Home / Inside Ursuline / Strategic Partnership
On September 12, 2024, the Ursuline College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a LOI (Letter of Intent) to pursue a strategic partnership with Gannon University, a vibrant Catholic university in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The LOI begins the process to create a premier Catholic institution on Lake Erie and in Pepper Pike, Ohio.
The foundation for this strategic partnership is built on mutual respect, complementary missions and values, and a shared commitment to grow each other’s institutional strengths, while preserving our individual stories. The partnership will provide Ursuline students with expanded opportunities, increased program offerings and enhanced learning experiences while growing the College’s future during this dynamic period in American higher education.
The LOI, which was also approved by the Gannon Board of Trustees, is just one step in an 18-to-24-month process. It signals the start of an information gathering and sharing period to form a Definitive Agreement. This agreement will be subject to regulatory approvals. Once completed, both institutions will work together to create the premier Catholic higher education system in the Lake Erie region.
As part of this process, Ursuline College is committed to providing updates on these exciting plans. Please check here regularly for the latest news of our progress on this historic endeavor.
The strategic partnership between Ursuline College and Gannon University based on a strong alignment of our values and missions:
| Ursuline College | Gannon University | |
| Mission | Ursuline College offers holistic education that transforms students for service, leadership and professional excellence by providing undergraduate and graduate programs that foster lifelong learning and personal wisdom in an environment characterized by Catholic and Ursuline heritage, Women-centered learning, Values-based curricula and an Inclusive, global perspective. | Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Its faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, Gannon offers a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility. |
| Vision | A premier Catholic institution of higher learning that provides transformative experiences and inspires greatness in our graduates. | Gannon University will be a Catholic, multi-cultural university nationally recognized for educating socially responsible global citizens through dynamic learning experiences that transform the learner and their communities. |
| Values | Student focus, Spirituality, Respect, Collaboration | Respect, Well-being, Engaged, Seamless |
