A buyer has purchased the former Clarks Summit University property for nearly $16 million

The property at 538 Venard Road in South Abington Twp. was sold to the Abington Center for Education, a religious education center with a focus on the Jewish faith and teachings.

Classic Properties, the Clarks Summit-based real estate firm that listed the property, announced the sale on its Facebook page. Jim Tressler, an attorney who represented the center when it appeared before the township’s zoning hearing board, confirmed the center purchased the property.

The university, formerly Baptist Bible College, closed in August 2024. The zoning board unanimously approved a special exception zoning permit and variance submitted by Kalmin Katz of Jackson, New Jersey, for the nearly 98-acre property in the spring.

Katz’s requests allow for overnight stays in the dormitories for faculty, students, guests and other attendees, according to the zoning application submitted to the township, with the center focusing on “educational, emotional, recreational, religious and personal development,” according to the application.

A pamphlet distributed prior to the hearing in the spring said the center will offer “faith-based education through various educational activities, including retreats and seminars throughout the year,” adding its operators anticipate hosting local activities on campus and making the recreation center available to community organizations.

Katz said at the hearing said he envisions the site being used for education, sports, seminars and summer camps for boys and girls ages 14 to 18 from the mid-Atlantic region. He said the campus is a beautiful place for community events, adding he is interested in reaching out to the township to host such events on the property.

The university was first established as Baptist Bible Seminary in 1932 in Johnson City, New York, by a group of pastors and educators led by Dr. Richard J. Murphy, moving to South Abington Twp. in 1968. The name was changed to Baptist Bible College of Pennsylvania in 1971 and Clarks Summit University in 2016.

The property has 18 buildings, including 12 dormitories, classrooms, a recreation center, recreational areas and athletic fields.

Check back for updates.