Siena Heights University, a private Catholic institution in Adrian, Michigan, announced it would close at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Why It Matters
President Douglas Palmer formally addressed the community in written and video messages on June 30, saying the decision was spurred by severe financial pressures and changing demographics.
Newsweek reached out to the university for more details.
Why is Siena Heights University closing?
The closure of the 105-year-old institution with roughly 1,800 students results from ongoing struggles with enrollment and operational costs.
Senior leadership assessed the financial situation and long-term sustainability of the university, finding that despite the best intentions of students, faculty and alumni, continuing operations beyond the coming academic year “is no longer feasible.”
Some expressed concern regarding how the closure will impact them scholastically and financially.
“What does the mean for loans? Scholarships & grants earned?” Amanda Easler posted under the university’s video announcement on Facebook. “What about students who are not finished yet? Will there be help in sending them in the right direction? Who will make sure all credits earned will transfer?”
Others, including alumni, were wary to hear the news.
A Facebook user, Megan Walsh, wrote that her son was looking forward to being a Siena Heights student. “I’m so sad this is happening,” she said.
Statement from University President Douglas Palmer
“It is with a heavy heart that Siena Heights University announces its closure at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year,” Palmer stated in a formal address to the Siena Heights community. “This decision was not made lightly.
“We have worked exhaustively with our Board of Trustees and community partners to explore every possible option to continue the mission of Siena Heights, but the combination of declining enrollment, increased operating expenses, and limited external funding left us with no viable path forward.”
Palmer said that enrollment has not remained consistent, falling while operational costs continue to increase.
He added that the university’s “top priority is to ensure a smooth transition for our current students, staff, and faculty.”
That will include working with partner institutions to establish teach-out plans and pathways for students to complete their degrees.”
When is Siena Heights University closing?
The university confirmed that it would remain operational through the upcoming academic year, with plans to cease all programs and activities at the conclusion of the spring 2026 semester.
“Siena Heights University will graduate its final class in May 2026, after which the institution will officially close,” Palmer said.
They intend to have “as full and vibrant an academic year as possible,” including academics, athletics, support services and extracurriculars.
Detailed timelines for winding down operations, managing faculty contracts, and transferring student records are expected to be released during the summer of 2025, as indicated by the university’s communications office.
What People Are Saying
The General Council of Adrian Dominican Sisters, the religious sponsors of the university, issued the following statement: “It breaks our hearts to join in the wise but painful decision of the University Board of Trustees to close our beloved Siena Heights University at the end of the 2026 academic year.
“Founded by our Congregation more than a century ago as a college for women, this Catholic Dominican institution has expanded over the years to give people of all faith traditions, socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities, racial identities and genders a top notch, values-based education. We are so proud of all the students, faculty, staff, leaders and trustees who are now or have been a part of the Siena community since 1919 and have lived competent, purposeful, ethical lives—contributing their God-given gifts for the common good of our world and Earth home.”
Adrian College president Jeffrey Docking provided the following statement, according to local CBS affiliate WTOL: “While our institutions have maintained distinct identities, we have long shared a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. Over the years, Adrian College and Siena Heights University have partnered on numerous initiatives in service to our city, our region, and the greater good. These collaborations have enriched our institutions and strengthened our community.
“In the spirit of that partnership, Adrian College stands ready to assist during this challenging time. We are committed to working with the leadership at Siena Heights University to explore meaningful ways we might be able to support students, faculty, and staff as they navigate the coming months.”
What Happens Next
While Siena Heights University plans to support current students and staff through the transition, no specific details have yet been shared as to how that process will come to fruition.
The administration will issue further details on the teach-out process and post-closure arrangements in the coming months. Students, families and faculty members are encouraged to attend upcoming information sessions.
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