Lackawanna and Peirce Colleges, two well-established institutions in Pennsylvania, have recently announced their plans to merge under the Lackawanna name. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening both colleges by combining their resources and specialties to better serve their students and communities.
The merger, subject to regulatory and accreditor approval expected by June 2025, will solidify Lackawanna’s position as the largest open enrollment private, nonprofit institution in Pennsylvania. Both Lackawanna College, based in Scranton, and Peirce College, located in Philadelphia, are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Peirce College, known for catering to adult learners, offers a range of degree programs including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. On the other hand, Lackawanna College provides associate and bachelor’s degrees along with continuing education certificates. The merger aims to leverage Peirce’s graduate programs with Lackawanna’s applied and clinical programs to create a more comprehensive educational offering for students.
The consolidation of Lackawanna and Peirce Colleges is seen as a proactive step in response to the challenges facing higher education today. Jill Murray, President of Lackawanna College, emphasized the importance of this strategic move, especially amid the evolving landscape of education in Pennsylvania. Both colleges are in healthy shape and believe that joining forces will enhance their ability to meet the needs of their students and local job markets.
Programming played a significant role in the decision to merge, with Peirce College bringing its graduate programs to complement Lackawanna’s offerings in applied and clinical programs. Mary Ellen Caro, President and CEO of Peirce College, highlighted the potential for expanding partnerships with corporations through the merger, indicating a focus on enhancing opportunities for students in the workforce.
The future direction of the colleges post-merger will continue to prioritize serving their local student populations and addressing regional job market needs. Both colleges aim to make a positive impact on the workforce in their respective regions, rather than focusing on recruiting students from outside areas. This localized approach reflects their commitment to supporting the communities they serve.
As part of the merger agreement, Lackawanna College is set to absorb Peirce’s revenue and balance sheet, signaling a significant transition for the more than 150-year-old Peirce College. The merger will also result in changes to Peirce’s board, with members likely to join Lackawanna’s board following the completion of the merger. Additionally, Mary Ellen Caro will step down as President and CEO of Peirce College once the institutions combine, expressing her support for the new leadership under Jill Murray.
Despite their differences in size and enrollment numbers, both Lackawanna and Peirce Colleges are considered to be in good shape overall. Lackawanna College, with a headcount of 1,868 students in fall 2022, has seen a steady increase in enrollment, while Peirce College has faced challenges with a decline in student numbers. However, both institutions maintain a strong financial foundation, with Peirce College’s balance sheet showing significant assets available for investment.
The merger presents opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies, including the consolidation of software tools and other resources. While there may be some natural attrition in staff over the next year, Lackawanna College is focused on retaining talent and supporting areas of growth through the merger. The goal is to leverage the strengths of both colleges to create a more robust and innovative educational experience for students.
Maintaining the identity and legacy of Peirce College is a priority for Lackawanna, with plans to preserve Peirce’s brand as a school within the larger institution. Additionally, Lackawanna intends to honor Peirce’s legacy by naming an online college after the esteemed institution, recognizing its contributions to higher education in Pennsylvania.
The decision to merge Lackawanna and Peirce Colleges reflects a growing trend in higher education towards consolidation and collaboration as a means of addressing financial challenges and adapting to shifting demographics. The success of such mergers hinges on strong relationships, effective communication, and shared goals, as exemplified by the collaboration between Jill Murray and Mary Ellen Caro.
The partnership between Lackawanna and Peirce Colleges demonstrates the potential for innovation and growth in higher education through strategic mergers. By combining their strengths and resources, these institutions are positioning themselves to better serve their students and communities, ensuring a bright future for education in Pennsylvania and beyond.