BLUFFTON, OH (WLIO) - We are a little more than less than a year and a half away from the merger of Bluffton University and the University of Findlay, and the presidents talked about the process and the potential opportunities during a forum Tuesday morning.
The presidents of Bluffton University and the University of Findlay are taking time to talk about the future merger of both campuses.
The presidents of Bluffton University and the University of Findlay are taking time to talk about the future merger of both campuses. It has been six months since the first announcement of joining the two universities. Since then, there have been 16 transition teams set up, each focused on areas like academic and student affairs, athletics, and faith and culture to talk about merging the programs, academics, and services on both campuses. When the merger is complete, the students will see the benefits on campuses in preparing them for the future.
When the merger is complete, the students will see the benefits on campuses in preparing them for the future.
"We are in the middle of a digital revolution, and it is revolutionizing business, higher education, health care, and every industry. And what we are doing with the University of Findlay is that we are being proactive so we can bring the very best skill sets for our students. That is all about what is important for our mission is to bring that right front and center for our faculty, staff, and students," says Dr. Jane Wood, President of Bluffton University.
"I think Bluffton has amazing leadership throughout its ranks, and I feel the same way about Findlay. Those leaders on campus—not just the presidents, not just the vice presidents—but leaders throughout faculty and staff have come together with heart and soul to see a great future that will make both campuses stronger on behalf of generations of students yet to come. That is their vision right now on each separate campus, and they see this vision coming to reality in an even greater way once we are together," says Dr. Katherine Fell, President of the University of Findlay.
They will be submitting their applications to the Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio Department of Higher Education next year to merge the two schools.
They will be submitting their applications to the Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio Department of Higher Education next year to merge the two schools.
"We will be making our official application in May, and when we get an answer back in about 6 months after that. Then you will see significant changes because we will be free then to be present, very present on each other's campuses," adds Dr. Fell.
We are a little more than less than a year and a half away from the merger of Bluffton University and the University of Findlay.
"Timelines are tricky when you are working with the federal government. So, right now our timeline is by December 2025 we will be merged. But the final documents will not be all the way closed for about another year or so after that," adds Dr. Wood.
Wood says when things are complete, she says the Findlay and Bluffton students will be able to take advantage of the programs that are unique to each campus to give them a better educational experience.
