Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,
Over the past 15 years, Lourdes University’s direction and focus was to be a traditional undergraduate institution with athletic programs. Due to the myriad of challenges for similar institutions across higher education today, Lourdes has faced mounting financial pressures driven by declining enrollment, rising costs and a funding model that is unsustainable. It’s clear that this direction can no longer be sustained. These realities, not unique to Lourdes, have spurred thoughtful discussions about our future. Today, it is with heavy hearts and deep respect for this community that we write to share difficult news.
After careful deliberation with the Board of Trustees of Lourdes University, the Sisters of St. Francis have resolved that the University will close at the end of the academic year This decision is one we do not make lightly, but it is one we are charged to make.
As part of this process, the University has experienced a leadership transition. The Sisters of St. Francis have charged one of their own sisters to oversee the University’s closure and Dr. Bisset has graciously agreed to step down as president. The Sisters have appointed Sister Dr. Nancy Linenkugel, OSF, DM as the 13th and final President of Lourdes University. Sister Nancy has a long history in higher education administration at Xavier University and served as the former Congregational Minister for the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania.
Importantly, all classes and University operations will continue throughout the remainder of this academic year. Soon, the University’s leaders and administrators will share more information about how we will support faculty, staff and students in transitioning to the next step in your educational journeys before we close. The University closure will not affect Lifelong Learning Programs or Franciscan Center events.
How We Reached This Decision
We recognize the gravity of this moment and the pain this news may bring. However, this decision reflects a sober assessment of what can be sustained responsibly while preserving the quality and integrity that define Lourdes.
For decades, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania have supported and sustained Lourdes University with extraordinary generosity, faith and commitment. Their belief in this University and its mission has enabled generations of students to learn, grow and serve. That support has been both steadfast and sacrificial. However, the Sisters can no longer continue to subsidize the University at the level required to sustain its operations. With this knowledge, the Board of Trustees, along with the Sisters of St. Francis, have devoted considerable time to reviewing the University’s financial outlook and long-term viability. We have worked closely with University leadership, consulted other stakeholders and weighed our responsibilities with prayerful discernment.
In reaching this decision, the Board took a hard and honest look at every aspect of the University—its finances, enrollment trends, academic programs and long-term viability. We explored possible paths forward with care and seriousness. Ultimately, the Sisters concluded that continuing operations beyond this academic year is financially unsustainable.
Regrettably, it is now clear that there is no path forward for this institution, and this decision is the most responsible one for our students, our faculty and our mission. We are profoundly grateful for all the Sisters have given us for decades, and, in these remaining months, we will honor the spirit in which that support was offered.
Our Commitment to You
We recognize this decision has personal and professional implications, and we are committed to addressing those directly. We are fully committed to supporting faculty and staff through this transition, to ensuring students can complete their academic journeys and to communicating openly and clearly as next steps unfold.
Importantly, this announcement is not the end of our relationship with one another, nor is it the end of what Lourdes has given to the world. Our educational mission and our impact have always been defined by the people within our university—the faculty who teach with dedication and compassion, the staff who serve with care and professionalism and the students whose lives have been shaped by this place. None of that is diminished by this moment.
Thank you for all you have given to Lourdes University. We are deeply grateful for your service, your commitment and your humanity.
With respect and gratitude,
Board of Trustees, Lourdes University
The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio
