Gannon University and Ursuline College are poised to create the largest Catholic system of higher education along Lake Erie through the signing of a new strategic agreement. The Boards of Trustees for both Gannon University and Ursuline College approved a definitive agreement to join their institutions by Dec. 15, 2026, subject to all required approvals, according to a news release. Gannon’s board approved the agreement on Dec. 17, and Ursuline’s board approved it Dec. 19. “This is truly a day to celebrate as we move forward in our partnership with Gannon University,” David King, president of Pepper Pike-based Ursuline College, stated in the release. “Because of our strengths, we had choices. We chose this pathway because it preserves our mission and will offer new and expanded opportunities for our students. “There is a deep reservoir of alignment between our two institutions that is remarkable.” The definitive agreement, which is subject to regulatory approvals, follows the announcement in September that the two schools had signed a letter of intent to enter into a strategic partnership. The release noted now that a significant amount of due diligence has been completed, both institutions are confident in the path forward. Integration teams from both institutions are working together to determine the best ways to combine the strengths of both institutions. When the definitive agreement is approved by accreditors, in June, a change of control will take effect with remaining regulatory and accreditors approvals coming over an 18-month transition period to follow, according to the release. At the end of the transition period, the two institutions will be combined under Gannon University, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Ursuline College will be operated as an additional location of Gannon with distinct academic programs, athletics and facilities. The Ursuline College name will be retained throughout the partnership, and the school will become the Ursuline College Campus of Gannon University. “As the landscape of higher education experiences turbulent times, particularly with smaller Catholic institutions, our vision is focused on a successful collaboration that will offer a model of academic excellence and mutual respect of our individual identities, all while creating a new shared culture and combined strength,” King stated in the release. Officials noted that for students, this next step does not affect tuition, financial aid or scholarships they may have with Ursuline. These will continue, as will athletic and academic programs. Students will also enjoy study abroad and multi-campus course offerings. “The agreement provides comprehensive protections for both institutions while ensuring proper handling of regulatory requirements,” Gannon President Walter Iwanenko stated in the release. “However, success requires careful attention to timelines, regulatory compliance and operational integration.” Ursuline College is a sponsored ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland. The Sisters’ leadership board also has approved the definitive agreement. “The Ursuline Sisters are delighted that Ursuline College and Gannon University have taken the next step in creating a partnership that enhances the excellence of both institutions of higher learning,” Sister Laura Bregar, president of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, stated in the release. “Participating in this endeavor extends the legacy of the Ursuline Sisters and the gospel mission of incarnating the Word of God through education and the promise of a bright future.” She added that the sisters support this merger because it ensures ongoing Catholic education with respect for the mission of the Ursuline Sisters. Negotiations on the definitive agreement had been underway since the letter of intent was announced on Sept. 16. Thirteen integration teams covering everything from academics to technology have begun collaborative work to develop plans on how to optimally operate the two institutions, according to the release. This work by employees of both institutions is expected to continue throughout 2025. In a practical sense, Iwanenko explained, not much will change between now and July. “We will continue to operate as two separate entities until then, but we will certainly be getting to know each other in deeper ways and learning best practices from each other,” he stated in the release. “We believe it is important to retain the school’s identity even as we move – collectively – in a new direction. Ursuline’s legacy will continue, just as Gannon’s legacy will continue. “The goal is to preserve and strengthen our institutions to build a better future for both.”