Embrace the unexpected

When was the last time something surprised you?  As an educator, I’ve devoted my life to seeking and sharing knowledge, but after four decades of that work, it’s not every day I learn something unexpected. So, let me share a few things you might not have known.    

Did you know that graduates from PASSHE universities are excelling in a wide range of fields that go well beyond our original mission as teacher colleges? In fact, business and health professions have joined education among the top three disciplines for our students.     

Our alumni include business and community leaders, engineers, scientists, speech-language pathologists, veterinary technicians, drone pilots, law enforcement officers, safety managers, nurses, physician assistants, and — of course — teachers, among many other professions that serve Pennsylvania.     

Yes, we are proud to be a major provider of teachers for our state, but did you know how much PASSHE universities have evolved to meet other statewide needs? If not, you can learn more about some of our universities' innovative — and even unexpected — programs by watching these short videos. You’ll be impressed.     

Here’s another unexpected fact: Did you know PASSHE universities generate more than $8 of economic activity in our communities for every $1 invested by the state? (I wish I could get that kind of return from my own investments.) Our rich history as teacher colleges has laid a strong foundation, and the universities' commitment to providing additional in-demand degree and certificate programs is resulting in an impressive return on investment for the state.     

In February, I had the honor of testifying before the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to share some of these facts about PASSHE and discuss our funding request for 2025-26. In those hearings and in my one-on-one meetings with legislators, I’ve talked about the critical work our faculty and staff are doing to prepare students to meet the commonwealth's needs.     

Did you know that in the last decade our universities have targeted high-growth sectors of the economy, including STEM, business, education, health, and social services? About two-thirds of PASSHE graduates successfully enter these high-demand fields as the well-rounded and well-prepared talent our state’s employers need. By leveraging our strengths as universities with rich liberal arts traditions and tailoring our programs to meet workforce demands, we pave the way for a promising future for everyone.     

Did you know PASSHE universities offer Pennsylvania's most affordable four-year university experience? In my testimony at the Capitol, I highlighted how increased state support in recent years has enabled us to freeze tuition since 2018, which has been a lifeline for our students and their families. 

Did you know that total PASSHE enrollment remained stable this year for the first time in more than a decade? While we know colleges and universities nationally are expecting a downturn in enrollments in the years ahead, our current position is a positive indicator of PASSHE’s resilience. We've seen significant growth in graduate enrollment, new transfer students, and retention rates. PASSHE universities are committed to attracting, retaining, and graduating more students from every walk of life, including working adults.     

Focusing on high-value, high-quality experiences that prepare students for a lifetime in high-demand areas is producing positive outcomes. This attracts new students, better retains the ones we have, and benefits employers and communities throughout the state. With continued support and increased state investment, we can give even more students an education that will hold value throughout their lives.    

Chris Fiorentino

Interim Chancellor