PA Higher Ed Modernization Act to Boost University Role in Regional Development

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has signed off on a series of bills intended to give state-owned universities more flexibility in working with regional businesses and creating new advanced degree programs. The bills are collectively known as the Higher Education Modernization Act and apply specifically to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), which is the nation's tenth largest state university system, incorporating Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned institutions. Under the new legislation, PASSHE universities would be allowed to create new applied doctoral programs to meet the needs of Pennsylvania businesses. Also, faculty, staff and students would be allowed to enter into agreements with businesses, enabling them to participate in entrepreneurial activities, internships and mentoring programs. Read the announcement...