Merger Rejected For Law School in Indiana
Plans for Valparaiso University’s Law School to merge with Middle Tennessee State University have fallen through.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission rejected the proposal Tuesday in an 8-5 vote, the Chicago Tribune reports.
“We are disappointed the Tennessee Higher Education Commission voted against the cooperative education agreement between Valparaiso University and Middle Tennessee State University, which was designed to serve prospective students in the Nashville area seeking a legal degree from an accredited, public law school in the Middle Tennessee region,” Valparaiso University spokeswoman Nicole Niemi says in a statement.
The Proposed Transfer
The original plan for the transfer was brought up nearly a year ago after Valparaiso law school announced that its financial instability required several changes. Those changes included the law school closing its doors to new enrollment and a search for relocating the law school, according to The Times of Northwest Indiana.
The transfer to MTSU would have allowed third-year law students to complete their education in Valparaiso and first-years to begin their education at MTSU, according to the Chicago Tribune.
“We have been in discussions with Valparaiso University since November of 2017, and I tell you this because I want to make clear that we have gone to great lengths to assure that this opportunity is in the best interests of MTSU, the city of Murfreesboro and the citizens of Middle Tennessee,” MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee stated prior to the decision.
Niemi, Valparaiso’s spokeswoman, praised the law school community for its efforts despite the decision.
“We are truly grateful for the good work and dedication of our law students, faculty and staff,” Niemi tells the Chicago Tribune. “We will continue to provide the opportunity for all currently enrolled students at Valparaiso University Law School to complete their legal education through Valparaiso University Law School in a timely manner.”
Sources: Chicago Tribune, The Time of Northwest Indiana