ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (AP) — Trustees with Henderson State University have voted to join the Arkansas State University System.
The board of trustees on Thursday made the decision, which is subject to approval from the Arkansas State University and the Higher Learning Commission, and will require legislative action.
The schools say they’re hopeful the merger will be finalized by Jan. 1, 2021. Under the deal, Henderson State will keep its name and its mascot, the Reddies.
Henderson State is Arkansas’ only public, four-year liberal arts university. The school, based in Arkadelphia, has faced financial troubles in recent years.
The Arkansas State system serves nearly 23,000 students. Henderson State would become the third school to merge with ASU in recent years, including Mid-South Community College in West Memphis and College of the Ouachitas in Malvern.
