RENSSELAER, Ind. (AP) — An official with a private northwestern Indiana college that was shuttered amid financial problems says plans are in the works to bring the school back.

The Journal & Courier reports that St. Joseph’s College closed last year under the weight of a $27 million debt.

Fr. Barry Fischer said in a message to alumni and the local community posted last month on the college’s Facebook page that staff members are working to find a new mission for the school. Fischer says the Roman Catholic liberal arts college may return as a two-year school through a potential partnership with Marian University in Indianapolis.

About 80 St. Joseph’s College students transferred to Marian University this academic year after their studies were disrupted by the college’s closure.