Future U Podcast

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 GroupPublications 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.Chapters3:42 - Why Mergers and Acquisitions Are Increasingly Important In HIgher Ed6:15 - What Led Gannon University to Look for a Merger?9:30 - What Gannon University Hoped For in a Partner13:01 - How Gannon University Found Ursuline College16:21 - What’s Stopping More Colleges From Seeking Merge