Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

Investigative Reporter
Email: wmassey@spotlightpa.org
Twitter: @News4Mass
Focus: Penn State University

Massey investigates how Penn State University operates, including its influence in the region and state. The university receives more than $300 million in funding from the state but evades most transparency measures under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law. Massey scrutinizes the main University Park campus as well as the university’s 19 additional branch campuses.

A native of rural Wisconsin, Massey previously covered faith and religion for the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Southeast Tennessee.

Email: wmassey@spotlightpa.org

Latest by Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

February 2, 2023 | 5:00 AM

Penn State’s Lion Ambassadors were accused of hazing. Why isn’t it on the hazing report?

The student group responsible for campus tours was temporarily shut down in 2021 while the university investigated. But officials said they did not substantiate hazing claims.

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

January 10, 2023 | 5:00 AM

What happened to Penn State police arrest, use of force data they promised to release?

University police responded to 2020 protests for greater racial justice by pledging to be more transparent with arrest and use of force data. But where is it?

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

December 16, 2022 | 5:00 AM

Penn State distances itself from past diversity proposals while launching similar efforts

Penn State claims DEI initiatives planned by faculty more than a year ago were "not a formal University effort," a description that came as a surprise to those involved.

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

December 15, 2022 | 5:00 AM

Penn State trustees heard university’s diversity plan in secret 2021 gathering

The Board of Trustees’ website has no record of any meeting on the date that trustees heard former President Eric Barron’s plans. The gathering potentially violated Pennsylvania’s open meetings law.

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

December 6, 2022 | 5:00 AM

How often are Penn State’s private planes flying during a budget crunch?

Penn State logged dozens of flights in a month, but won’t say who was on board or the reasons for the trips. Officials argue the travel is necessary for a large institution.

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

November 11, 2022 | 3:04 PM

Hundreds of Penn State faculty are publicly and privately questioning university leadership

New internal letters and emails show fracturing within the university over how to best address racism after two high-profile decisions by leadership.

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

November 1, 2022 | 5:00 AM

Penn State’s new president led a Kentucky university through crises. This is the story of her high-wire act.

Neeli Bendapudi led the University of Louisville during a period of turmoil, but her sudden move to Happy Valley raised questions about her motivations and commitment.

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

October 28, 2022 | 5:32 AM

Penn State cancels its Center for Racial Justice after faculty push for funding decision

In announcing its decision to cancel the center, Penn State pledged at least $3.5 million toward existing university efforts to address racism.

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

October 12, 2022 | 1:44 PM

Penn State wavers on funding for Center for Racial Justice, a key commitment after 2020 protests

Faculty leading a search for the center’s director were told last month that Penn State had not allocated funding for the racial justice initiative, once deemed “just the beginning.”

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA

October 10, 2022 | 5:09 AM

Why doesn’t James Franklin show up on Penn State’s list of highest-paid employees?

Penn State’s head football coach makes a guaranteed $7 million a year, but he doesn’t appear on the university’s required list of top 25 highest-salaried employees.

By Wyatt Massey/SpotlightPA