Penn State Lehigh Valley cuts ribbon on $14.4M expansion

After more than 18 months of construction, Penn State Lehigh Valley cut the ribbon on a $14.4 million campus expansion that includes a full-service cafeteria, enhanced space for student programing and the Charles W. Dent STEM Wing. 

 The Dent wing is dedicated to STEM education and includes faculty offices and classroom space, a prep lab, a lab technician office, equipment room, lounge and a 2,199-square-foot laboratory. The lab will allow the campus to offer organic chemistry courses and give students the opportunity to complete their undergraduate requirements for medical school at the Lehigh Valley campus. 

“I’ve never been more sure that the decision we made to pursue this 20,500-square-foot expansion was the right thing to do for our students and the long-term economic viability of the Lehigh Valley,” Penn State Lehigh Valley Chancellor Tina Q. Richardson said at the ribbon cutting. “Healthcare was already our largest employer – even before COVID created a greater need – and STEM remains the most crucial and sought-after skillsets.  

“Today, thanks to the support of the University, and the tireless efforts of the many people involved in this strategic undertaking, this campus is better equipped to educate in STEM fields at a higher level and in the very personalized setting that differentiates Penn State Lehigh Valley.”