AM25: Current Trends in Higher Education Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships

Explore the evolving higher education landscape, focusing on significant trends and challenges that are driving mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, and joint ventures within the sector. The presenters will discuss the rising costs of education, explore the increasing number of campus closures, examine the growing enrollment of non-traditional and adult learners, and share effective approaches to address institutional sustainability. You’ll also hear the impact of digital transformation, the benefits of shared services, and the role of strategic partnerships in enhancing college and university resilience.

Learning Objectives

Analyze key trends and challenges in higher education.
Outline and implement effective M&A strategies.
Ensure that acquisitions and partnerships promote equitable access to education and support diverse student populations.

CPE Available: 1.5 Credits in Business Management and Services

Each individual must register and attend separately to earn credit.

NACUBO is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website www.nasbaregistry.org

Event Information

Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Minimum 1-2 years of experience as a professional in higher education or a related private industry.
Advanced Preparation: None
Delivery Mode: Group internet based
Field of Study: Business Management and Services
Length: 75 minutes

Steps to Earn CPE Credit

You can only earn credit for attending the session live. CPE credit cannot be earned for watching the recordings.

To earn CPE credit, you will complete the following tasks under the Content tab, after the session has ended:

Pass the CPE codeword quiz. Write down the codewords posted in the Zoom chat at random times throughout the session and complete the quiz at the end of the session.
Submit the CPE check-out code displayed at the end of the session.
Download your CPE certificate.

You have until 5 pm Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 30, to complete these three steps or report technology issues with this site to online@nacubo.org.

For more detailed instructions, review the CPE Instructions page.

Christopher Fiorentino

Interim Chancellor

Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE)

Christopher M. Fiorentino is an educator and economist who served as president of West Chester University (WCU) from 2017 to 2024, retiring after 41 years at the university. He began his career at WCU in 1983 as an assistant professor of economics, later becoming interim president, vice president for external operations, and dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs. Under his leadership, WCU navigated the challenges of a global pandemic and a nationwide demographic shift, while also overseeing the construction of the university’s largest building project, the 175,000-square-foot Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons.

Dr. Fiorentino’s leadership fostered innovation and collaboration, earning him recognition on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Power 100 list in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and an honorary doctorate for public service from Bucks County Community College. Throughout his tenure, he secured AACSB accreditation for the School of Business and developed initiatives like the Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center and the Center for Community Solutions, connecting WCU faculty with local business and civic leaders. He earned his degrees in economics from Temple University and resides in Chester County, PA, with his wife, Sue.

Dave Capitano

Higher Education Practice Leader

Baker Tilly

As Baker Tilly’s higher education practice leader, Dave Capitano, CPA, provides oversight to more than 200 team members serving over 400 public and private colleges, universities, research institutions and academic medical centers across the United States. Capitano has more than 30 years of experience working with college and university leadership and boards in a variety of strategic advisory and accounting areas. He takes a hands-on approach working collaboratively with institutional leadership to provide guidance and advice to be sustainable and resilient.

Capitano hosts Higher Ed Advisor, Baker Tilly’s biweekly higher education podcast, which discusses the latest news, trends and changes impacting colleges, universities, and research institutions. Additionally, Capitano co-leads the collegiate athletics and esports practice where he has the privilege of working directly with athletic directors, coaches, and student athletes to help them succeed on and off the field.

John Runte

Principal, Strategy and Transformation

Baker Tilly

John Runte is a principal at Baker Tilly, where he leads the firm’s higher education strategy and transformation team. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, John has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions today. His expertise spans fiscal sustainability, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, integration management, organizational readiness, change management and technology migration, making him a trusted advisor to colleges and universities across the United States. John has played a pivotal role in numerous high-profile M&A transactions, helping institutions navigate complex integration and change management landscapes while achieving their strategic goals. His work is characterized by a commitment to innovation, fiscal resiliency and the integration of digital transformation to enhance institutional performance and student outcomes. https://www.bakertilly.com/con...