A few months ago, the president of Seattle University approached his counterpart at Cornish College of the Arts with a proposal: Let’s join forces.

Today, the two Seattle educational powerhouses announced a plan that would create a unique entity combining the Jesuit tradition of education with a strong emphasis on arts and design. The boards of trustees at both schools voted unanimously to approve the plan.

“Seattle University joining forces with Cornish will combine two storied Seattle institutions of higher learning into one,” Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver says. “It will create incredible new opportunities for our students to expand their educational horizons, and for faculty to pursue innovative interdisciplinary collaborations. This is definitely a case of ‘one plus one equals three.’”

The potential merger must clear regulatory hurdles with several state agencies, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the federal Department of Education. It’s estimated that will take about two years.

A transition period could begin as early as next May after Seattle U. officials conduct a thorough review of Cornish’s operations, including the integration of Cornish staff. Once the transaction officially closes, Cornish would become known as “Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University.” The letter of intent stipulates that the Cornish name remain for at least the next 10 years.

The potential merger gives Seattle University an opportunity to expand its fine arts offerings. It is known for programs in computer science, law, business, nursing, and liberal arts. It also has a reputation for encouraging students to participate in service projects that address local challenges such as homelessness, poverty, and education disparities.

Students at both schools could have access to both campuses as early as next school year.

The combined institution could become a hub for Seattle’s nationally recognized creative economy, hosting performances, exhibitions, and conferences that bridge academic and professional communities. The announcement comes just months after Seattle University announced a $300 million gift of art by Seattle philanthropist Richard Hedreen, the largest gift of art to any university in the United States. Seattle University also plans to build an art museum on its urban campus, which straddles the Capitol Hill and First Hill neighborhoods.

Cornish Interim President Emily Parkhurst cited a challenging environment in higher education as a key reason for the move. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that more than 500 four-year private nonprofit colleges have closed in the last 10 years. The National Center for Education Statistics says 99 institutions closed between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years alone. Both Cornish and Seattle University are private, nonprofit schools.

“The pandemic was hard on a lot of small institutions, particularly arts institutions,” she says. “For Cornish, that resulted in a drop in enrollment, which has presented financial challenges. That said, we’re growing and we’re in a really good place.”

Cornish has had a significant cultural and creative influence on Seattle since its founding in 1914, with an emphasis on cultivating artistic talent in a range of disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, music, design, and creative writing. It has about 488 students. Tuition is $41,000 per year. Seattle University, founded in 1891, has 7,200 enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs, and is nationally recognized for its economic diversity and post-graduate employment. Tuition is more than $50,000 at Seattle University.

It’s been a busy year for Cornish. Former President Raymond Tymas-Jones retired in July, and Cornish last month announced the sale of Kerry Hall — a 103-year-old building that was once the home of college founder Nellie Cornish — to Seattle Theater Group for $6 million. That sale completed Cornish’s plan to consolidate all of its operations at its South Lake Union campus.

Note: Cornish Interim President Emily Parkhurst and Seattle magazine Executive Editor Rob Smith are married.