Merging Colleges for Mutual Growth: A New Strategy for Academic Managers

by James Martin, James E. Samels

In Merging Colleges for Mutual Growth , James Martin and James E. Samels bring together a distinguished group of higher education professionals to provide the first comprehensive handbook for those involved in—or considering—an academic merger, consolidation, or new form of resource sharing. Providing practical and theoretical advice on the academic, financial,administrative, legal, personnel, and student aspects of mergers, the authors set forth an action plan for those involved in planning and implementing a mutual growth–rather than a bankruptcy bailout—merger. They cite numerous instances of successful mergers in the United States and Great Britain and offer specific examples to explain why they succeeded. Among the topics discussed are presidential leadership, the challenges of curriculum restructuring and faculty development, the legal and financial implications of mergers, the role of trustees and governing boards in both public and private institutions, and strategies merging student cultures, alumni organizations, and library resources. The book also includes hints and checklists useful to academic managers planning a merger or anyone affected by one, including alumni and local community members. Bryan E. Carlson, James Martin, Andre Mayer, Sheila Murphy, Franklin Patterson, Patricia Sacks, James E. Samels,Victor F. Scalise, Jr., Paul Temple, John F. Welsh, Celia Whitchurch, Donald L. Zekan.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Drtaxsacto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a specialized work that is not for the general audience. I read it because a client is working on thinking about what next steps might happen to the University. Colleges and Universities are beset by a range of problems and issues that may be unprecedented - from costs, to alternative delivery mechanisms, to internal structural issues that have built up over a long period of time. So it is likely that many colleges and universities over the next decade will be forced to consider changing, allying with some other institution or closing. The recent announcement by Sweet Briar College to close at the end of this academic year sent ripples through the higher education community.

There is a lot to like about this book including a relatively well thought out matrix of alternative organizational structures. The title is a bit off because the book is more than about mergers. What I also liked about the book is its framework for figuring out how institutions can go through the process of considering alternatives.

I had the opportunity to speak with the authors and a new edition is expected out before the end of the year. But if you are in the business of managing a college or university or simply interested in figuring out how higher education is going to deal with the changes that confront it - the book is a superb resource.