Russell Sage College, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Services announce plan to merge

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Russell Sage College and the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) have announced a plan for a strategic merge. The combined institution would be called Russell Sage.

The two colleges made the announcement on Tuesday. According to a press release, the decision was outlined in a memorandum of understanding that was approved by both institution's boards of trustees.

If the strategic merger is approved by the colleges' regulatory bodies, the merging process is estimated to be complete by fall of 2027. All students will be able to complete their degree programs at their respective college prior to the merge and at the combined institution after.

With a planned enrollment of around 4,000 students, Russell Sage would reportedly become the region's third-largest private higher education institutions with the widest offering of programs in the health professions. The institution would also have programs in education, business, criminal justice, the sciences, arts and humanities and more.

"We’re thrilled to partner with Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, a leader in healthcare education and research since 1881, strengthening the infrastructure for the region’s healthcare workforce and creating a comprehensive institution with endless opportunities for students, including new accelerated and linked degrees," Russell Sage College President Matthew Shaftel said.

There will be a total of six schools at Russell Sage, dedicated to pharmacy, biomedical and health sciences, education, health sciences, arts and sciences, and management. Russell Sage College's Division III athletic programs and Opalka Gallery will continue at the merged institution, as well as ACPHS's center for bio-pharmaceutical education and training, community pharmacy and Collaboratory.

The merger will also combine Russell Sage College and ACPHS's assets into a combined total of approximately $246 million, including $115 million in endowment investments.

"Together, we will broaden horizons, expand opportunities, and empower our students to thrive,” said Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences President Toyin Tofade. “The merging of our institutions is more than a partnership; it represents a powerful synergy, and a natural evolution that has been driven by ACPHS’s strategic priorities."

The merger plan will now require approvals from each institution's board of trustees, the New York State Education Department, the U.S. Department of Education, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and other accreditors, lenders and parties. Additionally, separate from the merger, Russell Sage College is planning to seek regulatory approvals to change their name to Russell Sage University.