STATE COLLEGE — Penn State is reporting that applications are on the rise, and officials say it’s a sign the school may be starting to get the Jerry Sandusky scandal behind it.

A Philadelphia newspaper reported Friday that applications have increased by 19 percent compared to a year ago.

Penn State president Rodney Erickson calls it a “sign of stability and strength,” the paper said.

The school’s trustees also say they’re on track to name a new president in the coming months, but didn’t give any details about the effort to find a replacement for Erickson.