Governor Shapiro’s blueprint for higher education says it will help Pennsylvania’s public universities build on areas of strength and address the challenges caused by a 30-year disinvestment in higher education by the Commonwealth, such as competition between universities that results in higher costs and lower enrollment. Governor Shapiro says his blueprint will ensure better coordination across PASSHE universities and community colleges to expand access to affordable, workforce-ready credentials and degrees across Pennsylvania – including in areas that currently lack access.

“Our Commonwealth’s institutions of higher education, like Millersville University, do an incredible job preparing students for the future and connecting them with future opportunities,” said Secretary Khalid N. Mumin. “Governor Josh Shapiro’s new blueprint for higher education will end the era of disinvestment in our higher education sector, make postsecondary education more accessible and affordable to more Pennsylvanians, and allow these schools to continue to do what they do best—educate learners.”

During a tour of the Weather Information Center, recycling plastics area, and robotics lab, state officials learned how Millersville students are leaving the university with an array of job opportunities in high-paying, high-demand careers. Millersville Meteorology is a nationally recognized flagship program of the university, with an innovative curriculum in space weather, air quality, water resources, data analytics, and emergency response and disaster preparedness. In 2020, Millersville became the seventh university in Pennsylvania to be designated as a StormReady University.

“We are grateful for Secretary Mumin’s visit to Millersville University and the opportunity to showcase our premier programs in meteorology, life science, and applied engineering that focus on building career-ready skills,” said Dr. Daniel A. Wubah, president of Millersville University. “We have industry partnerships in our region’s growth sectors where students receive hands-on learning experiences and internships and have direct avenues to careers.”

“Gov. Shapiro’s proposed funding increase for a new public higher education system that includes PASSHE universities and Pennsylvania’s community colleges as co-equals, presents a great opportunity for the state,” said Chancellor Dan Greenstein. “Millersville works closely with HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, as all PASSHE universities do with community colleges in their region, to expand access to a valuable education. The governor’s proposal is an opportunity to build on the strengths of our PASSHE universities and the state’s community college, and to do more together.”

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