In my role as dean of the College of Health and Science at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), I collaborated in the acquisition of two resource-intensive healthcare programs associated with university closures. In December 2016, CSP began the acquisition process for a pre-licensure nursing program, and, in March 2019, CSP acquired a diagnostic medical sonography program. Currently, in April 2020, CSP is pursuing the acquisition of a third program, a pre-licensure nursing program in another state also associated with a university closure. The acquisitions had similarities and differences, with one primary dissimilarity being my leadership and recognition of lessons learned from previous acquisitions. If you find yourself in a similar position in which you are wondering about program acquisition, here are some suggestions to guide you along your way.
Reciprocity over Hierarchy: Designing and Implementing a Student-Led Reverse Mentoring Program
Many academic leaders, including administrators and faculty members, participate in traditional mentoring programs that prioritize hierarchy. But these programs typically don’t foster engagement and connection between students and faculty or
Marquita Lyons-Smith and Keva Suitte
October 19, 2026
