Progress Update: Sept. 26, 2025 – CBU’s Partnership Exploration and Planning Efforts

Dear Faculty and Staff, 

Christian Brothers University continues to make progress as we look toward a strong and sustainable future. I am pleased to begin this update with encouraging news, followed by additional developments that demonstrate our continued commitment to serving students and advancing our mission.

Accreditation Update
We had a productive meeting on campus with the visiting committee from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). They interviewed faculty, staff, and students. Thank you to everyone who participated in the process. In December, University leadership will meet SACSCOC at its annual meeting to present our accomplishments. We are optimistic that we will receive good news.

At the same time, as higher education continues to undergo significant change, our partnershipexploration with Lewis University represents another integral step in positioning CBU for the future.

Academic Alignment 
I requested that the Office of Academic Affairs and our deans carefully review the organization of our schools, departments, and programs. With enrollment trends continuing to shift, it was important to determine whether our current structure best supports our mission, our faculty, and, most importantly, our students.

From our conversations, it’s clear that community-minded structures are the priority, and a two-college model has emerged. We expect this approach will allow us to align our academic programs more effectively, reduce overhead, and continue to provide the same, if not stronger, support for our students.

Organizational changes will not be fully implemented until next summer, giving us time to thoughtfully plan and adopt the new structure. Most critically, this adjustment will not negatively affect current or future students. 

Shared Services with Lewis University
Our Board of Trustees approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lewis University to establish shared services. These shared services allow us to leverage expertise, reduce external partner costs, and strengthen the impact of our operations.

Currently, Lewis University is working closely with our Admissions team to enhance recruitment and enrollment strategies. Additionally, collaboration is underway with the Office of Marketing and Communications to optimize our website and expand digital outreach.

In the coming months, we will begin exploring additional shared services that can strengthen CBU while achieving efficiencies. We are also collaborating with Lewis University to launch select new high-demand online offerings. Enrollment for these programs is scheduled to begin in January 2026, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to build a stronger future for CBU.

Dr. David J. Livingston, President of Lewis University, recently announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. It is important to note that the partnership exploration process with Lewis is an institutional commitment, not tied to any one individual. The Lewis University Board of Trustees and leadership have reaffirmed their support for this collaboration, and the CBU Board continues to endorse this direction. 

The Bigger Picture
Across the country, universities are increasingly collaborating to create what is often referred to as “system-ness”–a means of pooling resources, sharing expertise, and providing greater opportunities for students and faculty. Through our partnership exploration with Lewis, we are at the forefront of this national movement. We will continue to approach this process with respect, transparency, and a commitment to supporting our students, faculty, and staff.

I will continue to keep you updated as this important work progresses. 

Together and by association, 
Br. Chris