'A transformational moment'

FINDLAY — Bluffton University plans to merge operations with the University of Findlay in fall 2025. University of Findlay President Katherine Fell and Bluffton University President Jane Wood signed a memorandum of understanding this week declaring intentions to pursue the merger of Bluffton University with the UF, they announced jointly at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The two institutions will become one higher education community on two campuses after the merger. Fell said the universities will remain separate entities until the merger is approved, which is expected to happen in about 12-15 months. "Merging Bluffton with Findlay adds the potential for revenue growth by enhancing efficiencies and combining assets," Fell said Wednesday. "This is a transformational moment for both Findlay and Bluffton." The universities came to the agreement after a consulting service "found no major barriers and identified many benefits of a merger" after an objective 3rd-party due diligence report, Fell said. The report was funded by a grant from the Transformational Partnership Fund, an organization providing support for colleges and universities exploring the option of merging. How it will work The merger process will occur in four stages, according to UF and Bluffton University's new joint website, www.findlayblufftonfuture.com. Phase 1 consisted of the objective, third-party due diligence report of a potential merger between the universities. The report was reviewed by university leadership and their respective boards of trustees, and led to the signing of the memorandum of understanding announced Wednesday. Phase 2 will align UF and Bluffton's "missions, visions, strategic plans, as well as academic programs, support services, and operational processes," the site states. Approval of the merger must be granted by the Higher Learning Commission, which accredits both University of Findlay and Bluffton University; the Ohio Department of Higher Education; the U.S. Department of Education; and the National College Athletic Association. This phase is anticipated to take 12-15 months. Phase 3, which occurs after receiving approval from the above organizations, would consist of a transfer of ownership between Bluffton University and the University of Findlay. Bluffton University would legally be merged with University of Findlay. Phase 4 is the launch and celebration of the merger between the universities, which is expected to occur in fall 2025. The website also states that no decision concerning the eventual fate of Bluffton University's name has been made yet. "We both came to this agreement at a time of fiscal stability," Fell said. "We believe together we will offer more programs that are attractive to a number of students at various ages, and that we can enjoy synergies and efficiencies and new opportunities together faster than we could separately." Furthermore, the University of Findlay intends to remain affiliated with the Churches of God, General Conference, while Bluffton University will remain affiliated with Mennonite Church USA. The universities plan for Bluffton students to continue to play in Division III as the Beavers, and University of Findlay students in Division II as the Oilers. Public feedback The public is invited to attend two town halls next week to address questions and concerns about the merger. The first town hall is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 25 in the Winebrenner Theological Seminary on the University of Findlay's campus. The second town hall will occur at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 in the Yoder Recital Hall on Bluffton University's campus.