Momentum

I am told retirement presents an opportunity to explore new interests and reconnect with old hobbies. (Who is ready to join me for a 5K run?) 

At least, that is what I am told.    

I didn’t expect to receive a phone call just a few months after retiring that would put my plans on hold. After dedicating 41 years to West Chester University, where I began as an assistant professor and concluded my service as president, I was honored to accept the position of interim chancellor of Pennsylvania’s State System. I feel inspired to serve the dedicated students, faculty, and staff of PASSHE as we begin a national search for our next permanent chancellor.  

In this role, I’m eager to collaborate with the Board of Governors, university leaders, faculty, staff, and students to advance the strategic priorities of the State System (see below) — to reinforce the momentum we have gained as a system. Together with state leaders, we will work to secure vital investments that will allow our students and universities to thrive. This effort is crucial for the 80,000+ students we serve, many of whom are from Pennsylvania and are poised to become our great commonwealth's future leaders.

Moving the State System forward

We have regained momentum in offering the most accessible, high-quality four-year college options in Pennsylvania. Tuition rates have remained the same since 2018, and the total cost for students has stayed nearly unchanged for five years. While we still have much work to do, our system is more financially sustainable than it was six years ago, thanks to increased state investment and our steadfast dedication to accountability and transparency for students, state leaders, and the people of Pennsylvania.  

We see momentum in this fall’s enrollment numbers. There was notable growth in graduate enrollment and an increase in new transfer students in fall 2024 compared to fall 2023. For the first time in over a decade, total enrollment has stabilized despite the uncertainty that FAFSA caused for many students and families.  

By strategically investing in infrastructure, including a common student information system (OneSIS), we are creating greater opportunities for growth and collaboration among our universities. This investment will enable more students to access the high-value education they need and deserve.    

Across the nation, students assume colleges and universities will evolve to meet their needs, and we cannot expect our faculty and staff to do that without giving them the tools to succeed. We must provide the support and professional development opportunities that enable them to thrive in this rapidly changing higher education environment.  

Investing in our students  

At the October Board of Governors meeting, members unanimously voted to request a state appropriation of $661.1 million. This amount represents an increase of $40.3 million, or 6.5%, for the fiscal year 2025-26. The funding would enable the Board to maintain a freeze on tuition for the eighth consecutive year at our state-owned public universities and invest in initiatives that promote student success.  

We have built momentum around the state’s reinvestment in PASSHE, resulting in a 30% increase in funding in the last few years alone. Think about this: if PASSHE had not received this investment and continued raising tuition in line with inflation, students would face 25% higher costs. Our stabilizing enrollment trend suggests that would have prevented many from continuing their studies — preventing them from enrolling in the first place. We owe it to our students, their families, and our commonwealth to ensure everyone has access to the opportunities a college degree provides, and we are focused on that mission.  

Momentum is a tricky thing. It can easily slip away if we are not intentional and mindful to sustain the efforts that have catalyzed our progress. I look forward to working with you as we keep moving forward.  

Chris M. Fiorentino, Ph.D. 
Interim Chancellor