Founding a Nationwide University System for Democracy and Social Justice

The Higher Edge

Jan 31 2023 • 33 mins

In 2019, Bill Groves">Bill Groves, Chancellor of Antioch University">Antioch University, and the school’s board agreed that affiliation was key to advancing their mission of social justice. Their search for a sister school ultimately led them to their very own backyard in Ohio as John Comerford">John Comerford, President of Otterbein University">Otterbein University, and his peers answered the call.

Together, these institutions are forming a perfect partnership built on strengthening the future of our nation’s foundation of democracy and social justice. Bill and John share how this union came to pass and how it will benefit their institutions, this nation, and the higher education landscape.

Join us as we discuss:


- The schools’ founding principles and parallel missions for justice (6:13)

- Why Antioch began their affiliate search and Otterbein’s selection (11:18)

- The higher ed community’s reaction to the schools’ partnership (25:07)

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:


- John Comerford Email">John Comerford Email

- Otterbein University">Otterbein University

- Bill Groves Email">Bill Groves Email

- Antioch University">Antioch University

- The Council of Independent Colleges 2023 Presidents Institute">The Council of Independent Colleges 2023 Presidents Institute

- AAC&U 2023 Annual Meeting">AAC&U 2023 Annual Meeting


To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts">Apple Podcasts, Spotify">Spotify, or our website">our website or search for The Higher Edge in your favorite podcast player.


Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.