6 Pa. universities may merge into 2
Six universities that are part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education could merge into two new institutions come 2022.
According to the Associated Press, the state board of governors is expected to vote Wednesday for Bloomsburg, Mansfield and Lock Haven universities in northern Pennsylvania to merge into one institution, and for California, Clarion and Edinboro in Western Pennsylvania to merge into another.
The vote from the board would begin a 60-day commenting period preceding the final vote in July.
The state system estimates that it can save about $18.4 million after five years through reductions in leadership, management and support staff.
According to the AP, the campuses that are merging would keep their name in some form, and the two new institutions would each adopt names.
The AP also said the system wants each of the six campuses to retain its sports teams, and a request is awaiting approval from the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
