PEPPER PIKE, Ohio — Ursuline College in Pepper Pike and Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, announced Monday they have signed a letter of intent to enter a strategic partnership.
“The move, which is contingent on the successful completion of due diligence, will create an institution with about 6,000 students, 1,300 employees and campuses in three states -- Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida,” according to a press release. “Once complete, it will be the largest Catholic university system in the region."
The announcement came during a campus town hall at Ursuline College with the leadership of both institutions.
Here’s what they both had to say:
Ursuline President Dr. David King
This collaboration leverages the academic and geographic strengths of both partners to create a more dynamic educational experience.
The landscape in higher education, particularly private liberal arts schools, is changing rapidly. Our leadership has taken a proactive approach to embark on a new path that educates our students for generations to come and preserves our traditions and mission.
Gannon University President Dr. Walter Iwanenko Jr.
This is an important moment for both of our institutions. Today, we are joining our stories. One will not erase the other. Instead, together, we will begin crafting the next version of ourselves.
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Dr. King and Dr. Iwanenko were joined by Sister Laura Bregar, president of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland. Ursuline College is a sponsored ministry of the Ursuline Sisters, who must approve this agreement before it can be executed.
“During the next two months, both schools will enter an information gathering or ‘due diligence’ phase that will lead to a Definitive Agreement between the two institutions,” according to a press release. “That agreement will be subject to several regulatory and accreditor approvals. Concurrently, integration teams will begin working to identify how the schools will best operate together. The entire process could take 12 to 18 months.”
King said he understands there might be some anxieties on the part of students and employees -- but anticipates these will be relieved in time.
“We know you will have questions, and we look forward to answering them in the days and weeks ahead,” he said.
For now, leadership says there will be no immediate impact on programs, courses, athletic teams, tuition, scholarships, pay or benefits.
Both Ursuline and Gannon have created web pages to update their stakeholders on the process and answer frequently asked questions at ursuline.edu and gannon.edu/UCFAQ.