Lackawanna College’s recent merger with Peirce College in Philadelphia exemplifies a growing trend of strategic partnerships in higher education aimed at addressing enrollment challenges and financial pressures. Approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the merger underlines how collaboration rooted in shared mission can increase educational access and flexibility. Jill Murray, president of Lackawanna College, highlights lessons from this integration, emphasizing mission alignment and innovation in program offerings such as accelerated master’s and microcredentials. Such mergers are increasingly viewed as viable routes to institutional sustainability and enhanced student success in a transforming academic landscape.