The State Board of Higher Education has embarked on a statewide stakeholder engagement tour to gather input on the creation of a new strategic plan for higher education in Pennsylvania.

The board, established under the Public School Code after Gov. Josh Shapiro’s calls to reform postsecondary education in Pennsylvania, has been charged with charting a course for higher education over the next several years based on input from those invested in its success — students, faculty, the business community, organized labor, legislators, members of the Shapiro administration, and higher education leaders.

It began meeting last fall. Pitt is represented on the panel by Kevin Washo, senior vice chancellor for university relations, who also chairs its bylaws committee.

Regional public hearings, a public survey, and informal listening sessions will be used to get feedback on the strategic plan the board has developed and the six draft goals it recently adopted, including: increasing postsecondary credential attainment, ensuring affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials, supporting the economic development needs of the commonwealth, supporting the workforce development needs of the commonwealth, ensuring accountability and efficient use of state funds, and strengthening the fiscal health and stability of the higher education sector.

The State Board of Higher Education is charged with adopting a strategic plan by September 2025.

The regional public hearings began March 20 at Penn State University and will continue over the next several months: 

• March 27 at Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke

• April 17 at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia

• April 24 at Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh’s North Side

• May 13 at Penn West University in Edinboro

Additional information and a link to register to attend a hearing can be found on the SBHE website.