The leaders of Willamette and Pacific universities have officially agreed to merge, the schools announced July 14. The merger between Oregon’s two oldest universities will create the largest private higher education institution in the state. After plans were announced late last year, both unive rsity boards officially approved the unification on June 6 and ratified the decision in early July. The new school will serve more than 6,000 students at Pacific and Willamette’s current campuses in Salem, Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Portland.  “This merger is built on shared values, complementary missions and a common purpose,” Pacific University President Jenny Coyle said. “As institutions across the country are having to do more with less, we decided we want to do more with more.” At this time, Pacific and Willamette will continue to operate as separate higher education institutions. Students will receive degrees and financial aid from their current university.  Over the following two years, Willamette and Pacific will officially combine into a single school, provisionally named the University of the Northwest, which will be a nonprofit led by a board of trustees. The University of the Northwest will offer a wide range of courses in liberal arts, science, business, art and more, with particular investment in healthcare, law and education. Individual schools and colleges will retain their names, athletics programs, admission processes and other aspects of student life. The new university will be led by Coyle as president and Willamette University President Steve Thorsett as chancellor.  The merger comes after a challenging set of years for Oregon higher education institutions with staff layoffs, hiring freezes and program reductions. In May, University of Oregon announced a budget deficit of $65 million. In March, Oregon State University’s trustees voted to increase tuition by more than 6% for new students arriving in the fall.  “So many universities in Oregon have been retrenching, cutting programs and support for students,” said Thorsett. “We felt that this is a moment not for retreat, but for innovation and leadership. By combining Willamette and Pacific’s distinctive strengths, we intend to build a university with the scale to thrive and to maintain the academic quality we’re both known for.” Contact reporter Eddy Binford-Ross: [email protected]. “My go-to source every morning for accurate, local news.” Make Salem Reporter your trusted source for independent local reporting – every day. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe today. The post Willamette University officially approves merger with Pacific University appeared first on Salem Reporter. ...read more read less