The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
UB could be absorbed by other institutions
In two year’s time, the University of Bridgeport campus will remain, but the 92-year-old institution could be absorbed by other higher education institutions.
That was the plan unveiled Tuesday by the presidents of UB, Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Goodwin University in East Hartford and Paier College of Art in Hamden as they stood shoulder to shoulder on the waterfront campus.
They are proposing what many consider a new model
that would keep higher education as an anchor in the city’s South End, on a campus where multiple institutions will co-exist — just not UB.
Barbara Brittingham, outgoing president of the New England Commission of Higher Education— one of the accrediting agencies that must approve the deal — said Tuesday that when the process is complete, it is her understanding UB will cease to exist.
Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim, a UB alum, called the proposed collaboration exciting.
UB Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Berchem called it a proactive plan to protect the futures of UB students.
Gov. Ned Lamont, also at the announcement, called it a little bit like a food court approach.
“I could not be more proud to be part of this partnership,” Lamont said, gazing out onto UB’s bucolic waterfront campus.
In the works quietly for at least a month according to the presidents, the
deal would divvy up UB’s programs and buildings between Goodwin, Sacred Heart and Paier. Eventually other higher education institutions could be involved. Exactly who would get what is still being worked out, officials said.
“It’s still very brand new,” said UB Interim President Stephen Healey.
For now UB will continue to operate as is, while the plan is vetted by accrediting bodies and the banks sort out UB’s financial situation. Ultimately the final deal needs the approval of each institution’s board of trustees, as well as a transition period to examine and align resources and programs.
UB students — there are an estimated 4,500 of them — would be guided through the completion of their courses of study.
The announcement brought out most of the city’s legislative delegation and a good number of city council members. Jorge Cruz Sr., who represents the district where UB is situated, among them, said he had concerns about the plan.
“It’s new,” he told Goodwin President Mark Scheinberg. “I want to sit down and make sure you will be working together with us in this district.”
Sacred Heart University President John Petillo, whose institution stands to acquire engineering, and some health science and education programs and the buildings that house them, said this is no “salvage operation.”
“Rather, it’s an enhancement opportunity,” said Petillo, whose university is considered the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, with 80 programs and more than 9,000 students.
Petillo said he likes that Sacred Heart, which sits at the other end of Park Avenue from UB, isn’t going it alone in the collaborative.
Paier College of Art in Hamden will add art, graphic design and interior design programs on the UB campus.
Goodwin President Mark Scheinberg, whose institution stands to acquire the lion’s share of UB’s programs, said he’s done his homework. His idea is let the UB name live on as a full branch of Goodwin. If all goes as planned, he is also planning to relocate and live on the UB campus.