A planned merger of the University of Findlay and Bluffton University was voted down Wednesday by Findlay’s Board of Trustees.

The two colleges with religious roots went into a memorandum of understanding in March, 2024, and have spent the year since in preparation for the proposed merger, according to a release from Findlay.

“Some higher education organizations may find mergers the best path forward,” Katherine Fell, president of University of Findlay, said in a statement. “For us, due diligence in this case has demonstrated that partnering in key ways is a better solution.”

Bluffton officials said they were “not privy of the reasoning behind the decision.”

Cheryl Hacker, chairman of the Bluffton University Board of Trustees, said that while disappointing, the decision doesn’t diminish Bluffton’s mission. 

“While the outcome of this vote was not within Bluffton University’s control, we remain confident, optimistic and steadfast in our commitment to the future of our institution,” Ms. Hacker said in a statement posted on university website Thursday.

“Bluffton University continues to be financially stable, strategically independent, and well-prepared for the future,” she said. “This decision does not diminish our core mission ‘to prepare students for life as well as vocation…and ultimately for the purposes of God’s universal kingdom.’”

The dissolution comes the same week that Bluffton University President Jane Wood resigned and J. Alexander Sider was named acting president.

“Bluffton’s commitment to academic excellence, community, and preparing students to thrive in an ever-changing world remains strong,” Mr. Sider said in a statement as he assumed the acting presidency, “and I am excited to work alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, and students as we continue to build upon this solid foundation.”

Ms. Hacker echoed that sentiment Thursday. 

“Though we had a moment of disappointment, our commitment to academic excellence and community impact remains our driving force,” she said. “We have proven our willingness to make bold moves and remain excited for what the future holds as we look forward for our current and future students.”

One of the complications of merging involved the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Findlay is in NCAA Division II sports and Bluffton is Division III. 

Under NCAA regulations, the merged colleges would have required separate processes for athletic financial aid distribution and could not share resources or sports facilities. That would result “in fewer synergies in those areas than originally anticipated,” Findlay officials said.

Ms. Fell said the year of collaboration with Bluffton gave both colleges the opportunity to examine their strengths, areas for growth, and their capacities for innovation and change.

“These lessons will help each university move forward in important ways as we continue to best serve our current and future students,” she said.

Findlay was established in 1882 by the Churches of God General Conference and the city of Findlay. Bluffton, founded in 1899, is affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA.

First Published February 27, 2025, 11:30 p.m.