M&A in Higher Education
On June 1, driven by an intentional growth strategy, Saint Joseph’s University completed a historic merger with the University of the Sciences, acquiring dozens of academic programs in health and science, expanding the University’s footprint in Philadelphia’s University City district with new facilities, growing its endowment to half a billion dollars, and combining two alumni networks of nearly 100,000.
Join Saint Joseph’s President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D. and Provost Cheryl A. McConnell, Ph.D. for a discussion on merger and acquisition activity and its role in the future of higher education.
Meet the Panelists and Moderator
Mark C. Reed, EdD, MBA
Dr. Reed became the 28th president of Saint Joseph’s University in July of 2015 and has led the University through a period of immense transformation in higher education. In just seven years, Dr. Reed has established himself as a change agent with strategic vision, prioritizing the development and progress of a forward-thinking strategic plan. Since his appointment, the University has steadily expanded academic programs, strengthened its financial position, and forged strategic partnerships, while continually seeking new and innovative ways to advance the institution’s Catholic, Jesuit mission. A product of Jesuit education, Dr. Reed embodies the University’s Jesuit principles and accepts a responsibility to steward its mission as central to his leadership. Dr. Reed will depart Saint Joseph’s to become the 25th president of Loyola University Chicago in August of 2022.
Cheryl M. McConnell, PhD
Dr. McConnell is currently the provost of Saint Joseph’s University where she has led the academic enterprise through integration planning and the COVID-19 pandemic. With a career in service of Jesuit universities, Dr. McConnell is known for her innovative approach to academic portfolio management and advocates for programming at the intersection of student interest and societal need. Dr. McConnell has published or presented more than 100 articles, papers or workshops, and she researches and speaks on higher education issues, gender issues related to career advancement and performance reviews, and the need for ethical leadership in a time of change and uncertainty. Dr. McConnell will begin serving as interim president in August of 2022, during a national search for Saint Joseph’s next president.
Stephen Spinelli, Jr., PhD, MBA
Dr. Spinelli is the 14th president of Babson College. A successful entrepreneur, academic leader, and scholar, President Spinelli assumed the role of president in July 2019, guiding the College through its centennial year and into its second century. A lifelong entrepreneur, President Spinelli has spent his career at the intersection of academia, business, and philanthropy. Prior to serving as president of Babson, Dr. Spinelli was president of Philadelphia University, which later merged with Thomas Jefferson University to form the new Jefferson.