Bluffton University

The decision to halt the merger was made by the University of Findlay’s Board of Trustees. Bluffton University is not privy of the reasoning behind the decision. 

Bluffton University remains strong, financially stable and strategically independent. Our commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community remains unwavering. Bluffton is in a strong position, with a solid foundation, and is well-prepared for future growth and success.

Last year, when we embarked upon our merger journey, we did so knowing that sometimes mergers fail. We made the decision to merge with Findlay at a point when we were sufficiently stable to survive the risk of not crossing the finish line.

Bluffton University will continue its focus on providing an outstanding educational experience, expanding academic programs and strengthening our campus community. Our mission of fostering intellectual growth, leadership and community engagement remains at the core of everything we do. We will continue to seek opportunities for collaboration and innovation to enhance the student experience.

Bluffton University remains committed to its mission and values. While the merger did not move forward, we will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of higher education. Our focus remains on providing excellent academic programs, student services and opportunities for growth and development. In the coming months, Bluffton will prepare a vision for our strategic future. 

Bluffton will continue to look for new opportunities for growth, innovation and collaboration. Our leadership will focus on strengthening our position as a leader in higher education, fostering partnerships that align with our mission and ensuring that our students continue to thrive in an ever-changing world.

We are committed to being transparent with our community. Our faculty, staff and students are our first priority, and our alumni, donors and friends are crucial to Bluffton’s success. We will share updates with our constituents via email and social media.

Our alumni and donors are vital to Bluffton University’s success. Their continued support enables us to provide scholarships, enhance our academic programs and maintain the strength of our campus community. We will continue to engage with alumni and donors as we move forward, sharing updates and opportunities for involvement. If you’d like to support Bluffton with a charitable gift, you can do so at www.bluffton.edu/give 

If you have any questions or concerns, an online question submission form is available for you to submit any inquiries. We are committed to responding to your questions as we are able and keeping everyone informed as we move forward.

President Sider’s top funding priority right now is the Bluffton Fund, which are unrestricted gifts made to Bluffton University that will help move forward and bridge the gap between where tuition dollars end and endowment funds begin.

Bluffton College Foundation was launched in early February 2025 as a result of the proposed merger, and while it is accepting donations, the university and foundation leadership are still working on how this can be most impactful to Bluffton University now that the merger is not moving forward.