MacMurray College To Close At End of Spring Semester

The Board of Trustees of MacMurray College voted unanimously in March to close the 174-year-old institution at the end of the spring semester in May 2020.

Board of Trustees Chair Charles O'Connell '69 said that despite the generosity of alumni giving and after extensive analysis and consideration, the Board determined MacMurray had no viable financial path forward amid declining enrollments, rising competitive costs and a small endowment. Mr. O'Connell expressed deep thanks and the full support of the Board to MacMurray President Dr. Beverly Rodgers for her stewardship since being appointed to the position in 2019.

"Our students remain our top priority," Dr. Rodgers declared. "Faculty and staff have gone the extra mile in transferring all our classes to online and remote learning formats — practically overnight." She said that MacMurray has signed transfer agreements for its current students with seven area colleges. "We will assist all students in their transfer needs, helping them ensure they are able to complete their degrees. We will also support our faculty and staff in their transitions to other positions."

The coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic disruption were recent factors that complicated MacMurray's financial condition, but they are not the principal reasons for the Board's decision to close, according to Mr. O'Connell.

This special closure website contains up-to-date information and will be updated frequently as additional agreements are reached.

Resources & Information Regarding Closure