Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Higher Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Northampton Community College president says Pocono Campus is not closing
Summary
At a March 18 Monroe County commissioners meeting, Dr. David Ruth, president of Northampton Community College, told commissioners the Pocono Campus will not close, citing lower in-person enrollment but rising online enrollment and a campus “revamp” focused on core programs, student supports and partnerships.
Dr. David Ruth, president of Northampton Community College, told the Monroe County Board of Commissioners on March 18 that there are no plans to close the college’s Pocono Campus.
Ruth said in-person enrollment at the campus has declined while online enrollment has increased by about double, and the college is implementing a revamp strategy to respond. "There are no plans to close the campus," he said, adding the school will focus on core programs, bolster student support services and pursue partnerships with local employers and school districts to expand dual-enrollment and technical-education opportunities.
Dr. Precie Schroyer, executive dean of the Pocono Campus, noted the college has completed a right-sizing and staff shifts as part of the transition. Chairman John D. Christy framed the enrollment shift in demographic terms, saying lower college enrollment rates reflect a downturn in births following the 2008 financial crisis.
The update did not include any formal county action; commissioners acknowledged the briefing and later announced community events connected to the campus. Commissioner Sharon S. Laverdure also reminded the public about Community Night at the Northampton Community College – Pocono Campus on May 5, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
