By Brooklyn Dance
The Trevecca Board of Trustees met Nov. 2 and 3 and voted unanimously to continue the potential merger with Eastern Nazarene College.
The vote was specifically on whether or not to establish a joint task force, as requested by ENC. This is the next step in the merging process.
This is a substantial step in the merge’s 18-month timeline.
University President Dr. Boone said this task force has several responsibilities.
“One is to create a three-year budget plan to bring ENC to sustainability. The second one is to establish enrollment goals that will demonstrate success,” Boone said. “[The] third one is to present the funding resources for supporting ENC until the merger could occur. Fourth would be to gain denominational approval for the merger.”
The Nazarene denomination establishes regions. ENC and Trevecca are in different regions, therefore the denomination needs to agree that though ENC is in a separate region, it is operating as a legal entity of Trevecca, which is in the Midsouth region.
Boone said the earliest possible date for the merge is June of 2019, because of the need to secure state accreditations.
Boone today released the following statement:
“The mission of Christian higher education is a significant part of the work of the kingdom of God. The work of ENC is important to us and we have created a Joint Task Force in an effort to find a way to enhance and continue the mission of ENC. We recognize that the realities before us require the provision of God, the favor of donors and granting authorities, and the success of enrollment efforts.
So we put our shoulder to the task of strengthening this mission while being sensitive to the fiduciary responsibilities of Trevecca and ENC. As stewards, should closure be necessary, we will act in the best interest of the mission of Christian higher education and as stewards of kingdom assets toward this end.”
