News Summary

Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, will close after the 2025-2026 academic year due to financial challenges. This decision, supported by the Board of Trustees, ends over a century of educational history as enrollment continues to decline. The administration plans to assist students in transferring to partner institutions to minimize disruption. Despite the closure, the university aims to celebrate its legacy during its final year and has recently seen a slight increase in enrollment due to initiatives to attract local talent.

Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University, a Catholic institution in Adrian, will close its doors at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 academic year due to ongoing financial challenges. The decision, supported by the university’s Board of Trustees and the General Council of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, marks the end of 105 years of educational history for the university.

President Douglas Palmer announced the closure, emphasizing it was made with a commitment to the university’s long-term sustainability. The administration faced considerable challenges, including shifting demographics, declining enrollment, and rising operational costs, all contributing to the need to cease operations.

The university, founded in 1919 as St. Joseph College for Women, underwent several transformations over the years. It was renamed Siena Heights College in 1939 and transitioned to a coeducational institution in 1969. In 1998, it achieved university status, adopting its current name, Siena Heights University. However, despite a rich tradition, the institution’s enrollment figures have faced significant declines. From a peak of over 2,300 students in 2008, enrollment dropped to approximately 1,800 students in the fall of 2023.

To ensure students’ academic progress during this transition, Siena Heights University will work with partner institutions to facilitate student transfers, aiming to create minimal disruption to their education. The emphasis on student support signals the university’s commitment to its learners, even as it prepares to close. Faculty and staff will also receive assistance as they navigate this significant change.

Normal operations are expected to continue through the 2025-2026 academic year, allowing for regular academic programs, athletic events, residential life, and alumni engagements. During this time, Siena Heights aims to honor its legacy while managing the logistics of closure.

Despite its impending closure, Siena Heights University boasts a diverse array of academic offerings, with 62 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university has been recognized for its high-quality online programs by U.S. News and World Report, contributing to its reputation for accessible education.

The 2024 academic year had seen a slight boost in enrollment, with an incoming class of 445 students, partially due to the university’s “Brain Gain” initiative. This tuition-free program, aimed at Michigan high school students, has resulted in over 100 eligible students this year, showcasing the university’s ongoing dedication to attracting local talent.

Recent trends indicate a worrying pattern among small private colleges in Michigan, with several institutions, including Marygrove College and Finlandia University, experiencing significant financial crises, leading to closures or drastic cuts. These closures highlight the growing concerns regarding the viability of similar operations in the state.

In reflecting on the university’s legacy, President Palmer expressed gratitude for the contributions of the Siena Heights community throughout the years. As the institution prepares for its final year, it aims to celebrate its history and the impact it has had on countless students and the surrounding community.