership with the Upper Macungie Community Center, the campus plans to host basketball camps this summer, with additional opportunities expected as plans for a proposed sports dome move forward.

The campus is currently conducting a feasibility study for the dome, which would provide indoor athletic space, support campus programming and events, and create opportunities for external partnerships and rental revenue.

Additional upgrades include new bleachers and a sound system at the soccer field, allowing for expanded use of the space for athletics, instruction and campus events.

Downtown Allentown expansion to serve as regional hub

A key milestone in the campus’ growth strategy is the planned opening of a new downtown Allentown space within the next year.

The location will house the campus LaunchBox, support its partnership with the Allentown School District, and provide flexible, rentable space for community use in the heart of the city’s revitalization.

“We are bringing Penn State into the center of the community in a way that creates opportunity — for students, for entrepreneurs and for our partners,” said Cindy Evans, director of the Lehigh Valley LaunchBox. “We see enormous opportunities for growth and expansion of our footprint in our new location.”

The facility will include classrooms supporting dual-enrollment and early college programming with the Allentown School District, one of the largest in Pennsylvania, serving nearly 17,000 students.

The Lehigh Valley LaunchBox is a resource hub for the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Lehigh Valley. On March 27, business owners from throughout the region will gather for “AI for Your Business,” a professional workshop presented by Brad Zdenek, director of economic development and student programs with Invent Penn State.

Honoring our land-grant mission

During his academic update, Anibal Torres, director of academic affairs at Penn State Lehigh Valley, emphasized the importance of identifying emerging opportunities and approaching them with a willingness to take strategic risks. He highlighted how innovation often requires building something new — whether programs, partnerships or ideas — that responds to evolving needs. Grounded in a strong belief in Penn State’s land-grant mission, he reinforced the importance of expanding access and opportunity for all students. He also framed entrepreneurship as a mindset for both students and education — one that encourages fresh thinking, adaptability and creativity, helping to ensure that learning remains dynamic and relevant rather than stagnant.

As he noted, “Entrepreneurship requires taking action — even in complex environments — moving forward without perfect information, without waiting for consensus, and without the comfort of certainty, so we can create real value by improving student outcomes, expanding access, and preparing students for the world they are entering.” Overall, his message underscored a forward-looking approach focused on creating meaningful value and shaping impactful outcomes for the broader community.

Positioned for growth in a changing region

As the Lehigh Valley continues to grow in population, industry and global visibility, Penn State Lehigh Valley leaders emphasized the campus’ role in supporting that momentum.

“There is so much happening right now, and we are ready to take advantage of this moment,” Richardson said. “The Lehigh Valley is growing, and we are growing with it — aligned with the needs of the region and focused on long-term impact.”

She added that the campus’ size and connection to Penn State create a unique advantage.

The campus is also strengthening pathways with regional institutions, including Lehigh Carbon Community College and Bucks County Community College, creating clearer transitions from associate to bachelor’s degree programs.

“We are small enough to be agile and innovative — and big enough to be influential and bold,” Richardson said. “That balance allows us to move quickly, think creatively and deliver real impact.”

Looking ahead

Kristen Wynn Stellfox, senior director of campus development, shared updates to campus giving campaigns as well as plans for Penn State Lehigh Valley Alumni Appreciation Week. The event will take place March 23-27 with activities celebrating the arts, free resource offerings from career services, alumni panel discussions, a wine tasting and online social media spotlights.

The campus will continue to engage with the community through upcoming events, including its annual golf outing on Sept. 11 at Riverview Golf Club in Easton and commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 9.

This year’s commencement speaker will be alumna Marline Francois, an assistant professor at Morgan State University, author, licensed therapist and researcher.

“Our success is built on the strength of our partnerships and the support of this community,” Richardson said. “And as we look ahead, that support will continue to drive what’s possible.”