Proposed study of merging ODU, EVMS on hold

Posted to: News Politics State Government Virginia
Login or register to post comments

By Bill Sizemore
The Virginian-Pilot
© February 4, 2012

RICHMOND

A Portsmouth lawmaker who proposed that the state consider merging Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School has put the idea on hold for a year.

At Del. Johnny Joannou’s request, a House of Delegates subcommittee voted to carry over his measure, HJ 173, to the 2013 session of the General Assembly.

The bill asked the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to study a possible merger of the two Norfolk schools.

Joannou said he decided the study would have been premature.

His proposal had 13 co-sponsors, including most of the South Hampton Roads delegation, but the Democratic delegate didn’t consult with the leadership of either school before introducing it.

The schools reacted coolly to the idea. ODU President John Broderick said both institutions face significant funding inadequacies that would need to be addressed by any merger study.

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.

This is a great idea that

Submitted by alsmuv on Fri, 02/03/2012 at 7:45 pm.

This is a great idea that only enhance the profile of all of Hampton Roads. Hopefully our politician leaders don't muck it up and the schools see the benefits. One thing though...Light rail need to be extended up Colley or Hampton Blvd for easy access for students, faculty, and visitors.

This is a great idea and

Submitted by zatoony on Fri, 02/03/2012 at 4:57 pm.

This is a great idea and makes way too much sense for both schools for this not to happen sometime in the near future. However, I agree, both parties do need to be on board and the financing from the state worked out. This would definitely be a win, win, win, win for the two schools involved, the region and the entire state. I hope it happens soon and sensibly.

Merging Both Educational Institutions Is A Great Thought!

Submitted by mikem67778 on Fri, 02/03/2012 at 3:30 pm.

But combining the two might not result in any cost savings due to the totally separate physical plants and faculties. With mergers you try to have a cost savings on any areas of duplication. I like the previous writers comment about dating first and marriage later. A few phone calls, a few dates and who knows...LOVE???

odu and evms

Submitted by 1955guy on Fri, 02/03/2012 at 3:16 pm.

You know how things are in Virginia. A study to consider a blue ribbon panel, followed by a more comprehesive study, a little more foot draging then...bottom line it never happens. ODU continues to be the most underfunded doctoral granting institute in the state, and EVMS continues to struggle just like it promised the state years ago. Welcome to Virginia's ugly step child , Hapless Roads!