The Coalition for the Common Good: Redefining Collaboration in Higher Education
“Collaboration is at the heart of the Coalition for the Common Good,” states Dr. John Comerford. “We aim to partner with those eager to build a brighter future through social justice and democratic principles.”
Founded in late 2023, the Coalition is the inaugural national higher education system unified by a mission to educate students not only for career advancement but to bolster our diverse democracy and promote social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. This network enables colleges and universities to share resources, expand reach, and enhance academic offerings, ultimately empowering their students to be agents of positive change.
Dr. Comerford, also president of Otterbein University, leads the Coalition alongside Antioch University. Otterbein, a private liberal arts university in Westerville, Ohio, and Antioch, with multiple campuses and diverse programs, form the Coalition’s foundational partnership.
“Our goal is to create a new framework where independent higher education institutions collaborate, maintaining their unique liberal arts identities while expanding into adult education markets,” Comerford explains.
Michelle Koppitz, Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives at Antioch, focuses on connecting with external partners to fulfill the Coalition’s mission.
“Our mission extends beyond education accessibility; it involves aligning with organizations that support our students’ educational journeys,” Koppitz notes. “This includes corporations, healthcare networks, municipalities, and associations, forming pathways from workforce development to doctoral programs.”
This innovative model transforms universities from competitors into collaborators, better serving students and communities while addressing industry demands by providing accessible, affordable education.
Strategic Goals Aligning with Growth
The Coalition for the Common Good was established with three core goals:
- Expanding access to adult education.
- Creating a shared services division among member institutions to streamline non-student-facing operations like accounting and HR.
- Differentiating institutions like Otterbein by offering advantages such as early admission to graduate programs, providing accelerated pathways to degrees and the workforce.
The Coalition’s vision spans across six campuses nationwide, including Antioch’s locations in New Hampshire, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Seattle, Yellow Springs, and Otterbein’s Westerville campus. Additionally, Antioch’s online programs further extend its reach, encompassing a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
With over 95 undergraduate programs and 50 graduate concentrations, the Coalition facilitates smooth transitions from undergraduate to graduate studies, creating a seamless academic experience.
“We design programs that align with organizations’ strategic objectives, meeting students at their current stage, whether they need professional development or are progressing toward advanced degrees,” Koppitz explains.
Comerford adds, “Our partnerships are designed to enhance recruitment and retention by offering practical education solutions, backed by our accredited expertise.”
The Coalition is steadily expanding, seeking partners aligned with its mission — those invested not only in growth but in making a societal impact through economic and social justice.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Comerford proudly highlights the Coalition’s achievements, such as extending Antioch programs to central Ohio and Otterbein programs to other key locations. The Coalition’s innovative approach has shown promising results, with initial data indicating increased employee retention and productivity among partners.
“Our ambition is for the Coalition to grow with more institutions and adult learners, serving the growing demand for accessible education,” Comerford shares. “Success will be measured by the acceptance and adoption of our model, especially in higher education’s evolving landscape.”
Koppitz emphasizes the importance of collaboration, acknowledging that higher education must adapt to align with business needs, offering tailored educational solutions that meet organizations where they are.
The Coalition fosters robust partnerships through proactive support, ensuring both organizational and individual educational success.
“We’re all about building together,” Comerford concludes. “If there’s a need in workforce development, we’re ready to collaborate and create lasting solutions.”
To explore more about the Coalition, tune into our Voices of CLO podcast featuring Dr. Comerford.
The Coalition for the Common Good is a corporate member of BetterWork Media Group. Learn more through BetterWork Media Group’s Corporate Member Directory.
