Allegheny College ALIC @ Bessemer Achieves Accreditation as a Branch Campus

MEADVILLE, Pa., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegheny College proudly announces the accreditation of its Allegheny Lab for Innovation and Creativity (ALIC) branch campus by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Located with the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County on Bessemer Street in Meadville, Pennsylvania, "ALIC @ Bessemer" solidifies Allegheny College's commitment to leveraging liberal arts education in workforce development and advanced manufacturing.

Founded in 1815, Allegheny College is one of the nation's oldest liberal arts institutions, known for its interdisciplinary learning, rigorous academics, and commitment to developing well-rounded leaders. For over two centuries, it has evolved to meet society's needs, and ALIC @ Bessemer's accreditation marks the next chapter in its history.

As demographic shifts and industry demands reshape higher education, Allegheny is pioneering a transformative approach. ALIC @ Bessemer integrates traditional liberal arts education focused on the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary learning with practical workforce training in high-demand sectors for adult learners. Through its significant investment in the branch campus facility, infrastructure, equipment, and curriculum, Allegheny College continues to grow its reputation as an innovator by bridging the gap between traditional higher education approaches and the evolving needs of industry.

"The accreditation of ALIC @ Bessemer is a claim on the future of higher education and its role in strengthening communities," said Allegheny College President Ron Cole. For more than 200 years, Allegheny College has been a leader in developing innovative educational models. ALIC @ Bessemer expands opportunities for workforce-focused education for non-traditional students in northwestern Pennsylvania and also creates new avenues for collaboration between the College's faculty, staff, students and the broader community. "This initiative also allows our traditional students to engage with hands-on, industry-driven learning experiences while reinforcing the value of liberal arts education in an evolving job market," Cole explains. "By embracing workforce development and manufacturing education, we are building a stronger regional economy and ensuring that Allegheny College is relevant and accessible to a diverse range of learners."

ALIC @ Bessemer has already made significant strides in this direction, piloting industry-relevant training in software programs like Mastercam and Solidworks, developing hands-on coursework in Additive Manufacturing, and designing courses in close collaboration with regional manufacturing industry experts.  Now as a branch campus of Allegheny College, ALIC @ Bessemer is positioned to further expand its offerings by providing a unique blend of hands-on training and critical thinking.  

Future plans that support research and development will provide distinct opportunities for Allegheny students. From use-inspired research to marrying ideas with production, the facility will soon enable students to augment their studies in real-world applications, with the potential to work in innovative solutions with regional manufacturers. 

Due to a decline in the number of traditional college-aged students across the higher education industry – a phenomenon known as the "demographic cliff" – many institutions have been forced to rethink their models of education. ALIC @ Bessemer positions Allegheny to thrive despite this shift by serving the professional development and adult education needs within the surrounding community.  Its approach also demonstrates how colleges can successfully adapt by adding workforce-driven learning opportunities to more traditional offerings.

"We are not just reacting to change, we are shaping the future of education," added Byron Rich, Assistant Provost of Academic Innovation. "This accreditation affirms that our model is not only viable but essential for ensuring students are equipped with the skills, adaptability, and broad-based knowledge they need to succeed in today's workforce."

The accreditation of ALIC @ Bessemer is also a significant win for Crawford County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a region with deep industrial roots and a growing need for skilled workers, Crawford County stands to benefit from ALIC's role in helping to prepare the next generation of workforce-ready professionals. ALIC @ Bessemer will fuel economic development by strengthening the local job market and attracting new business investment.

"This is a game-changer for our region," said Elisabeth Smith, CEO of Acutec Precision Aerospace. "Having an accredited branch campus of a top-ranked national college in Meadville, focused on advanced manufacturing, provides students and workers with valuable opportunities for education and career advancement. It also signals to the manufacturing industry that rural Pennsylvania is dedicated to equipping its workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the global marketplace."

"The launch of ALIC@Bessemer," said President Cole, "was made possible by building partnerships with local industry and importantly with the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County who serves an important role in this work."  Beyond Crawford County, the accreditation of ALIC @ Bessemer demonstrates Pennsylvania's commitment to innovative higher education solutions that support economic growth and workforce resilience. The ALIC @ Bessemer model could serve as a blueprint for institutions challenged by the significant demographic shifts in higher education, while ensuring that Pennsylvania remains competitive in an evolving job market.

Ribbon Cutting Event

Allegheny will officially unveil ALIC @ Bessemer to the public during a two-day celebration starting on April 24, 2025 with a ribbon-cutting, facility tour and featured speakers, followed by an Open House and additional happenings on April 25, marking the beginning of a new era for higher education in the region.

This event will bring together and celebrate the manufacturing industry partners, community and government leaders, educators, and students who have made ALIC @ Bessemer possible. 

With the launch of ALIC @ Bessemer, Allegheny reaffirms its enduring commitment to the workforce and economic development of Meadville, Crawford County, and all of Northwestern Pennsylvania by serving students, employers, and the broader community.

For more information about ALIC @ Bessemer and its programs, visit https://allegheny.edu/academics/allegheny-lab-for-innovation-creativity/alic-bessemer/ or follow on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/allegheny-lab-for-innovation-creativity/posts/.

About ALIC @ Bessemer

ALIC @ Bessemer is a branch campus of Allegheny College dedicated to integrating liberal arts education with workforce development and advanced manufacturing training. Building upon Allegheny's rich, 200-year tradition of academic excellence, ALIC @ Bessemer reinforces the school's commitment to intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving by equipping students with the technical skills needed for today's evolving industries. Through strategic industry partnerships and cutting-edge educational programs for adult learners, ALIC @ Bessemer prepares students to successfully navigate the evolving job market through creativity and adaptability.

About Allegheny College

Allegheny College, founded in 1815, is one of the nation's most historic and innovative four-year colleges. With the distinct requirement of completing a major and minor in different academic areas, students receive multidisciplinary learning that celebrates their unusual combinations of interests. This develops creative, independent thinkers with a path for educational depth and intellectual growth, preparing students for a successful launch after graduation and even for a future career that may not yet exist. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, 1.5 hours equidistant from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo, Allegheny College is one of 40 colleges featured in Loren Pope's "Colleges That Change Lives" and recently ranked #4 by The Princeton Review in its Top 20 Best Private Schools for Making an Impact. In its 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report recognized Allegheny College as one of the country's top 100 national liberal arts colleges, with special distinctions including one of the top 10 best for senior capstone experience and one of the top 25 best for undergraduate teaching, and research and creative activities.

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SOURCE Allegheny College