University Merger Talks On The Rise – Forbes

Forbes

Michael T. Nietzel, Senior Contributor

February 15, 2021

Plunging revenue, shrinking enrollment, and a rapidly changing higher education market are adding up to a new cycle of proposed university and college mergers coming to the fore. In the past week alone, discussions of three institutional mergers and higher education system consolidations have become headline news. Although the dynamics and scope of the possible mergers differ significantly, each of the most recent proposals has been driven by current financial woes coupled with Covid-19 pandemic fallout as more institutions struggle to chart more secure, survivable futures.

The New Hampshire Merger

As part of his two-year budget plan unveiled last week, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has proposed a historic merger of New Hampshire’s two-year and four-year public college systems.

The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) includes the University of New Hampshire, the University of New Hampshire School of Law, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Plymouth State University, Keene State College, and Granite State College. The Community College System of New Hampshire oversees colleges in seven different locations.

CONTINUE READING