Join Sarah Holtan, PhD and Tammy Ferry, PhD, the Retired Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, in an enlightening exploration of higher ed mergers. From the airport conversation that initiated the merger of two Concordia colleges to the five-year journey that followed, discover the key elements that shaped their success.
Delve into the roles of the governing board, Board of Overseers, and the Michigan representation, navigating challenges in organizational structure and employee positions. Their candid discussion addresses difficulties in academic program alignment, creating a unified chart, and fostering institutional culture.
Tune in to learn about innovative strategies for mission alignment and cultural shifts. Uncover valuable lessons, including the importance of early consultant involvement, articulating decision motives, and building a robust network. Explore insights into handling operational challenges and the surprising benefits of forced change. Listen now for a comprehensive understanding of higher ed mergers and gain insights into ensuring future success.
Episode Highlights:
10:21 - There was planning being done at both the executive leadership level, mid leadership level. Hard decisions were already being talked about positions being merged, oversight of areas, who would oversee what. The organizational chart, just on paper what that looked like, was kind of a nightmare. It was a force of nature. It was so dynamic. It was changing. And so, one little word of insight and wisdom as I look back is you've got to be willing to be flexible.
16:52 - I think bringing two cultures together in a healthy way requires so much. There's so much we could talk about there, but I think two really high priorities in that regard would be trust and mission alignment and engagement.
26:58 - There have been thousands of students, Concordians, who have grown in mind, body, and spirit for service in their chosen vocation. We know that for sure. Students have been brought to faith in Christ and baptized, a hundred baptisms at this point. And then that impact becomes even more exponential when you think about the lives of the many others who have been touched by these students. So, did the merger work? Was it worth it? I'd say yes.
Sarah Holtan, PhD
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Tamara Ferry, PhD
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