Chancellor Fiorentino's Blog

It’s graduation season — one of my favorite times of the year, second only to the holidays when my children and grandchildren come to visit.    We in academe call it “commencement” — a word that means “the beginning” — which is fitting because we are celebrating the start of something new in the lives of our graduates.  We come together to celebrate their success and to honor the dedication of our remarkable faculty and staff who have helped them reach this point.    This month, thousands of PASSHE university graduates all across the state will join the ranks of nearly 850,000 who came before — taking what they’ve learned and doing great things in the world. For those graduating this year, their resilience and determination are exceptional, especially considering the many challenges they’ve faced during their university years, not the least of which was a worldwide pandemic.   When I was a faculty member — and then as university president — I committed...

I’m a runner. I have been for a long time.   On my runs, I usually follow a familiar route. Of course, there are alternate routes—shorter or longer—depending on the day.  And there are times when I’m compelled to chart a new path.   I suppose you could say that is how I’m approaching my leadership of PASSHE, first as interim chancellor and now as the permanent chancellor. I’m honored to have been asked to serve, and I look forward to the new pathways we can establish together.  Here’s one example: to supply the talent our state needs, we must create educational pathways that serve all students, meeting them where they are and guiding them toward success.  PASSHE universities continue to attract a consistent share of Pennsylvania's college-going population; however, that overall population becomes smaller each year. Meanwhile, the state requires a well-educated workforce, as jobs that require a college degree are projected to grow at twice the rate of t...

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 universit...

Since coming aboard as interim chancellor in the fall, my top priority has been to advance the State System’s mission. Driven by the support of our faculty, staff, university leaders, trustees, and board members, we are working hard to foster the success of our students, our universities, and the communities we serve.  That work requires resources, and I’m thankful to Governor Shapiro for supporting our request for a 6.5 percent funding increase for 2025-26 — a demonstration of the Governor's confidence in our universities and our students — underscoring PASSHE’s positive trajectory.  The funding increase will allow us to keep our tuition flat for yet another year. This would be the eighth consecutive fall semester with no tuition increase, a real and tangible benefit to our students. Had tuition continued to grow with inflation, it would be about 25% higher today — essentially the cost of a whole year’s tuition in a student’s four-year career at a PASSHE university.  Inc...

Just a few weeks ago, students at universities across PASSHE crossed the graduation stage to mark the completion of their higher education journey. Some were already well-established in their careers, and securing a credential provided a much-needed boost. Many more are just now taking their first steps into their careers and doing so in a job market that is in constant flux, driven by rapid technological advancements and changing workforce demands.  Those graduates know what we know: It is essential to embrace change to remain competitive in today’s economy. Adapting to new opportunities is crucial for ensuring long-term success.  Currently, more than 60% of jobs in Pennsylvania require education beyond high school, but only 53% of workers meet these qualifications. This notable gap presents a valuable opportunity for our graduates, and PASSHE universities are committed to supporting individuals on their educational journeys to help them fill that gap.  We know that a PA...

Can you believe it? The fall semester is almost over.    In my previous blog, I shared some personal insights about how coming to this role has been an exciting — albeit unexpected — opportunity. These past few months have also brought new beginnings for our first-time students — a season in life that can be particularly challenging and overwhelming.   When I began my own academic journey at Bucks County Community College many years ago, you might say I lacked a clear sense of direction. (That’s putting it graciously.) Fortunately, I found myself in courses with exceptional professors who helped me discover my interests — what captured my imagination — which led to my major and guided me toward a career. To our first-time students, I hope you seek out those kinds of experiences in this first year and use them to shape your own path.   The dedicated faculty and staff at all PASSHE universities genuinely understand what it takes to inspire and support student...