Clarion University of Pennsylvania — now operating as PennWest Clarion, a campus of PennWest University — is a regional public university in the Allegheny foothills of western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1867 as a normal school, Clarion is known for its nursing, communication studies, and education programs. The campus sits in Clarion County's forested highlands and has a strong sense of community typical of small-town Pennsylvania universities. The Golden Eagles compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.