Fayette County’s Military Legacy Could Inspire New College in Pennsylvania

A new resolution expected to be introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives would order a comprehensive study on the feasibility of transforming the soon-to-close Penn State Fayette Eberly Campus into a senior military college.

The effort is being led by Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, who represents the 51st District. The proposed institution, tentatively named the George Marshall Institute, would combine rigorous academics with structured military training and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) participation. Students would be able to pursue degrees in high-demand fields such as nursing, engineering, business, political science, accounting, and cybersecurity—while developing leadership skills for both military and civilian careers.

Grimm Krupa called the idea a unique opportunity for Pennsylvania to create a statewide and national asset. “Instead of allowing this beautiful and well-maintained campus to sit vacant, we can transform it into a statewide and national asset that strengthens our workforce, supports our national defense needs and builds on Fayette County’s rich military heritage,” she said.

Coming from a military family herself, Grimm Krupa noted the campus’s location is especially well suited to the mission. Fayette County’s long history of military service and strong community values rooted in discipline, leadership, and patriotism make it an ideal setting for a senior military college to grow and succeed.

She credited Fayette County Controller Robb Rhodes, a veteran, with developing and sharing the concept, calling it a visionary approach to turning the closure of a local campus into a long-term benefit for the community. “I am deeply grateful to Controller Rhodes for his vision,” Grimm Krupa said. “This is the kind of forward-thinking idea that can turn the loss of a campus into a long-term investment in our people, our economy and our future.”

The proposed study would assess the suitability of the Eberly Campus for a military college, identify potential partnerships with the Pennsylvania National Guard, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other higher education institutions, and analyze projected enrollment and program demand. It would also explore available funding sources—state, federal, and private—as well as evaluate the potential economic impact on Fayette County and the Commonwealth. Legal, accreditation, and regulatory considerations would also be part of the review.

Grimm Krupa emphasized that the resolution would not allocate funding or make any commitments but would provide the necessary data to determine whether the project is financially and operationally viable. “Before we commit resources, we need solid facts and sound projections,” she said. “If the numbers work, we can position Fayette County as home to an institution that serves students from across the country while honoring our proud tradition of service.”

The resolution is expected to be formally introduced in the coming weeks.