Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio, has announced its plans to permanently close at the end of the current academic year due to persistent financial challenges. The decision was made public on Wednesday through a press release from the university’s Board of Trustees, which highlighted declining enrollment and rising operational costs as key factors contributing to an unsustainable funding model.
Sister Dr. Nancy Linenkugel has been appointed as the university’s 13th and final president to lead the institution through its closure. She will take over from the outgoing president, William J. Bisset, who has agreed to step down as part of the transition process. Sister Linenkugel emphasized the university’s commitment to education and student success, expressing sorrow over the closure while acknowledging the Sisters of St. Francis could no longer support the university at its current level.
Throughout this academic year, Lourdes University will continue to function fully, with assurance that ongoing programs such as Lifelong Learning and events held at the Franciscan Center will not be impacted. The Board of Trustees is prioritizing the well-being of students, faculty, and staff during this transition, aiming to provide clarity and support as students complete their academic journeys.
Sister Linenkugel reassured that details regarding degree completion, transfer opportunities, and academic records will be communicated to students and families consistently. Alongside these efforts, the University of Toledo has stepped in as a “teach-out partner,” facilitating a smoother transition for Lourdes students. Dr. James Holloway, president of UToledo, expressed regret for the loss of Lourdes University and welcomed students from Lourdes to complete their studies at UToledo.
This closure follows a trend within the region’s private, Catholic higher education institutions, with Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, also expected to cease operations at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Founded in the early 1940s, Lourdes University began as an extension program of the College of St. Teresa and gained formal accreditation in 1964. It became Lourdes University from its original name of Lourdes College in 2011. The impending closure marks the end of an era for an institution that has contributed significantly to the educational landscape of the region.
While the situation is undoubtedly challenging for the university community, the collaborative efforts to support students during this transition offer a glimmer of hope, enabling them to continue their educational paths without significant disruption.