By AP/KWMU
Columbia, MO – The University of Missouri's governing board has endorsed more talks about a proposed merger with Northwest Missouri State University.
This afternoon, the Board of Curators of the four-campus Missouri system unanimously approved moving ahead with the talks.
Regents at Northwest Missouri approved an identical resolution on Sunday.
The votes by the two boards give broad authority to Missouri system president Elson Floyd and Northwest president Dean Hubbard to pursue legislation allowing the merger.
The Legislature ends its session next month. But Floyd says he's still optimistic the proposal can move through the statehouse.
Missouri is sending several of its top officials to Maryville next Tuesday and Wednesday to continue talks at the Northwest Missouri campus.