Transformative Lessons: What Closing a University Taught Me About Change and Growth

On March 11, 2024, I announced that Fontbonne University would close its doors on August 15, 2025. A colleague once told me that shutting down a university feels like a genetic alteration. I really understood that statement on that day.

The announcement brought an avalanche of emotions. I met with journalists seeking stories, bankers who had supported us, and faculty and staff who dreamed of better days. Alumni and donors believed the university would last forever, while students faced the harsh reality that many wouldn’t graduate from their chosen school. It was a heartbreaking day.

Before the board’s decision to close, our executive team worked tirelessly. We spent many sleepless nights analyzing budgets, crafting messages for students and staff, and exploring partnerships with other universities. We visited leaders at various institutions in the Midwest, hoping for a merger that never came. Juggling these heavy tasks while still planning celebrations made the process all the more exhausting.

After the announcement, we shifted our focus to the community. Faculty received their contracts early to assure them of their roles during the final year. Staff members met individually to discuss their last days and severance options. The emotional toll was heavy. Many felt the strain, which sometimes spilled over into meetings and personal interactions.

We organized forums for students and faculty, created an email for questions, and developed teach-out agreements with other institutions so students could continue their education without extra costs. We even hosted a career fair that allowed students to connect with recruiters. All these efforts took immense coordination and energy, making our days long and challenging.

As we wrapped up the semester, the feeling of loss was palpable. Yet, amid the sadness, there were glimmers of grace. A nonprofit called Love Does came to campus and packed nearly 20,000 library books to start a new university library in Uganda. Donors also stepped in to fund scholarships for our students, enabling them to take summer classes without tuition fees.

In those last months, a tornado struck St. Louis, causing havoc across the city. Fontbonne mobilized quickly, gathering supplies and donations to help communities affected by the storm. Such actions reaffirmed our mission to serve others.

As I look back, I see not just the sorrow of closing, but a tapestry of shared experiences, resilience, and support that brought us together. The transition of the campus to Washington University in St. Louis coincided with my upcoming retirement move to Georgia to be near family. After 47 years in higher education—16 as a university president—I’m preparing for a quieter life.

But I know those memories will always be with me. Closing Fontbonne has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life, yet it also made me realize the strength and love within our community. The journey changed me profoundly. Only time will tell how deeply it will resonate in my life ahead.

Nancy H. Blattner was the last president of Fontbonne University, which closed after years of financial struggles.
Learn more about university closures and their impact on communities in this report.

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