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CBU, Lewis Sign Letter of Intent

Christian Brothers University and Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« Sign Letter of Intent to Explore Transformative Partnership

Published: May 13, 2025.



Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« and have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore a bold and transformative partnership aimed at expanding access to high-quality Lasallian education and amplifying the mission and values both institutions share.

“With Memphis being home to industry leaders in distribution, engineering, transportation, technology, and healthcare, this potential partnership allows us to explore new ways to meet regional needs,” said Dr. David Livingston, President of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ«. “By leveraging our complementary strengths, we believe there is potential to extend the impact of the Lasallian mission beyond what either of us could achieve alone.” 

A Vision for the Future

The signing of the LOI initiates a collaborative planning process designed to evaluate how a formal alliance could best support the futures of both universities. This journey will include in-depth consultation with internal stakeholders, alumni, community leaders, and industry partners.

Through this process, the institutions seek to co-create a shared vision that preserves their distinct identities while advancing a collective commitment to excellence, service, and innovation in higher education.

Why Christian Brothers University?

CBU stands at a pivotal moment in its 154-year legacy of service to Memphis and the Mid-South. Nearly 70 percent of its graduates remain in the region, contributing to local communities and economies. A strategic partnership with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« could better position CBU to grow and thrive, aligning academic programs with emerging workforce demands and strengthening its role as a regional anchor institution.

“This process is about envisioning what’s possible at CBU — academically, financially, and in how we serve our students and city,” said Brother Chris Englert, FSC, Interim President of CBU. “By considering a partnership with Lewis, we’re taking a step toward a stronger, more sustainable future while remaining rooted in our faith in God and the Lasallian mission that has guided us for more than 150 years.”

Memphis, home to global headquarters like FedEx, AutoZone, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, offers a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and industry-academic collaboration. This partnership is poised to elevate both institutions’ ability to meet regional and national needs.

Next Steps

In the coming months, representatives from both universities will engage their campus communities and external partners to assess opportunities and challenges. Throughout the 2025–26 fiscal year, both institutions will hold a series of forums, listening sessions, and strategic planning activities to determine the most beneficial path forward.

This LOI signals a shared commitment to explore bold possibilities that strengthen Lasallian education for generations to come.

To stay informed about this developing partnership, visit



About Christian Brothers University:

Christian Brothers University (CBU) is a private Lasallian Catholic university in Memphis, Tennessee, committed to academic excellence and service-based leadership. With a student-centered approach, CBU provides a mission-driven education in an inclusive and supportive environment. For more information, visit .

About Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ«:

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Lewis is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.


Frequently Asked Questions for Lewis / CBU Exploring a Potential Partnership

What does signing a Letter of Intent mean? 

The Letter of Intent (LOI) is a formal agreement between Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« and Christian Brothers University to explore the possibility of a partnership. It signals both institutions’ commitment to carefully evaluate how they might work together to expand academic offerings, expand opportunities for students, and build a more sustainable future.

The LOI is non-binding and is not a contract or final partnership agreement — it is the first step in a thoughtful, collaborative exploration process. 

What kind of partnership are the two institutions exploring? 

The Letter of Intent (LOI) states that if a partnership with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« is formed, Christian Brothers University will retain its name and Catholic institutional identity. If a formal partnership is established, it is likely that CBU will be restructured both administratively and academically. This may include the addition of new programs and degrees, consolidation of departments and resources, and changes to CBU’s leadership structure. 

Is CBU merging with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ«? 

No. While this process has similarities to Lewis’ merger with St. Augustine College, the need for CBU to retain its independent status in Tennessee for state grant purposes would influence the nature of any proposed structure.

How will this affect the upcoming academic year?

This exploration process is not expected to significantly affect either institution during the 2025-26 academic year. Changes resulting from this potential partnership would be envisioned for Fall 2026 and beyond.

How might a partnership with CBU benefit Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ«?

Memphis, home to global headquarters like FedEx, AutoZone, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, offers a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and industry-academic collaboration. This partnership is poised to expand Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ«’s influence and connection to a growing and thriving state of Tennessee while elevating both institutions’ ability to meet regional and national needs.

How will this benefit Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« students? 

This process could lead to more robust academic options, access to new, accredited programs, and broader connections with industry and potential employers, among others. 

Why is CBU considering a partnership now? 

Like many universities nationwide, CBU is navigating enrollment shifts, economic pressures, and evolving student needs. While they have made progress — including increased philanthropic support, reduced expenses, and a projected budget surplus — long-term sustainability requires swift but thoughtful strategy.  

Why is a potential partnership with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« appealing to CBU? 

All six U.S. Lasallian universities have been exploring opportunities to collaborate more closely. Among them, Lewis stands out with a strong track record of successful partnerships, a growing enrollment of nearly 8,000 students, 80 undergraduate majors, and more than 35 graduate programs. Lewis is strategically expanding its reach while maintaining a commitment to mission-driven education. Its momentum, academic depth, and institutional strength align well with CBU’s vision and goals - making Lewis a natural strategic partner.   

What is the timeline for next steps? 

Over the coming months, CBU and Lewis will engage in a comprehensive evaluation process, including forums, listening sessions, and strategic planning. At the Community Convocation held in August, Lewis and CBU administration plan to provide an update. A decision on whether to move forward with a full agreement is expected later this fall, with implementation details worked out during the 2025–26 academic year. 

What is CBU’s financial status? 

Enrollment continues to be a challenge, however, thanks to strong philanthropic support, CBU expects a surplus budget this fiscal year (May 31, 2025). Relying on donor support is not a viable long-term strategy, thus CBU’s interest in the potential partnership with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ«.  

Why is this being communicated now?  

To responsibly explore interest by Lewis and CBU to enter into an LOI, it was important for early discussions to remain confidential. A tremendous amount of due diligence, board discussion and external research has been conducted in a relatively short period of time.

The outcomes of that work led the leadership of both institutions to comfortably engage in the next and public phase of this potential partnership while not distracting us from our important academic work.  

When will we know more?    

Regular updates will be shared through campus emails, a dedicated webpage, town halls and listening sessions. Faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders will have opportunities to ask questions, share feedback, and stay informed throughout the process. 

Have the appropriate accreditation agencies been notified?

Yes, we have notified the respective institutional accreditors of our intentions to explore a partnership. 

What is the status of a merger between Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ×îÐÂ×îÈ« and St. Augustine College?

The legal merger of the two institutions became permanent on December 1, 2023. The U.S. Department of Education merger approval is still pending.

Until Lewis receives further clarification from DOE, it will continue progress in completing merger. The primary restriction from lack of final DOE approval is maintaining separate accreditation, financial aid awarding, and the awarding of degrees.



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