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

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.

Contributors: 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.

James Martin is a professor of English at Mount Ida College and academic vice president of The Education Alliance.

James E. Samels is CEO and president of The Education Alliance and founder of Samels & Associates, a law firm concentrating in higher education law. They are the authors of Turnaround: Leading Stressed Colleges and Universities to Excellence; Presidential Transition in Higher Education: Managing Leadership Change; Merging Colleges for Mutual Growth: A New Strategy for Academic Managers; and First Among Equals: The Role of the Chief Academic Officer, all published by Johns Hopkins.