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 on Bessemer Street in the heart of Meadville, Pennsylvania, “ALIC @ Bessemer” solidifies Allegheny’s commitment to reimagining the role of 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 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 statement about 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 not only expands opportunities for students pursuing workforce-focused education, but it also creates new avenues for collaboration between our faculty, staff, and the broader community. This initiative allows our traditional four-year students to engage with hands-on, industry-driven learning experiences while reinforcing the value of a liberal arts foundation in an evolving job market. By embracing workforce development and manufacturing education, we are building a stronger regional economy and ensuring that higher education remains 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 technical 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, strengthen the local job market, and attract 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.”
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 celebratory ribbon-cutting event on April 24, 2025, 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 or follow on LinkedIn.
