University of Findlay not proceeding with Bluffton University merger

FINDLAY — The University of Findlay Board of Trustees has decided to not proceed on the merger with Bluffton University. On Wednesday, the board voted to not progress forward with the joint application to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for merger approval as well as terminating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed March 19, 2024. This resolution comes after almost a year of collaboration and preparation for the proposed merger. Both Findlay and Bluffton's leadership have been completing the necessary due diligence toward pursuing a merger since signing the MOU. The institutions attribute the length of time to merge and merger expenses as disincentives for completing the transition. "Some higher education organizations may find mergers the best path forward," said University of Findlay president Dr. Katherine Fell in a news release from the University of Findlay. "For us, due diligence in this case has demonstrated that partnering in key ways is a better solution." Maintaining sports teams at two different NCAA divisions was a key element of the merger. Due to regulations requiring separate processes for athletic financial aid distribution and prohibiting sharing resources and sports facilities, the universities found there to be fewer opportunities for collaborations than anticipated. The University of Findlay will proceed to explore partnerships. In the release, Fell said the merger has resulted in an invaluable reflective process for both campuses through examining strengths, areas of growth, and capacity to innovate and change within an evolving landscape of higher education. "These lessons will help each university move forward in important ways as we continue to best serve our current and future students," said Fell in the release.