Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
In a letter from the board of trustees on Feb. 11, Lourdes University announced its intention to close after the 2025-26 school year.
“Over the past 15 years, Lourdes University’s direction and focus was to be a traditional undergraduate institution with athletic programs,” the statement said. “Due to the myriad of challenges for similar institutions across higher education today, Lourdes has faced mounting financial pressures driven by declining enrollment, rising costs and a funding model that is unsustainable. It’s clear that this direction can no longer be sustained. These realities, not unique to Lourdes, have spurred thoughtful discussions about our future. Today, it is with heavy hearts and deep respect for this community that we write to share difficult news.
“After careful deliberation with the Board of Trustees of Lourdes University, the Sisters of St. Francis have resolved that the University will close at the end of the academic year. This decision is one we do not make lightly, but it is one we are charged to make.”
As part of the process, Dr. Bisset will step down as president of the University, while the Sisters of St. Francis have appointed Sister Dr. Nancy Linenkugel, OSF, DM as the 13th and final president.
“All classes and University operations will continue throughout the remainder of this academic year,” the statement continued. “Soon, the University’s leaders and administrators will share more information about how we will support faculty, staff and students in transitioning to the next step in your educational journeys before we close. The University closure will not affect Lifelong Learning Programs or Franciscan Center events.”
How the decision was reached
“We recognize the gravity of this moment and the pain this news may bring,” the statement said. “However, this decision reflects a sober assessment of what can be sustained responsibly while preserving the quality and integrity that define Lourdes.
“For decades, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania have supported and sustained Lourdes University with extraordinary generosity, faith, and commitment. Their belief in this University and its mission has enabled generations of students to learn, grow and serve. That support has been both steadfast and sacrificial. However, the Sisters can no longer continue to subsidize the University at the level required to sustain its operations.
“With this knowledge, the Board of Trustees, along with the Sisters of St. Francis, has devoted considerable time to reviewing the University’s financial outlook and long-term viability. We have worked closely with University leadership, consulted other stakeholders and weighed our responsibilities with prayerful discernment.
“In reaching this decision, the Board took a hard and honest look at every aspect of the University — its finances, enrollment trends, academic programs, and long-term viability. We explored possible paths forward with care and seriousness. Ultimately, the Sisters concluded that continuing operations beyond this academic year is financially unsustainable.
“Regrettably, it is now clear that there is no path forward for this institution, and this decision is the most responsible one for our students, our faculty and our mission. We are profoundly grateful for all the Sisters have given us for decades, and, in these remaining months, we will honor the spirit in which that support was offered.”
Athletics impact
In February 2025, Lourdes announced the addition of women’s flag football as the newest varsity sport, set to begin in the spring of 2027. In June, they announced a head coach.
That won’t happen now, and many other local area athletes in The Press coverage area will either be graduating or finding new homes to continue their academic and athletic careers.
Of note, Eastwood High School graduate Cassi Kieper originally joined Siena Heights University’s softball and bowling programs for the 2024-25 school year. With Siena Heights previously announcing its closure after the 2025-26 school year, Kieper transferred to Lourdes, where she will now experience the same thing in terms of uncertainty.
Area athletes on rosters for Lourdes include:
