Eastern Nazarene College, a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts institution in Massachusetts, said late Tuesday that it would close and transition to “a new educational enterprise” to carry on its legacy.
“We know this news will come as a shock and disappointment to many, especially those whose lives have been transformed by their affiliation with Eastern Nazarene College through its rich history,” said David W. Bowser, the board chair. “We look forward to creating opportunities to celebrate this rich history and preserve ENC’s legacy moving forward. Taking this step now will ensure the continuation of ENC’s mission to provide a transformational education through annual scholarships that empower students living in our region to attend other Nazarene schools.”
The institution’s announcement said that “like all small, private, liberal arts colleges,” Eastern Nazarene has struggled financially. Data on the college’s website shows that its unduplicated head count enrollment fell from 699 in 2020 to 652 in 2021 and to 541 in 2022, the most recent information available.
“During that time,” the college’s statement said, “the board and multiple presidents have pursued numerous alternatives to closure. While these efforts produced fruit that enabled ENC to continue operating until now, the underlying challenges have intensified. It has become clear that transitioning to a new educational enterprise is the only viable path for continuing ENC’s mission of providing transformational education.”
This is a developing story.
