University of Findlay and Bluffton University Merger Will Not Proceed
FINDLAY, Ohio—University of Findlay Board of Trustees voted on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, not to proceed with the joint application to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for merger approval and to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on March 19, 2024. This decision comes after nearly a year of collaboration and preparation for the proposed merger.
Since signing the MOU, Findlay and Bluffton’s leadership have been completing the necessary due diligence toward pursuing a merger. The institutions cite length of time to merge and merger expenses as deterrents.
“Some higher education organizations may find mergers the best path forward,” said Dr. Katherine Fell, president of University of Findlay. “For us, due diligence in this case has demonstrated that partnering in key ways is a better solution.”
A key element of the merger was maintaining sports teams at two different NCAA divisions. However, regulations necessitate separate processes for athletic financial aid distribution and prohibit the sharing of resources and sports facilities, resulting in fewer synergies in those areas than originally anticipated.
University of Findlay will continue to explore strategic partnerships that help fulfill its mission of equipping students for meaningful lives and productive careers.
According to Fell, the merger work has resulted in an invaluable reflective process for both campuses through the examination of strengths, areas for growth, and capacity to innovate and change within the evolving landscape of higher education. She stated, “These lessons will help each university move forward in important ways as we continue to best serve our current and future students.”
###
About University of Findlay:
Established in 1882 through a partnership between the Churches of God, General Conference and the city of Findlay, University of Findlay is known for excellence in its science, health professions, animal science and equestrian studies programs, but also for cultivating the next generation of business leaders, educators and innovative thinkers through a dedication to experiential learning in and outside of the classroom. With a mission to equip students for meaningful lives and productive careers, University of Findlay offers more than 88 bachelor’s degrees, 11 master’s degrees, and five doctorate-level degree programs. The 403-acre campus includes an Animal Science and Western Equestrian Riding Complex, English Equestrian Riding Farm, All Hazards Training Center and a 55-acre wetland to offer hands-on learning opportunities for all students. A proud member of the NCAA Division II Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), University of Findlay students compete as the Oilers on 22 men’s and women’s teams.
About Bluffton University:
Founded in 1899 and affiliated with Mennonite Church USA, Bluffton’s legacy is expressed in its enduring values of discovery, community, respect and service which are woven into the academic program and campus community. Located on a 65-acre residential campus in northwest Ohio and lined with abundant natural beauty, Bluffton University offers more than 90 majors, minors and interdisciplinary programs for undergraduate students to explore as well as graduate programs in business administration (MBA), education (MAEd), nutrition and dietetics (MND), organizational management (MAOM) and social work (MSW). Student-athletes compete as the Beavers through 18 NCAA DIII athletic teams and a co-ed esports team.
Post Views: 2,747
Latest Newsroom
- UF Professor Appointed to State Educator Standards Board (ESB)University of Findlay’s Julie McIntosh, Ed.D., dean of the College of Education, was recently appointed as the Ohio Association of Private Colleges for Teacher Education (OAPCTE) representative to the Ohio State Board of Education Educator Standards Board (ESB). The board […] The post UF Professor Appointed to State Educator Standards Board (ESB) appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Education Students Study Inclusion in ItalyMembers of the University of Findlay’s College of Education recently visited Italy for a faculty-led study abroad trip. They returned home with invaluable lessons learned, and approximately 5,000 combined cell phone photos. The group of graduate and undergraduate students explored […] The post UF Education Students Study Inclusion in Italy appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- 20th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive Kicks Off October 28 with Community-Wide EventsThe University of Findlay and its community partners will launch the 20th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive on Tuesday, October 28, bringing together students, faculty, staff, local schools, and residents in a week-long effort to combat hunger across Hancock County. […] The post 20th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive Kicks Off October 28 with Community-Wide Events appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Fields Stepping Down, New Interim VP of Academic Affairs NamedFINDLAY, Ohio – University of Findlay Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Darin Fields, PhD, has announced plans to step down from his position effective August 1. Fields will remain at the University, joining the English, philosophy, and religious studies […] The post Fields Stepping Down, New Interim VP of Academic Affairs Named appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Computer Science Student Wins National ChampionshipA Champion Emerges Chase Otto, a University of Findlay sophomore majoring in computer science, recently earned the title and distinction of national champion. At the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship, held on June 18 in Grapevine, Texas, […] The post UF Computer Science Student Wins National Championship appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- New Director, Assistant Director Named for Mazza MuseumThe University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum is proud to announce that Dan Chudzinski will be the new director and Amanda Davidson-Johnston will be elevated to the role of assistant director, as of August 1, 2025. “The impressive credentials of Dan […] The post New Director, Assistant Director Named for Mazza Museum appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
