Strategic Financial and Operational Restructuring: Enhancing Cash Flow and Driving Operational Improvements

Daniel Cronin - Maryland Institute College of Art
Terri Albertson - Ursinus College
Rebecca Kuhar - J.P. Morgan Chase Bank
Sandy Baxter - Callowhill Capital Advisors

In the face of financial challenges and the need for operational efficiency, universities and colleges are seeking innovative strategies to optimize their resources. This presentation will explore the successful initiatives undertaken by Ursinus College and Maryland Institute College of Art to achieve near-term cash flow relief and enhance service quality through strategic financial and operational restructuring. We will begin by examining Ursinus College’s and Maryland Institute College of Art’s approach to debt refinancing, which provided immediate cash flow relief and strengthened partnerships with financial advisors. This segment will highlight the benefits of reshuffling financial obligations to create a more sustainable financial outlook, offering insights into how similar strategies can be applied to other institutions.

The presentation will then shift focus to the restructuring of food services, where Ursinus College achieved significant cost savings and improved service quality. Ursinus College and Maryland Institute College of Art will share additional examples of improvements in staffing, insurance, and other external vendors that resulted in cost savings, improved service quality, and allowing the universities to achieve strategic objectives. Attendees will learn about the strategic decisions and innovative practices that led to these outcomes, providing a practical framework for implementing similar changes.

Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and challenges, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with actionable strategies to enhance their institution's financial and operational performance, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and efficient educational environment.

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the key strategies used by Ursinus College and Maryland Institute College of Art for debt refinancing, highlighting how these strategies provide immediate cash flow relief and strengthen financial partnerships.
  2. Identify and analyze the operational changes executed by both Ursinus College & Maryland Institute College of Art such as food services, staffing, insurance, and other external vendors that resulted in cost savings, improved service quality, and allowing the universities to achieve strategic objectives.
  3. Develop a strategic plan for financial and operational restructuring, incorporating best practices and innovative approaches to enhance institutional efficiency and sustainability.

CPE Available

  • 1 Credit: Finance