Six universities in the state system of higher education have officially consolidated.
Clarion, California, and Edinboro are now known as Pennsylvania Western University—or PennWest. The move became official as of July 1st.
Officials see the consolidation as a way to keep the universities viable amid rising costs and lower enrollment.
In the eastern part of the state, Bloomburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield combined and will be known as Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.
