"This decision before us is not only difficult, but it's deeply personal for all of us and the people involved," said Penn State board of trustees chair David Kleppinger. Penn Sta

The 25-8 vote by the Penn State trustees to close 7 branch campuses came after a nearly two-hour public meeting.

In a contentious decision, Penn State's board of trustees voted 25-8 Thursday night to close seven of its 19 Commonwealth Campuses, a move university leadership described as needed to be successful in the future,