The Legislature on Thursday approved the merger of College of Eastern Utah with Utah State University, joining two institutions for the first time in Utah history in what is being framed as "a phenomenally positive step forward" for the state's most rural corner.
After the House endorsed USU's historic takeover, leaders toasted the accomplishment over cake and Aggie ice cream, USU's signature locally-produced confection.
The merger marks a substantial increase in USU's reach into rural Utah, where it is now the largest provider of higher education.
"Small institutions have a hard time prospering and being all they can be and meeting all the needs without partnering with larger institutions," Commissioner of Higher Education Bill Sederburg said.
As of July 1, CEU's Price and Blanding campuses will be a USU satellite known Utah State University-College of Eastern Utah, but the 2,100-student school will retain its identity, mission and athletic programs.
"Merging with Utah State is a big change, especially for the faculty. It's been tough for them," said legislation sponsor Sen. David Hinkins, R-Price. "We're hoping this brings a lot more opportunities to the citizens of our district for higher education."
Hinkins' bill SB69, based on agreements forged between the two schools, cleared the Legislature with virtually no opposition. The single nay vote came from Rep. John Dougall, R-American Fork. Some lawmakers were saddened by CEU's loss of autonomy, but supported the merger anyway.
"This is a wonderful, wonderful school," said Sen. Margaret Dayton, a former CEU trustee, in a recent committee meeting. The merger "is like saying the adoptive parents are really nice people, so you should feel okay about giving your child to them. It's with a pain in my heart to take CEU out of Price and Blanding and not being their binding, cultural centerpiece."
But at the same meeting, Sen. Howard Stephenson openly wondered why the state isn't considering merging Snow and Dixie State colleges, also rural-serving schools, with larger institutions up-state.
While details remain to be worked out, the framework is set: CEU will be led by a chancellor selected and supervised by USU President Stan Albrect and the CEU board of trustees will remain in an advisory capacity. The USU board will be expanded to include representation from the CEU service area.
"This has worked out a lot better than any of us imagined. People put aside their differences and said, 'How can we make something positive happen?' " Sederburg said. "We expect CEU as part of Utah State to increase and enhance educational services in eastern Utah."
USU is planning events to celebrate the merger April 29 in Blanding and April 20 in Price.
