Mergers and acquisitions are usually seen as bad things in higher ed. But there’s a growing sense that many colleges could benefit by teaming up, especially as the fiscal cliff means fewer potential students. Jeff and Michael continue to dive into their fascination with M&A by talking to Walter Iwanenko Jr, the president of Gannon University in Erie, Pa., about how and why the institution sought a merger with Ursuline College near Cleveland. This episode is made with support from Ascendium Education Group
Publications Mentioned:
“Two North Carolina universities announced a merger. Why some alumni are pushing back,” in USA Today.
“A Midwest Merger: How Two Ohio Colleges Are Coming Together,” from Future U, season 8.
Chapters
3:42 - Why Mergers and Acquisitions Are Increasingly Important In HIgher Ed
6:15 - What Led Gannon University to Look for a Merger?
9:30 - What Gannon University Hoped For in a Partner
13:01 - How Gannon University Found Ursuline College
16:21 - What’s Stopping More Colleges From Seeking Mergers?
21:36 - Learning From Other Mergers That Failed
23:04 - What Should Change to Help More Mergers Happen?
27:02 - Sponsor Break
29:00 - How to Change the Perception of M&A in Higher Ed
35:46 - Finding the Right Leadership
38:30 - What is the Trump Administration’s Stance on Making College Mergers Easier?
41:08 - Lightning Round
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