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Merger

Anchored in Christian Faith

91¶¶Òõ and Roberts Wesleyan University Merger

April 2024

Dear Roberts and Northeastern Community,

As announced in our Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, Roberts Wesleyan University and 91¶¶Òõ are committed to the academic excellence and spiritual development that have made us New York Leading University for Character Education. I am excited to announce the next era of this transformative education through an intention to merge these two historic institutions.

Roberts Wesleyan University has continuously evolved since its founding as a seminary in 1866. Today, the school offers wide-ranging undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs rooted in Free Methodist heritage and the Wesleyan theological tradition. Roberts strives to prepare thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society.

Founded in 1998 as a separate graduate school of theology located on the Roberts campus, 91¶¶Òõ has grown to offer Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Doctor of Ministry, and graduate-level certificates to students who seek lives characterized by personal integrity and devotion to high academic and ethical standards.

While historically existing as two separate educational corporations, the academic programs of both Institutions have long been intertwined, and they operate cooperatively under a common heritage.

For administrative and strategic synergy, Roberts Wesleyan University and 91¶¶Òõ now seek to combine operations and governance to form a single institution that reflects a shared history and mission to provide comprehensive Christian and theological education. 91¶¶Òõ work and history will continue on as an embedded seminary within the University.

This alignment signifies a union of shared values, commitment to excellence, and a deep-rooted dedication to fostering holistic development. 91¶¶Òõ's longstanding tradition of theological education and Roberts Wesleyan University's commitment to academic excellence and Christian faith have paved the way for this synergistic partnership that will redefine educational possibilities.

Key Benefits of an Embedded 91¶¶Òõ

  • Expanded Academic Offerings: The new structure will provide opportunities for an expanded array of academic programs, equipping students with a comprehensive range of knowledge and skills to thrive in their chosen fields.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Students and faculty will have the unique opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, enriching their learning experience by drawing from diverse perspectives.
  • Spiritual Enrichment: The integration of theological education from 91¶¶Òõ with the broader educational offerings of Roberts Wesleyan University will provide a holistic approach to personal and spiritual growth.
  • Community Engagement: This alignment will bolster and expand our commitment to community engagement and service, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to society.
  • Innovative Research and Teaching: The combined resources and expertise of the faculties of these institutions will facilitate innovative research initiatives that continue to equip all students with the character and competence to lead in the midst of societal tensions and influence the most profound issues of today.

Next Steps

Pending government and accreditor approvals, in the coming months, leadership teams from both institutions will be working to ensure a seamless transition, aligning academic offerings, campus resources, and administrative functions. Throughout this process, our primary focus remains on delivering exceptional educational experiences for all students.

As we move forward, we will keep our community informed about the progress and developments through regular updates.

Your support, enthusiasm, and dedication have brought us to this significant milestone. We look forward to the opportunities this merger will create for our students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve.

Thank you for being a part of the work of Roberts and Northeastern. We look forward to a bright future together.

Warm regards,

Rupert A. Hayles, Jr., Ph.D.
President
585.594.6100 | president@roberts.edu

Merger Q&A

Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9:30 AM as part of a combined ceremony with Roberts Wesleyan University adult and graduate students. In addition, the 91¶¶Òõ will host a Worship Service and Hooding Ceremony the evening before”a special time of reflection and gratitude. For full details, visit thecommencement webpage.

91¶¶Òõ diplomas will follow the design of Roberts Wesleyan University diplomas, featuring the University presidential seal. The 91¶¶Òõ name will be displayed at the top, with the University name below.

Yes. As of Saturday, March 1, 2025, 91¶¶Òõ student ID numbers have been updated to align with Roberts Wesleyan University format. You can find your new ID number by logging into(where you register for courses) and selecting your profile.

    • Key points: 1) Your student ID badge remains valid”no action is needed. 2) Just be aware of this update and use your new ID number moving forward when needed.

Yes. The transcript ordering process for 91¶¶Òõ students and alumni will soon be combined with Roberts Wesleyan University. This process is currently being finalized, and the updated transcript will list Roberts Wesleyan University as the credentialing institution. 

Enduring Charisms

The Unique Gifts of 91¶¶Òõ at Roberts Wesleyan University

"Individually, each of these approaches to theological education can be found in many seminaries and theological schools. But taken together as a whole, these five enduring charisms are a constellation of educational commitments that make a 91¶¶Òõ education truly unique. Those who are formed by the constellation of these five enduring charisms are distinctively prepared for ministry on behalf of the church and the world. They are immersed in the Holy Scriptures, grounded in the central teachings of Christ church, and spiritually prepared to bring the Gospel of Christ to bear on the constantly changing contexts of contemporary culture."

- Dr. Doug Cullum

Timeline of the Merger


February 1, 2024: New York State Education Department approved the petition for merger and petition for amendment of charter.


February 12, 2024: Association of Theological Schools approved the request for change in governance resulting from a merger with Roberts Wesleyan University and authorized a focused visit.


June 27, 2024: Middle States Commission on Higher Education acknowledged and approved Complex Substantive Change Request of the merger of 91¶¶Òõ with Roberts Wesleyan University.


June 30, 2024: Merger of 91¶¶Òõ with Roberts Wesleyan University. The new School of Theology and 91¶¶Òõ now offers associate, baccalaureate, master's, and DMin degrees.


November 12, 2024: Association of Theological Schools focused visit


December 3, 2024: Middle States Commission on Higher Education focused visit


April 1, 2025: 91¶¶Òõ at Roberts Wesleyan University launches an updated logo and look.


May 10, 2025: 91¶¶Òõ joinsRoberts Wesleyan University adult and graduate students for Commencement.


91¶¶Òõ the only way in which men can effectively express their love for God is through service to the children of God, to men.

B.T. Roberts