Due to an unexpected turn of events, on June 12, the Antioch University Board of Trustees announced its plans to temporarily close Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH at the end of the 2007-2008 school year, with plans to reopen in 2012. The College has had a dwindling endowment as well as a lack of matriculating students. Just 19 years Oberlin’s junior, Antioch College is one of six Antioch University campuses located throughout the United States.

Former Antioch College President Steven W. Lawry stepped down from his position on September 1, though he had originally announced that he would leave office on December 31.

The College will focus its efforts for the current year on providing resources to its students to minimize the confusion of the closure. To this end, the school now has an Office of Transition, which has made arrangements for those who elected not to return to the College. It will also host a transfer fair for current students.

In a quote from Antioch College’s website, new Vice President for Student Affairs Milton Thompson described his goals for the year: “I plan to focus on helping as many third- and fourth-year students graduate this year and to assist the first- and second-year students earn as many transferable credits as possible.”

A proposal concerning a new financial plan is to be made during the October 2007 trustees meeting by the Antioch College Alumni Board.  This may lead to the college staying open.  

The Oberlin admissions office declined to discuss the issue without knowing the results of this board meeting.