Otterbein University and Antioch University Establish Coalition for the Common Good

Otterbein University and Antioch University have created of the Coalition for the Common Good, the first national higher education system of affiliated universities organized around a shared mission of educating students not only to advance their careers, but to promote our pluralistic democracy, social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, and the common good.

“The Coalition for the Common Good offers an exciting, innovative model of excellence for revolutionizing and reimagining higher education in ways that position all students for success in work, citizenship, and life in the 21st century,” said Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

Watch Video of the Announcement

The Coalition for the Common Good was developed as a model that allows universities to move from being competitors to collaborators to better serve students and our communities while preserving their own institutional identities and cultures.

Moreover, as a national system the Coalition will be better positioned to address the needs of industry in our states and nation providing accessible and affordable workplace education.

John L. Comerford, Ph.D.
President, Otterbein University
President, The Coalition for the Common Good

The Coalition for the Common Good is the first system to be created in which the affiliate institutions are bound by a common mission of educating for social justice and a commitment to building and preserving democracy. This mission-driven system could not come at a more important inflection point in our nation’s history.

Our pluralistic American democracy requires that educational institutions prepare students to be effective and engaged citizens.

William Groves, J.D.
Chancellor, Antioch University
Vice President, The Coalition for the Common Good

What Others are Saying

“The Coalition for the Common Good offers an exciting, innovative model of excellence for revolutionizing and reimagining higher education in ways that position all students for success in work, citizenship, and life in the 21st century. ”

Lynn Pasquerella, Ph.D.
President, American Association of Colleges and Universities

“Being a champion of collaboration, I see the partnership between Antioch and Otterbein, aimed at advancing the common good, as a bold and inventive merging of efforts. Together, these two universities, in conjunction with their upcoming collaborators, are on the brink of establishing a powerful influence on a national scale, giving rise to significant changes in the realms of social progress, workforce development, and higher education.”

Sean Creighton, Ph.D.
President, New American Colleges and Universities

“During this pivotal moment when our democracy is in crisis, the Antioch-Otterbein social justice alliance is a needed innovation and a challenge to like-missioned universities to join forces and educate for democracy’s well-being. The partnership mobilizes collaboration with the imperative to do good and develop creative solutions that result in an improved future.”

Sean Creighton, Ph.D.
President, New American Colleges and Universities

“Congratulations to Otterbein and Antioch Universities, both long-time members of the Council of Independent Colleges, on the founding of the Coalition for the Common Good. This innovative mission-aligned system will allow institutions to collaborate in ways that enhance access and excellence while maintaining the distinctive identity of each institution. This kind of forward-looking collaboration is important for the future of independent higher education. I look forward to seeing the Coalition expand.”

Marjorie Hass
President, Council of Independent Colleges

“The strategic affiliation between Antioch University and Otterbein University is a critical first step in what I hope will be an effective Postsecondary Justice and Democracy League. Democracy in the United States is under attack. During World War II our colleges and universities were critical organizations that helped the country prepare for war. Our scientists have played central roles in fighting epidemics and improving the lives of our citizens. We now need higher education to help us protect and advance democracy. Antioch and Otterbein have put forward the structure to make it happen. Both universities have distinguished histories framed by missions devoted to the search for truth, equal access, and equality and justice for all. This is an affiliation that comes not simply at the right time, but at a critical moment in our country. I look forward to concrete actions by both institutions that strengthen democracy and their institutions.”

William G. Tierney, Ph.D.
University Professor Emeriti, University of Southern California
Author, Higher Education for Democracy: The Role of the University in Civil Society (2021); Get Real: 49 Challenges Confronting Higher Education (2020)

“The strategic affiliation between Antioch University and Otterbein University is a critical first step in what I hope will be an effective Postsecondary Justice and Democracy League. Democracy in the United States is under attack. During World War II our colleges and universities were critical organizations that helped the country prepare for war. Our scientists have played central roles in fighting epidemics and improving the lives of our citizens. We now need higher education to help us protect and advance democracy. Antioch and Otterbein have put forward the structure to make it happen. Both universities have distinguished histories framed by missions devoted to the search for truth, equal access, and equality and justice for all. This is an affiliation that comes not simply at the right time, but at a critical moment in our country. I look forward to concrete actions by both institutions that strengthen democracy and their institutions.”

William G. Tierney, Ph.D.
University Professor Emeriti, University of Southern California
Author, Higher Education for Democracy: The Role of the University in Civil Society (2021); Get Real: 49 Challenges Confronting Higher Education (2020)

“Ohio is becoming an increasingly popular location for major employers in a variety of industries. With that comes a growing need for skilled and upskilled workers. The system that Otterbein University and Antioch University are proposing will address that need by bringing new educational opportunities to Ohio for adult learners already in the workforce and traditional undergraduates preparing to enter the workforce. ”

Lisa Patt-McDaniel
President and CEO, Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio

“Higher education has an obligation and an imperative to adapt to the marketplace. I applaud Otterbein’s leadership to respond to the needs of our community and the country.”

Kenny McDonald
President and CEO
The Columbus Partnership

“Higher education has an obligation and an imperative to adapt to the marketplace. I applaud Otterbein’s leadership to respond to the needs of our community and the country.”

Kenny McDonald
President and CEO
The Columbus Partnership

Media Coverage

News of Otterbein University and Antioch University’s intentions to form a national system built on collaboration, not competition, was met with great interest. Covered by media outlets throughout the country, see some of the coverage we thought best captured the innovation and potential behind this exciting development:

Columbus Business First: Otterbein, Antioch Universities Call on Employers to Advance New Coalition for the Common Good
Inside Higher Ed: Antioch, Otterbein Launch Network of Graduate Programs
Illuminati Press: Antioch, Otterbein Launch Network Of Colleges To Share Graduate Programs
Columbus Business First: Otterbein, Antioch Universities Take Next Steps in Creation of New Collaborative System
NBC4i.com (reprint): Otterbein, Antioch Universities Take Next Steps in Creation of New Collaborative System
The Colombus Dispatch: Otterbein and Antioch Universities Officially Launch New National Private College System
Spectrum News 1: FAFSA Changes Coming for College-Bound Students Needing Aid
The Higher Edge Podcast: Founding a Nationwide University System for Democracy and Social Justice
(featuring Antioch University Chancellor Bill Groves and Otterbein University President John Comerford)
Chronicle of Higher Education: Antioch and Otterbein Tie the Knot
WOSU – All Sides: How to Make College More Affordable
Inside Higher Ed: Otterbein, Antioch U Aim to Create National System
NBC4: Otterbein University and Antioch University Team Up (Video)
Best Colleges: New National University System Will Focus on Adult Learners, Liberal Arts
EdSurge: Two Universities Team Up to Stay Alive, But Stop Short of Merging
Keene Sentinel: Antioch System Announces Plans to Affiliate with University in Ohio
Columbus Business First: How Otterbein’s New Partnership Aims to Help Fill Workforce Needs
Spectrum News One: Universities Collaborate to Better Serve Adult Learners
Higher Ed Dive: Otterbein, Antioch Plan National Private Nonprofit University System
The Columbus Dispatch: Otterbein Partners with Antioch University to Create a National Private University System
Inside Higher Ed (mention): Montclair State and Bloomfield College Merge
The Columbus Dispatch : Ohio College Graduation Getting more Students to Finish Degree
Taylor and Francis Online: The Role of Colleges and Universities in Defending and Preserving Democracy
The Chronicle of Higher Education: The 7 Trends Shaping Small Colleges

A System of Equals

Locations Nationwide

Undergraduate Programs & Concentrations

Graduate Programs & Concentrations

Doctoral Programs

Certificate Programs

Continuing Education Courses

Online/Low-Residency Programs & Concentrations

Unified Mission

Learn More >

Campus Locations

This unique, not-for-profit, university system will support students at various locations throughout the United States and will include robust online and low-residency programs. Antioch University operates out of Keene, New Hampshire; Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California; Seattle, Washington; and Yellow Springs, Ohio. Otterbein’s campus is located in Westerville, Ohio.