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An Origin Story: A Case Study in Blending Programs, Building Trust, and Merging Social Work Departments
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Author(s): Janet Acker (The State University of New York at Plattsburgh, USA), Maureen Rotondi (The State University of New York at Plattsburgh, USA), Julie Richards (The State University of New York at Plattsburgh, USA), Denise A. Simard (The State University of New York at Plattsburgh, USA)and Brent Carabajal (The State University of New York at Plattsburgh, USA)
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 18
Source title:
Narratives of Upheaval in Higher Education
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Denise Simard (The State University of New York at Plattsburgh, USA)and Janet Acker (The State University of New York at Plattsburgh, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-2063-2.ch013
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Abstract
This chapter presents a case study of the merger between the Social Work programs at the College of Saint Rose and SUNY Plattsburgh following the former's unexpected closure in 2023. What began as a crisis became a values-driven adoption process grounded in social work ethics, relational trust, and collaborative leadership. Faculty and administrators from both institutions worked swiftly to preserve community, ensure continuity for students, and expand educational access. Framed as a “blended family” rather than a transactional merger, the chapter details the emotional, structural, and strategic aspects of the transition. It highlights the role of transparency, care, and collective decision-making in managing grief, sustaining professional identity, and building a new departmental culture. Lessons learned offer a potential model for institutions navigating closure or transformation, emphasizing the power of shared purpose and human connection.
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