Strategic Combinations and Partnerships

January 6, 2026 Ballroom Creek Salon VII

This session will feature several presidents and an experienced higher education attorney leading tabletop discussions on strategic combinations and partnerships at CIC institutions. They will share the story of their work and provide principles and lessons, stressing the need to focus on culture building. Attendees will reflect on their own situations and brainstorm plans for potential partnerships and combinations.

Walter Iwanenko, President, Gannon University (PA)
David King, President, Ursuline College (OH)
Amy Novak, President, St. Ambrose University (IA)
Todd Olson, President, Mount Mercy University (IA)
Jonathan Tarnow, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP