Ƶ president Ali Malekzadeh and Robert Morris University Illinois president Mablene Krueger announced that Roosevelt has submitted an application to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to make Robert Morris University Illinois a part of Roosevelt. The combined universities would continue under the name of Ƶ. The joining of the two universities would help them build on their historic missions that honor diversity, inclusion and access to education for all.
“We have been working with Robert Morris’ leadership team to ensure that it is a good fit for our respective students, faculty and staff,” said Malekzadeh. “Because of our complementary programs, and inclusive, yet distinct, missions of social justice and social equity, it is a perfect fit for both our universities’ students, faculty and staff. This partnership provides countless opportunities for everyone. We hope for this to be a model approach on how to successfully integrate two private universities.”
The newly expanded Roosevelt would continue to be nationally recognized as a catalyst for students from all walks of life to receive transformational learning experiences, preparing students to become socially conscious citizens who thrive in a diverse and changing world.
“I’m very excited about partnering with Roosevelt. There are many synergies between our two Universities,” said Krueger. “This and the universities’ proximity would enable immediate implementation of best practices and programmatic expansion, while ensuring a seamless transition for the students, faculty, staff and the community as a whole.” Roosevelt plans to create a new college, the Robert Morris Experiential College, in which many of Robert Morris’ current programs would reside. Robert Morris would bring to Roosevelt a strong leadership team, strength in experiential learning, and complementary programs as well as over 1,800 students. Its nursing programs and associate degrees in allied health would complement the strong baccalaureate programs that Roosevelt has in biology, biochemistry, allied health, and health science administration. In addition, Robert Morris offers a Master of Information Systems that would fold into Roosevelt’s Computer Science Programs. The integration would also bring new opportunities in the Culinary and eSports fields to Roosevelt.
This announcement is part of Roosevelt’s Building a Stronger Roosevelt initiative, a three-pronged approach to improve enrollments, grow revenues, and cut expenses while investing in academic programs. With the Robert Morris integration, Ƶ would become academically and financially stronger, laying a deeper foundation today and for the future.
“I’m very excited about partnering with Roosevelt. There are many synergies between our two Universities.”Mablene Krueger
President, Robert Morris University Illinois
The application is subject to the approval of the HLC, Illinois Board of Higher Education, U.S. Department of Education, and the governing boards of Roosevelt and Robert Morris. Filing the application is the first step in the process and constitutes the Universities’ joint request for permission to pursue the proposed transaction. The key driver behind announcing the intent of the integration before it has been approved is to provide time for Roosevelt and Robert Morris community members to be a part of the integration planning process and to be active participants in setting the trajectory for the integrated institution’s future success.
As part of the integration to help community members from both universities navigate the many questions that can arise during the course of the application process and beyond. Task forces will be formed to help assist with the integration process and will be charged with, and not limited to, working on items that require discussion, dialogue, strategy and ideas that would be impacted by the integration.
Malekzadeh commented, “President Krueger and I are committed to making sure that the legacy of Robert Morris is preserved during this integration, and that both universities learn best practices from each other for the benefit of the students, faculty, and staff.”