Research on perceptions of critical tacit knowledge retention in business is prevalent; however, minimal research has been conducted on participant perceptions of this loss specifically within higher education due to unintentional siloing. The problem addressed in this study was that high employee turnover in higher education may result in the potential loss of critical tacit knowledge needed to support current and future university operations due to a segregated organizational culture. The purpose of this intrinsic qualitative case study was to explore how critical tacit knowledge after employee turnover was transferred and retained by operational employees in a segregated organizational culture, within a higher education institution in New England. Utilizing Sanz and Hovell's Knowledge Retention Framework, a more detailed conceptualization of critical tacit knowledge loss supported the methodology. For this intrinsic case study, the phenomena examined was the transition planning of the critical tacit knowledge for retention of the remaining team. Thirteen participants employed with the university for a minimum of two years explored critical tacit knowledge transfer and retention within a segregated organizational culture through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The researcher developed research questions with the help of an expert panel and were semi-structured questions about participant experience with knowledge management within the university at large. The researcher analyzed data using thematic analysis and the results included four themes. Conclusions, implications, and recommendations around the four themes include: (1) Strong Community and Culture can facilitate openness in knowledge sharing, (2) Stakeholder buy-in needed to create a robust learning organization, (3) Transparency assists within breaking down silos, and (4) Training and Consulting can help prevent critical knowledge loss. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]