(WWJ) A century-old university in Michigan is closing its doors.
Siena Heights University in Adrian will close at the end of the next school year because of mounting financial difficulties.
The school has been educating students for 105 years, but President Douglas Palmer said in a video announcement that it's just not possible for them to remain open.
"The reality is, colleges and universities across America have been impacted by shifts in demographics, declining enrollment, and rising costs. It is just not possible to continue beyond this next year," Palmer said.
"We're not the first college and university to close, nor will we be the last."
Palmer said university officials are working with students who want to transfer, and they're help faculty and staff transition.
"Your academic progress is our primary concern," Palmer said. "We're gonna be here next year, including celebrating graduation in May of 2026. But for those of you who wish to seek transferring, we are prepared to work with you, and we're already working on a list of academic partners who are prepared to take your full academic credit to facilitate your transfer."
Palmer said 2026 is expected to be a full year of academics, athletics and events at the school.
Siena Heights had about 2,300 students in the 2023-2024 school year.
The school opened 1919 as the St. Joseph College for Women, a Catholic institution founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters.