21 Percent Increase In State Funding For Lincoln University

LOWER OXFORD, PA—Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid Mumin Friday for a ceremonial bill signing to increase state funding by 21 percent at Lincoln University and other state-related universities.

The bill, officially signed on Nov. 17, allocates over $18 million, to help the university continue to train the next generation of leaders, fund scholarships for students, recruit and pay the professors, and hire additional support staff for students. The spending plan is $3 million more than last year's budget.

The funding was approved a week after 14 Lincoln University students walked 66 miles to the state Capitol in Harrisburg to ask lawmakers to fund the state’s four state-related universities.

The bill is part of the 2024-25 state budget. The bill allocates $593 million to the four state-related universities: Lincoln, Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University.

“It’s a privilege to be back here at Lincoln University almost seven months after I delivered my first commencement address as Governor – right here on this campus, to the Lincoln University Class of 2023,” Shapiro said during the ceremony. “Our Commonwealth and our country owe a debt of gratitude to this university and I’m proud to be back here today to pay down that debt by signing a bill that increases Lincoln University’s state funding by more than $3 million this year – an increase of more than 21 percent.”

In his inaugural budget address, Shapiro discussed the need to rethink the state's system of higher education. He asked Mumin to convene a working group of higher education leaders, including voices from the state’s historically Black colleges and universities.

Lincoln University President Brenda A. Allen, a member of the group, said the university is proud of the 14 students who walked 66 miles from the university to Harrisburg on Nov. 10 to advocate to pass a budget to fund the university.

“Governor Shapiro’s presence on our campus is a testament not only to his strong support for higher education, but it speaks to the value that he places on Lincoln University and our students,” Allen said.

Lawmakers react

State Sens. Carolyn Comitta of Chester County, and Vincent Hughs and Jordan Harris, both of Philadelphia, all three Democrats, also attended the ceremony.

“I want to thank the Lincoln University students who reminded us what advocacy in action looks like,” Comitta said. “Their success in marching to Harrisburg and demanding that the legislature keep its promise to fund Lincoln was a testament to the power our young people have when they organize, mobilize, lace up their shoes, and make their voices heard. Furthermore, this was a success not only for Lincoln but also for the three other state-related universities.”

Harris, majority chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said he was humbled and honored to stand with the students who walked to the state Capitol to demand state funding for their education

“Today we’re celebrating the movement of much-needed funding for our state-related universities, but we’re also celebrating the action and commitment of 14 students from Lincoln University – the ‘Freedom Fourteen’,” Hughes said.

Students react

Lincoln University students Drake Smith, who is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, and MaKenzie Hanks joined the governor for the ceremonial signing.

“ Lincoln University was the nation’s first pledge of emancipation – and a tiny school nestled in the rolling hills of Chester County has changed the face of this nation,” Smith said. “As Lincoln looks forward to 170 years of emancipation through education, we must all recommit ourselves to this mission of learning, liberating, and leading.”

Hanks said the moment is not about policies or partisanship, and it's bigger than the 14 students who walked to Harrisburg.

“Today is about perseverance and freedom – and as we witness the signing of this bill, let's not look at just the financial allocation,” Hanks said. “Let's let this be a symbol of democracy and a symbol of what can be accomplished when we use our voices collectively.”