New England College and NH Institute of Art to Merge

New England College in Henniker and the New Hampshire Institute of Art (NHIA) in Manchester are planning to merge by this fall. According to statement released Tuesday, the process is expected to take about four months to complete.

Per their statement, the merger will enhance the delivery of academic programs and streamline administrative services. There are several academic programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels, in the areas of art, design, writing, and education, that align well at both institutions and which will be enhanced through joint marketing and programming efforts. Further details on structure and operations will be announced over the next several months.

Officials from both institutions say they will work closely during this transition period to develop the processes and procedures to benefit students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, and their communities. The transition process will address issues such as academic programs, accreditation, student services, enrollment operations, human resources, and finance.

“We will work carefully together over the next several months to determine the best structure for merging the institutions and will be diligent in our efforts to keep our campus communities informed and involved,” says New England College President Michele Perkins.

“This merger offers the opportunity to significantly enhance our academic programs, improve administrative services, and build upon both institutions’ strong academic offerings,” says NHIA President Kent Devereaux. “The merger of our institutions will make us more attractive to students from across the country and internationally.”

New England College is a private, non-profit, four-year, and graduate, higher education institution. The college offers 37 bachelor’s degree programs, 12 master’s degree programs, and one doctoral degree program in liberal arts and with an emphasis on experiential learning. New England College enrolls approximately 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students.

The NH Institute of Art is the oldest and largest non-profit arts institution in NH, founded in 1898, and now offering undergraduate (BFA, Dual Degree BFA/MAT), graduate (MFA, MAT), and community education programs (Youth Arts, Pre-College, Community Education, Professional Development) in art, design, and writing serving over 2,000 students annually on two campuses in Manchester and Sharon/Peterborough.