Mergers in Higher Education

Beth Hillman discusses the recent merger between Mills College and Northeastern University. Hillman, who served as President of Mills from 2016-22, describes the many strategies that the Oakland, CA-based women’s college attempted before moving forward with the merger, including a potential strategic partnership with its neighbor, UC Berkeley. She shares valuable insights for leaders considering such strategic alliances that offer a means to preserve an institution’s mission and protect its stakeholders even when facing dire financial circumstances.

David Finegold is the president of Chatham University.