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Higher Ed Pulse
Episode 122: The Real Reason Higher Ed Mergers Fail
EP
122
June 22, 2026
Episode 122: The Real Reason Higher Ed Mergers Fail

The Real Reason Higher Ed Mergers Fail

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About the Episode

‍About the Episode:

The financial pressures squeezing higher education are real, but when it comes to the complex world of mergers and acquisitions, focusing solely on the spreadsheet is a critical mistake. In this episode of The Higher Ed Pulse, Mallory sits down with Dr. Morgan Johnson, VP of Academic Experience at The University of Arizona Global Campus, to discuss the human layer of higher ed M&A. Having recently defended her dissertation on the leadership competencies essential to navigating mergers, Morgan shares firsthand insights from more than 20 senior leaders across three completed institutional mergers.

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Connect with Morgan

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Connect With Our Host:

Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

People in this episode

Host

Mallory Willsea

Mallory Willsea is a strategist and consultant working at the intersection of higher education.

Interviewee

Morgan Johnson

Morgan Johnson, EdD, is a higher education executive and educator with nearly two decades of experience.

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