Gannon University and Ursuline College have taken the next steps towards creating the largest Catholics system of higher education along Lake Erie through the signing of a strategic agreement. 

The Boards of Trustees for both Gannon and Ursuline approved a definitive agreement to join their institutions by December 15, 2026, subject to all required approvals. 

“We are proud to have the support of both boards in our collective effort to improve and strengthen Catholic higher education in our region,” said Dr. Walter Iwanenko, president of Gannon University. “This combination will bring new opportunities to both institutions’ students, staff, faculty and alumni that would not be possible otherwise.”

The definitive agreement follows the two school signing a letter of intent to enter a strategic partnership in September. 

“This is truly a day to celebrate as we move forward in our partnership with Gannon University,” said Dr. David King, president of Ursuline College. “Because of our strengths, we had choices. We chose this pathway because it preserves our mission and will offer new and expanded opportunities for our students. There is a deep reservoir of alignment between our two institutions that is remarkable.”

Now, integration teams from both institutions are currently working together to determine the best ways to combine the strengths of both institutions.

When the definitive agreement is approved by accreditors, in June 2025, a chance of control will take effect with the remaining regulatory and accreditors approvals coming over an 18-month transition period to follow. 

At the end of transition period, the two institutions will be combined under Gannon University, and Ursuline College will be operated as an additional location of Gannon with distinct academic programs, athletics, and facilities. 

The Ursuline College name will be retained throughout the partnership, and the school will become the Ursuline College Campus of Gannon University.