University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees Endorses Next Steps for Education and Training Campus Hub for Pitt-Titusville

February 23, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Zwick, University of Pittsburgh News Services
412-624-0148 (office); 717-777-1692 (cell); zwick@pitt.edu
 

PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh trustees today approved a new vision for the Pitt–Titusville campus. At the board’s annual February meeting, members moved to enlist state, county and educational partners to create a vibrant, multi-institution education and training hub that will serve the six-county region.

The Education and Training Campus Hub will operate as a shared campus, providing a range of education and workforce training programs. The campus hub’s collaborative design will streamline services and concentrate expertise while lowering operating costs. It also will offer partners greater latitude in tailoring education and training opportunities to meet regional needs, which is an essential element in advancing the economic health and vitality of the region and the Commonwealth.

“The vision approved by the University’s board members today describes an innovative new approach for how Pitt, working with the community and region, can better support education and workforce development,” said Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “As a community — and with the University of Pittsburgh as a founding partner — we will invest in growing skills and scholarship while also enhancing the economic stability of the region. It’s an exciting win-win opportunity for all involved.”

With the board’s approval in place, the University will begin working with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as community, business and public sector groups to establish three founding partners for the Education and Training Campus Hub. These three core partners will be Pitt, a training center and a community college.

The University has already received proposals from potential founding partners, including the Manchester Bidwell Corporation, Butler County Community College and the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. Pitt will now take steps to formally secure the campus hub’s founding partners and initiate discussions with additional potential partners.

“After many months of thorough evaluation and deep discussion about the future of Pitt– Titusville, it is exciting for the community of Titusville and the region as a whole that Pitt’s Board of Trustees has authorized a new direction. This new concept will include a Pitt presence but also include the strong presence of other partners working together to ensure student success. Today’s decision in support of this innovative concept is a first step in creating the campus hub. We cannot achieve this vision, though, without the active engagement and support of the Titusville and Crawford County region, as well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Patricia E. Beeson, Pitt’s provost and senior vice chancellor.

Under the campus hub model, partners will offer specialized programs with active input from regional employers — a move that will directly address the region’s education and training needs. The University of Pittsburgh at Titusville will continue to offer programs for traditional college-age students in addition to developing programs for nontraditional students that may include online, evening, intensive and executive learning options. Pitt students in Titusville will have the option to complete programs at the Education and Training Campus Hub or seamlessly transfer to other University of Pittsburgh campuses to advance their education.
 

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“I believe the idea of the hub is a game changer. I have great hope that the hub will be a key driver of economic progress in Crawford County and in the region. I will eagerly collaborate with the University of Pittsburgh and other identified partners to help ensure the brightest possible future in our home communities.”

James J. Becker Executive Director
Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County


“The City of Titusville is very pleased to learn that the University of Pittsburgh is considering an Education and Training Campus Hub. … Since we hear the challenges our businesses face in hiring employees, we see the value in providing co-op and internship opportunities in our community and would applaud those efforts.”

Larry A. Manross City Manager City of Titusville


“Creating a truly unique educational continuum of learning opportunities — starting in high school and vocational training programs through a master’s degree or beyond — is transforming traditional postsecondary education and training models. What an opportunity for the University of Pittsburgh to take a lead role in this redesign! I see it being a model for the nation.”

Karen E. Jez Superintendent
Titusville Area School District


“As a hospital administrator, I know the importance of having access to well-trained health care professionals. When we hire, we want to hire the best. The hub would meet the needs of this region by providing us with a way to meet the increasing demands for health care professionals.”

Lee Clinton President and CEO
Titusville Area Hospital


“This hub opportunity is so important because it will bring an aspect of education that has been missing in this part of the state for a long time. I think it will forge a new way of educating young people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Joe Thompson
Vice President of Drilling and Operations Devonian Resources Inc.