A Legacy of Excellence: The History of PennWest

Pennsylvania Western University brings together the strengths and traditions of our California, Clarion, and Edinboro campuses. We are proud to build on the unique legacies of each while shaping a future as bold and bright as the students we serve.

Our founding president, Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, announced our university name in October 2021, laying the foundation for the Power of PennWest. Officially launched in July 2022, PennWest University was established to maximize the academic opportunities and economic benefits of uniting these three sister schools within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE).

Through the tireless efforts of our faculty, staff, students, administrators, trustees, union leaders, and others, PennWest was built on student and alumni input, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.

PennWest students have access to more courses, more faculty and more hands-on learning opportunities than ever before, including classes delivered in-person, hybrid, or online. With the addition of PennWest Global Online, we are able to connect with more students where they are, providing flexible learning opportunities to meet their needs. You will receive the financial aid, personalized attention, and academic support necessary to help you achieve your goals.

As a student, you will have a chance to find your place and choose an academic program that is designed to meet your needs and empower you to build the future you envision. Visit our academics page to learn more about the degrees offered at PennWest and the innovative ways we are delivering education.

We invite you schedule a visit to one of our three campuses and find out more about what PennWest has to offer.

Campus History

For more than a century and a half, PennWest has continued to deliver high quality academic instruction. Our campuses have 170 years+ of tradition and excellence, maintaining our identities as California Vulcans, Clarion Golden Eagles, and Edinboro Fighting Scots. Together, our campuses uphold a legacy of pride, spirit, and distinction across generations.

The California Academy was founded in 1852 with community donations and tax funding. In 1864, the school moved to its current location and became a Normal School to train teachers for Pennsylvania’s public schools. The state acquired the school in 1914, renaming it California State Normal School. The institution was renamed California State College in 1959 after expanding to liberal arts programs. In 1983, it became California University of Pennsylvania and joined the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Today, as part of the Power of PennWest, Cal is known for its stunning riverfront campus, hands-on Veterinary Technology program, Golf Management program, and for being ranked by The Princeton Review as one of the Best Colleges in the Northeast for 17 consecutive years.

The history of our PennWest Clarion campus dates back to 1859 with a proposal to establish the Carrier Seminary. In 1887, the Clarion State Normal School opened. The institution later became Clarion State Teachers College, which contributed to training airmen during World War II. In 1983, the school became Clarion University of Pennsylvania and joined the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Today, as part of the Power of PennWest, Clarion is known for the annual Autumn Leaf Festival, its satellite campuses in Somerset and Pittsburgh, exceptional nursing program, and its scenic rural location near the Clarion River.

The Edinboro Academy was established in 1857 by the region’s original Scottish settlers. The school would later become the Northwest State Normal School, Edinboro State Normal School, Edinboro State Teachers College, and Edinboro State College. In 1983, the school became the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, joining the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Academy Hall, the first and oldest building on campus, was originally built in 1857 with six classrooms. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building now houses Edinboro Admissions. Today, as part of the Power of PennWest, Edinboro is known for its annual Highland Games and Scottish Festival, nationally ranked art programs, D-1 wrestling program, and its snowy winter weather, thanks to its location in the snowbelt.