Trustees for Arkansas State University and Mid-South Community College plan to meet separately Jan. 9 to consider a plan to merge the entities.
Arkansas State University System President Charles L. Welch and Mid-South Community College President Glen Fenter said progress continues toward a merger agreement, according to a Friday news release from the ASU System.
"Discussions with constituents have been positive and productive," Welch said in the release. "We haven't identified any major issues. Dr. Fenter and his team have done an excellent job of outlining their expectations and vision for the institution, and we're enthusiastic about the system's ability to help them achieve their goals."
Welch and Fenter said if both boards approve the merger, it would be effective July 1, pending approval of the Higher Learning Commission.
"This would give us ample time to work together through the legislative session and budget planning for next year," Fenter said in the release. "We are all confident that we can execute a smooth transition."
State Desk on 12/20/2014