History in the making
Devin Bybee managing editor
[email protected]
Speculation, assumption and supposition are all words that will no longer be tied to the infamous merger between Utah State University and the College of Eastern Utah. State Bill 69, the bill binding these two entities together, was passed March 4.
The merger is historic, not only for the beginning of USU/CEU, but also for the state of Utah. It marks the first time in the state’s history that a university and a college have been merged together.
This archived article was written by: Devin Bybee
Devin Bybee managing editor
[email protected]
Speculation, assumption and supposition are all words that will no longer be tied to the infamous merger between Utah State University and the College of Eastern Utah. State Bill 69, the bill binding these two entities together, was passed March 4.
The merger is historic, not only for the beginning of USU/CEU, but also for the state of Utah. It marks the first time in the state’s history that a university and a college have been merged together.
Preparations and planning have been carried out over the last year to set everything in order for the merger to be passed in legislation. This process has been carried out professionally and with meticulous consideration.
As a result, ample amounts of optimism have been expressed from those involved and from those who oversaw the process. William Sederburg, commissioner of higher education in Utah, both praised those who took part in the merger process and also noted the positives in the merger by saying, “This affiliation will bring a host of new higher education opportunities for this region. As the state’s land-grant institution, USU is well equipped to continue the momentum that has been initiated by the board’s leadership, especially Regent David Jordan who chaired the taskforce behind this initiative.”
Stan Albrecht, president of USU, indicated that the merger is a positive move for both USU and CEU. Creating extensive opportunities for the Price campus by way of academic programs and smoother transitions to USU to continue their education is among the many productive aspects of the merger. He said, “I am excited by the doors this opens for both USU and CEU. I have always taken great pride in USU’s statewide education role. This move assures more Utah students the chance at a high-quality higher education.”
In addition to this remark, Brad King, CEU vice president of institutional advancement, stated, “Combining the two institutions provides a synergy that would not otherwise exist. He said the general feeling around the campus and the community is that of excitement and anticipation.”
Academic perks are not limited to CEU students only. Among other benefits, USU students will now have the opportunity to access and take advantage of CEU’s quality nursing program. Along with the nursing program, they will also have the opportunity to tap into Eastern Utah’s rich geology and paleontology programs.
Plans are being made to celebrate the newly established connection between USU and CEU on April 29 and 30.
