By AP/KWMU
Maryville, MO – Another step advances the proposed merger of the University of Missouri system and Northwest Missouri State University.
The governing boards of both institutions gathered on the Maryville campus Friday to sign a memo endorsing the merger. They also called on the Legislature and Governor Bob Holden to make it happen.
State Senator Dave Klindt, whose district includes Northwest, says he will file legislation by March first to let his colleagues consider the merger. House member Brad Lager, who represents Maryville, says he still has questions about the merger, but sees positives in the proposal.
The Legislature adjourns in May. University of Missouri system president Elson Floyd says he hopes the merger can win legislative approval by then. But Floyd says he understands that lawmakers will have many questions.