The six-member executive committee met to review the partnership plan, but ended up rejecting it on the recommendation of Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Kendell.

"My honest opinion is that a merger is preferable," Kendell said. "I have not been persuaded that a partnership is a better way."

The presidents of CEU and Utah College of Applied Technology, of which SEATC is part, last week portrayed a partnership as a way for the two schools to maintain their individual identities while also sharing space and benefitting from operating efficiencies.

But Kendell said a merger is necessary in order for the two schools to thrive in a region of the state where resources are limited and they too often have had to compete for faculty, staff and space.

In addition, the merger will give SEATC students access to Pell grants and other forms of financial aid previously unavailable to them.

A transition team will be formed to develop a detailed plan for the merger, for which planning will begin immediately. The plan still needs legislative support.

Executive committee member Michael Jensen cast the only vote against proceeding with the merger, saying he believes the entire Board of Regents should have a chance to review the partnership plan.

If a majority of the Regents request that the matter be considered by the full board, it will be placed on the agenda for the board's Jan. 19 meeting, Kendell said.