Faculty Unionization Efforts at Penn State and Trends in Higher Education

HappyValleyIndustry.com continues to track fast-moving changes in federal mandates, higher education funding challenges, and their potential impact on the Penn State region. Faculty unionization has become a major topic nationwide, with significant developments at universities in Pennsylvania and the Big Ten. Penn State remains the only state-related university in Pennsylvania without a faculty union.

Reimagining Rockview: A Turning Point for Centre County

With Rockview potentially closing as early as September, Centre County stands at a crossroads. The prison, which employs 658 people and sits on 5,700 acres of land, has been a key part of the local economy for decades. Now, as its closure looms, the big question is: What comes next?

Shifting Ground: As Rockview Closure Looms, Centre County Faces a New Economic Reality

Centre County is bracing for economic upheaval as Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration moves to close Rockview State Prison by September 2025. The decision, part of a broader $100 million cost-cutting initiative, has been met with resistance from local officials and union leaders who warn of job losses, economic ripple effects, and community disruption. Rockview employs 658 people, making it a major economic anchor in the region.

Penn State “All In” on Big Time Football

Jim Knowles, architect of OSU’s championship defense, spurned offers to remain in Columbus or depart for Oklahoma to instead become the new defensive coordinator at Penn State.