Strategic Affiliation in Higher Education: What Colleges Can Learn from The Colleges of Law and TCS Education System

Strategic affiliation in higher education offers an alternative path for institutional sustainability—one that maintains mission and autonomy while accessing shared infrastructure and support. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Dr. Matt Nehmer, President of The Colleges of Law, about his institution’s affiliation with The Community Solution Education System (TCS) and what other leaders should know before pursuing similar strategies.

Drawing on his experience as both a college president and former system executive, Nehmer shares how the affiliation was structured, how accreditation and compliance were handled, and what shared services have allowed The Colleges of Law to professionalize operations without sacrificing identity.

This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, trustees, and institutional leaders considering affiliation models to improve long-term viability.

Topics Covered:

• Why The Colleges of Law pursued affiliation before it became a necessity

• The dual-board governance structure that balances autonomy and accountability

• How legal safeguards protected institutional assets during transition

• Shared services provided through The Community Solutions system and how they’re managed

• Accreditation coordination with WASC and the implications of a system model

• Academic collaboration across system institutions without curriculum loss

• Leadership communication and the president’s role in system-level engagement

Real-World Examples Discussed:

• Asset protection using a legacy nonprofit entity

• Cross-listed family law course shared with affiliated institutions

• Accreditation contingency planning in case of system dissolution

• Strategic planning coordination across multiple colleges

Three Key Takeaways for Leadership:

• Presidents must actively educate stakeholders about how system affiliation works.

• Legal and governance structures matter—protect assets and clarify responsibilities.

• Affiliation doesn’t require cultural compromise; it enables operational focus.

This episode provides practical insights for institutions exploring strategic affiliation as a pathway to long-term resilience without sacrificing independence.

Recommended For: Presidents, trustees, board members, general counsel, provosts, and system executives considering affiliation or system alignment models in higher education.

Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/strategic-affiliation-in-higher-education/

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