How Four Catholic Universities Built a New Kind of Alliance

Higher education is often framed as a competition for students, rankings, and resources. But as financial pressures grow and the challenges facing colleges become more complex, some institutions are exploring a different path — one built on partnership rather than isolation.In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz speaks with Dr. Thomas Evans, President of the University of the Incarnate Word, about the creation of CHARISM, a new alliance of four Catholic universities across San Antonio, New York, Chicago, and San Juan. Together, they discuss how mission-driven institutions can collaborate to expand opportunity, strengthen sustainability, and preserve institutional identity while building something larger together.Grounded in the principles of The Community Solution, the conversation explores the practical realities of building trust across institutions, launching shared initiatives, and creating partnerships rooted in shared values rather than competition.In this episode:How CHARISM came together and what it means for its founding institutionsWhy long-term leadership matters in building successful partnershipsThe growing importance of bilingual and bicultural educationWhat other colleges can learn from CHARISM’s collaborative modelAdvice for presidents and trustees considering institutional partnerships