Combining expertise, resources, talents and a deep tradition of higher education, The Sullivan University System Board of Directors has voted unanimously to merge the System’s three individual educational institutions – Sullivan University, the Sullivan College of Technology and Design (SCTD) and Spencerian College – into a single entity that will be known as Sullivan University.
At the point of merger, expected to be January 2018, SCTD and Spencerian College students, faculty, staff, programs, campuses and facilities will all become part of Sullivan University.
The current SCTD campus on Atkinson Square Drive will become part of Sullivan University, as will Spencerian College which is planned to soon move from its location on Dixie Highway to DuPont Circle as previously announced.
Post-merger, the Lexington campus that currently houses both Sullivan University and Spencerian College will continue to operate as Sullivan University.
Efforts are currently underway with Sullivan University’s accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the institution is working with the U.S. Department of Education and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education toward making merger a reality in the near future. While no definitive date is set, merger could occur early in 2018, or, it could occur later, depending on various factors.
“This is not a decision that has been taken lightly, nor is it a new concept,” said Sullivan University System Chancellor and Founder A.R. Sullivan. Chancellor Sullivan and his late father, A.O. Sullivan, founded the school in 1962. Chancellor Sullivan’s son, Glenn Sullivan, serves as President of the Sullivan University System. President Sullivan shared “The concept of merging the schools has been under discussion for well over a decade. One major theme has emerged during our discussions – this change would benefit our students and graduates.
“Bringing all the schools under a common regional accreditor strengthens the resumes of our graduates and builds a strong identity for all of our divisions,” Chancellor Sullivan said. “A merger will also create the benefit of operating under a single brand, offer efficiencies, save resources and eliminate some current redundancies.”
Dr. Jay Marr, Chief Executive Officer for Sullivan University, an experienced and vastly capable administrator, is managing the merger and has assembled a seasoned team from across the System to assist in this process. Faculty and staff from all three schools have been involved in the effort and the synergy coming from the combined efforts of these individuals is remarkable and inordinately positive.
“We are fortunate to have so many people with extensive experience encompassing all aspects of this complex process,” Chancellor Sullivan said. “Our institutions have a long history of educating students and serving employers in the Kentuckiana area. Spencerian dates to 1892; SCTD was founded in 1961, and Sullivan University was founded in 1962. In addition, the Sullivan family has ties to Spencerian dating back to 1926, when Chancellor Sullivan’s father first attended Spencerian. He later worked there and became co-owner, before the Sullivan Family purchased it back into the family in 1969.”
Dr. Marr said the merger “continues our progress toward enhanced size and sophistication of the University, which currently offers certificate and diploma programs, associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degrees. In addition to the main campus in Louisville, Kentucky, Sullivan University operates a branch campus in Lexington, an extension campus on the Army Post at Ft. Knox, and it recently opened two Centers for Learning, one in Louisa, Kentucky and one in Northern Kentucky serving the greater Cincinnati area.
“We also plan to continue with the development of course offerings in an online format to allow our students more flexibility as they seek to pursue a higher education,” Dr. Marr said.
To learn more about the merger and Sullivan University visit the website.
The Sullivan University System is currently comprised of three schools, Sullivan University, Spencerian College, and Sullivan College of Technology and Design. The System also owns and operates two Dale Carnegie Franchises and various other auxiliary enterprises that support the respective missions and goals of the schools.
