The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

Mervin Smucker

The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

After completing his Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Millsersville University, Mervin R. Smucker began work on his Ph.D. at Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State. Widely recognized as one of the top public institutions in the country, Penn State enjoys its status as a “Public Ivy,” according to the 1985 book by Richard Moll. Penn State also remains one of the largest public universities in the country, with a total student enrollment of nearly 100,000 across all campus locations.

The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

The primary Penn State campus, located in University Park, Pennsylvania, maintains a total enrollment of more than 40,000 students. Academics at the University Park campus fall into 13 distinct schools. Although Penn State manages 19 additional campus locations throughout the state of Pennsylvania, the University Park campus houses more than 60 percent of first-year students. After completing one or more years of study at University Park, many students choose to transfer to other campuses to finish their degrees.

The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

Regarded as one of the top universities in the country, Penn State enjoys a top 50 ranking in both U.S. News & World Report and the Academic Ranking of World Universities. Penn State has also earned acclaim for its research programs, with more than 10,000 students currently enrolled in the graduate school. Penn State ranks 11th in expenditures for research and development and spends more than $750 million on science and engineering. Penn State also participates in the Worldwide Universities Network program, which facilitates the exchange of graduate students and scholars between member universities.

The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

Athletic teams at Penn State compete in the Big 10 Conference of NCAA Division I. Known as the Nittany Lions, Penn State has captured 65 national championships throughout its history, 37 sponsored by the NCAA. Joe Paterno, the head coach of the Nittany Lions football team, has filled the position for more than 40 years and currently holds the record for most wins by an FBS coach. The women’s rugby team has also enjoyed a large measure of success in recent years, capturing the national title in 2007, 2009, and 2010.