HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino completed his 2025 fall tour of all system universities, meeting with students, faculty and staff and seeing how innovative programs are preparing students for in-demand careers and strengthening Pennsylvania’s communities.

The tour featured students across many academic programs from nursing and education to advanced manufacturing, engineering, business and law enforcement to showcase how PASSHE universities prepare students with a comprehensive education and real-world skills to meet workforce needs statewide.

“Each of our universities plays a vital role in expanding opportunity for Pennsylvania students and strengthening the state’s economy,” said Chancellor Fiorentino. “The passion and creativity I saw on every campus show why the State System continues to be a powerful force for public good.”

PASSHE universities remain Pennsylvania’s most affordable four-year college option, with tuition about 75% lower than the statewide university average. Serving more than 83,000 students, 89% of whom are Pennsylvania residents, the State System serves the most in-state students of any other four-year college or university in the commonwealth. PASSHE university graduates earn 65% more over their lifetime than high school graduates in Pennsylvania, nearly $1 million in additional income.

Together, the chancellor’s visits showcased the shared mission of PASSHE universities to offer high-quality, affordable and career-relevant education.

Read the chancellor’s blog about his university visits.

At Cheyney University, Chancellor Fiorentino toured state-of-the-art facilities in hotel, restaurant and tourism management facilities, where students demonstrated how hands-on learning and industry partnerships prepare them for careers in event planning, lodging management, culinary operations, and the growing hospitality and tourism industry.

At Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg, Chancellor Fiorentino met with students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program who demonstrated patient care in a new simulation lab. In partnership with Geisinger, the program prepares students for advanced clinical practice and certification as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

During his visit to Commonwealth University–Lock Haven, Chancellor Fiorentino, an avid runner, joined students in the Health Science program who are preparing for athletic training careers. The hands-on education includes four clinical rotations and an internship that prepares them for athletic training and health-related careers.

At Commonwealth University–Mansfield, Chancellor Fiorentino met cadets from the Act 120 Municipal Police Academy. The academy, part of the university’s Public Safety Training Institute, partners with local departments to prepare students for law enforcement careers and fill a growing need in rural Pennsylvania.

At East Stroudsburg University, Chancellor Fiorentino met with Exercise Science students, where hands-on learning with state-of-the-art equipment prepares them for careers in health and wellness or further study in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant and chiropractic care.

At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Chancellor Fiorentino spoke with first-year students in the “Civic Savvy: Navigating Citizenship in the Modern World” course, part of IUP’s First Learning Year (FLY) program. The course builds communication, teamwork, and adaptability skills that help students succeed in college, careers, and civic life.

At Kutztown University, Chancellor Fiorentino observed students in an Archaeology course analyzing artifacts from field research. The program enhances scientific reasoning and cultural understanding by providing students with hands-on experience in excavation, documentation and interpretation of archaeological finds.

Visiting Millersville University, Chancellor Fiorentino toured the Robotic WorX lab, a partnership with Precision Cobotics. The program prepares high school and undergraduate students to solve real-world engineering challenges using automation and robotics, and helps employers address skilled worker shortages.

At PennWest California, Chancellor Fiorentino toured the Veterinary Technology Center and discussed hands-on training with faculty. The AVMA-accredited program prepares students for careers as certified veterinary technicians through practical learning with small and large animals and a clinical externship at regional veterinary hospitals.

At PennWest Clarion, Chancellor Fiorentino met education majors teaching at Immaculate Conception School, where PennWest students gain classroom experience while supporting local children. The partnership strengthens teacher preparation and benefits both future educators and the Clarion community.

At PennWest Edinboro, Chancellor Fiorentino visited students at The Beehive, part of the Center for Branding and Strategic Communication. Students collaborate with local businesses to create marketing plans, providing real-world branding support while gaining professional experience that prepares them for in-demand careers.

At Shippensburg University’s Morgan School of Engineering, Chancellor Fiorentino saw how ABET accredited programs with advanced labs, cutting-edge technology and industry partnerships give students real-world experience across computer, civil, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering disciplines.

At Slippery Rock University, Chancellor Fiorentino met students in the ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering program, where hands-on labs and internships teach students to design, test and manufacture next-generation machinery that improves lives and strengthens Pennsylvania’s advanced manufacturing sector.

At West Chester University, Chancellor Fiorentino met with students in an Introduction to Sports Media Production course, which focuses on producing video for broadcast and the web, and prepares students for on-air and behind-the-scenes roles in the dynamic world of sports media.

During each visit, the chancellor highlighted priorities for the system, including strengthening academic programs and expanding course-sharing pilots that enable students from multiple universities to take a class together. He also outlined efforts to reconnect with former students to help them complete their degrees and acquire new skills and credentials.

About PASSHE
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is the public university system of the commonwealth with a mission to provide a high-quality education at the lowest possible cost to students. The State System annually confers more than 20,000 degrees and has more than 800,000 living alumni, most of whom live in Pennsylvania. The State System universities are Cheyney, Commonwealth (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield), East Stroudsburg, Indiana, Kutztown, Millersville, PennWest (California, Clarion and Edinboro), Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities of Pennsylvania.