Distance Learning Alliances in Higher Education

Abstract

Consider the case of George Peabody College for Teachers and Vanderbilt University. The two private schools sat side by side in Nashville, Tennessee. Peabody trained generations of teachers across the United States. Vanderbilt was and remains a research university. For decades, the two schools maintained a partnership or alliance, and it functioned on many levels. Students at one school easily enrolled for classes at the other and transferred credits without trouble. The two schools shared library resources between themselves and a third, religious-oriented school. Athletes on Vanderbilt sports teams earned Peabody degrees. At times, Vanderbilt rented dormitory space from Peabody to house excess students. Separated only by a city street, the schools collaborated but remained distinct. Then in the late 1970s, they announced a merger. Peabody would become part of Vanderbilt. By the early 1980s, the merger was complete. The change was wrenching for Peabody. Many faculty left or were laid off. Tuition increased to match that of Vanderbilt. Today Peabody survives only as the name of the College of Education within Vanderbilt (Dorn, 1996).