Nov 6, 2013 3 min read

CALIFORNIA – As the state of Pennsylvania adapts to changing conditions, so should its higher education institutions, new State System of Higher Education Chancellor Frank T. Brogan said Wednesday during a visit to California University of Pennsylvania.

Brogan addressed the university’s staff and students as a part of a tour of the 14 state system universities.

During his appearance, Brogan discussed needed changes to the system that include areas like tuition and fees, a statewide approach to online education and the delivery of general education classes across the system.

Cal U., as well as Slippery Rock, Clarion, Edinboro and Indiana universities, comprise the Western Pennsylvania half of the state system. Since assuming his role at the beginning of October, Brogan has visited nine of the 14 universities within the system.

Although he praised the unique identities of each individual university, Brogan stressed the need for more statewide approaches.

“It is possible to maintain the identity of Cal, while making it a stronger player in the system,” he said. “We don’t want 14 similar universities.”

Brogan also discussed a price review across the state-owned universities that will include not only tuition charges, but fees, and said he believed the system was going to assume more control when dealing with tuition and other costs of attendance, including room and board.

While he admitted that change is not something that happens quickly within the higher education system, Brogan said he would like see some urgency in addressing the possible changes. Attendance at the schools has declined, while tuition and fees have continued to rise.

“The discussions need to be done quickly,” he said. “There is lots to do. All of these issues need (to be) examined and addressed.”

Wednesday’s visit was Brogan’s first time on campus. Brogan said the university had a great reputation within the system and throughout the state, and that it was still “strong and viable.”

“It’s not facing some of the challenges that the other universities are,” he said. “I’m really buoyed by what I find.”

While Cal U. has rebounded from a financial deficit, several other state-owned universities, including Edinboro and Clarion, are considering ending programs and reducing staff.

Brogan is also pleased with the leadership already in place. He said there are no immediate plans for a presidential search.

“The current president (interim Geraldine Jones) has great knowledge,” said Brogan. “The current leadership seems to understand the best of the past with future needs. She really wants to blend into the system. I don’t get that everywhere I go.”