Manhattanville Named Legacy Teach-Out Partner for Wells College

BCW Member Manhattanville University has announced it has been named legacy teach-out partner for Wells College in Aurora, NY.  

The college in upstate New York announced that it will close next month after 156 years and is among a number of private colleges and universities to announce closure due to declining revenues.

Frank Sánchez, Ph.D., President of Manhattanville University, said that the two schools share many of the same values and mission and that Manhattanville hopes to help keep the Wells tradition alive as part of its new partnership.

“Manhattanville University is deeply honored to be given the awesome responsibility to support the Wells College community during this difficult time of transition,” said President Sánchez. “We are committed to making this transition seamless and successful, upholding Wells College’s name and cherished traditions. Our commitment is not only to continuity but also to the advancement of a shared heritage that has long been dedicated to the empowerment of students.”

Among the key elements in the legacy teach-out partnership Wells and Manhattanville have expressed their intent to develop a legacy agreement that will seek ways to integrate the Wells College name and history into the Manhattanville community.

Manhattanville is developing a dedicated housing community for Wells students, ensuring the spirit of camaraderie and community endures. Manhattanville will also create a ‘Wells Student Advisory Board’ which will further develop pathways for former Wells students to provide feedback and input directly to the President, key administrators, and campus leaders.

The Manhattanville Board of Trustees will consider selected board members from Wells College to sit on the Manhattanville board. This further blending of the institutions affords Manhattanville the wisdom and experience of both institutions.

“We’ve always been committed to providing our students with a rich educational experience, and this partnership with Manhattanville is a testament to our dedication to our students’ future success,” said Jonathan Gibralter, President of Wells College. “I’m grateful to President Sánchez for the collaboration which will create new avenues for academic and personal growth for our students and be home for our alumnae/alumni where the history of Wells College can be further enshrined.”