Listen Here
By Kayla Niese, niesek4@findlay.edu
At a recent Bluffton University Merger Meetup, University of Findlay and Bluffton faculty and staff collaborated on a quilling project, symbolizing their partnership in coming together.
Bluffton University invited the University of Findlay faculty and staff down for an evening of updates and a campus tour.
This event took place on Oct. 24, from 4-6 p.m. Faculty from both schools sat through a brief presentation of updates for the merger. Including speeches from the transition team leaders.
Sean Farmer is an Intensive English Language Director at the University of Findlay. She has been looking forward to the merger since she found out spring semester of 2024.
“I’m the most excited to see how they’re going to utilize both campuses because both campuses have their strengths,” Farmer said.
Farmer highlighted the unique atmosphere of Bluffton University.
“I love how this campus seems to be more established in the environment,” Farmer said.
She emphasized her enthusiasm for this small campus, drawing a parallel to the merger’s motto, “Strong Roots, Bright Future.” Her words reflect a deep appreciation for the community and the potential that lies ahead as both institutions come together.
The merger between Bluffton University and the University of Findlay was announced on March 20, 2024.
Currently, the two universities are working through phase two out of the four phases originally announced in the process. Their next step is getting approval from The Ohio Department of High Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
On the Bluffton side of things, Dr. Gayle Trollinger has been working with Bluffton for the past 28 years, as a director of the education department, but is now one of the four project leaders for the manager.
To ensure there is an equal contribution, Trollinger stated there were two project leaders from each school, and then among those there were teams made up of faculty and staff.
“I think it’s so exciting that we can take two really strong institutions and put them together and build on their strengths,” Trollinger said.
During the update portion of the presentation, it was announced that for Bluffton students who didn’t want to make the drive up I-75, some UF courses will be offered online. Giving them the option to participate in classes Bluffton University may not offer.
Trollinger says they are trying to keep the faculty in the loop.
“We’re trying to update as much as possible,” Trollinger said.
Also stating that many faculty are on transition teams and are always able to share information at meetings with other staff members to keep them in the loop.
Trollinger says that while going through this merger the two schools have been in contact with other universities who have gone through the merger process and the outcomes they have seen.
“They found that enrollments increased because of the opportunities for the students,” Trollinger said.
Currently, the merger between both schools will go into effect starting fall of 2025. Bluffton hosted both school presidents on Sept. 24 for a State of the University presentation.
“There have been 16 transition teams set up; each focused on areas like academic and student affairs, athletics, and faith and culture to talk about merging the programs, academics and services on both campuses,” Trollinger said.
While the completion of the merger is not complete, both schools are keen on keeping both schools well informed about the big change. Bluffton University stated during the meeting they are looking to start hosting monthly merger update meeting.
