CLEVELAND — Ursuline College and Gannon University have approved a binding agreement to unite the schools, creating a Catholic institution stretching along Lake Erie and spanning three states — Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Ursuline College will adopt the name Ursuline College Campus of Gannon University under the agreement. The school will maintain its Catholic identity, continue focusing on women-centered education and position itself for future enrollment growth, according to a news release from the college.

The agreement will be reviewed by the Higher Learning Commission in June and, upon approval, a change of control will take effect by June 30. Ursuline College will be integrated into Gannon University, headquartered in Erie, PA. Gannon has an additional campus in Ruskin, FL. 

Normal operations will continue at Ursuline, with governance being the most immediate change. Ursuline College Board of Trustees will relinquish their responsibilities and a transitional Board of Trustees for the College will be created.

Merging of Gannon and Ursuline will take place over a period of 18-24 months and is currently under way. 

"This partnership is grounded in mutual respect, complementary missions and values, and a shared dedication to strengthening each institution’s unique assets while honoring their individual histories," a release from Ursuline College reads. "Through this collaboration, Ursuline students will benefit from expanded opportunities, an increased array of programs, and enriched learning experiences, ensuring a vibrant future for the College amid a dynamic period in American higher education."

For more information on the merge, click here.