Siena Heights University, a private Catholic institution in Michigan founded in 1919, will cease operations after the 2025-26 academic year due to insurmountable financial pressures. President Douglas B. Palmer cited an untenable financial situation as a key reason for the closure. Despite a record incoming freshman class in 2024, enrollment has significantly dropped over the past decade. The Adrian Dominican Sisters, the university's sponsoring order, emphasized the importance of a respectful closure process and support for students, faculty, and staff during the transition.
"It is just not possible to continue beyond this next year," Palmer said in a video message.
The most recent audit for Siena Heights noted "significant doubt" about the university's ability to remain open as it struggled to maintain its debt obligations.
The institution's sponsoring order, Adrian Dominican Sisters, issued a statement urging a smooth closure process.
Members said, "A high priority for us Adrian Dominican Sisters, as the religious sponsors of the institution, is that the University closes honorably-attending, especially, to the needs and concerns of all members of the Siena Heights community."
#university-closure #financial-challenges #enrollment-decline #siena-heights-university #adrian-dominican-sisters
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