CHENEY, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro on Wednesday made a visit to Cheney University, highlighting the importance of higher education investment and sparking speculation about the future of the historically Black college and university (HBCU).
While Shapiro’s visit emphasized the state’s commitment to funding public universities, his presence at Cheney, coupled with recent discussions about the Biden Administration’s interest in bolstering HBCUs, has fueled rumors about a potential role for the institution in the national political landscape.
Speaking to a crowd of students, faculty, and community members, Shapiro lauded the state’s increased investment in higher education, particularly emphasizing the $400 million allocated to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), of which Cheney is a member. “Investing in our public universities is an investment in our future,” said Shapiro, emphasizing the critical role these institutions play in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.
The Governor specifically pointed to Cheney’s longstanding commitment to STEM education and its unique programs in areas like agriculture and environmental science, highlighting the university’s ability to address critical 21st-century challenges.
Shapiro’s visit to Cheney coincides with heightened attention on HBCUs, fueled by the Biden Administration’s “HBCU Capital Investment Fund,” a $2.5 billion initiative designed to strengthen infrastructure and expand academic programs at these institutions. This, combined with Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent visit to an HBCU, has fueled speculation about the potential role of HBCUs in national politics.
While the administration has not explicitly mentioned Cheney, its strategic location in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state, and its robust academic offerings have led to speculation about a possible future role for the university in the national political landscape.
“Cheney has a rich history and a bright future,” said a local community leader, highlighting the university’s potential to serve as a national model for HBCUs. “Governor Shapiro’s visit, coupled with the national focus on HBCUs, has generated a lot of excitement and hope for our institution.”
While the future of Cheney and its potential role in national politics remain uncertain, the Governor’s visit and the broader national conversation surrounding HBCUs highlight the growing importance of these institutions and their potential to contribute to both state and national progress.