Willamette University and the Pacific Northwest College of Art finalized their merger Wednesday. The two institutions, Oregon’s oldest university and the region’s oldest arts college, announced their plan to merge last year, in a move to strengthen both schools. Willamette has endured declining enrollment over the past few years, while PNCA has dealt with layoffs and a failed merger with the now-closed Oregon College of Art and Craft. “I am thrilled that we can celebrate the formal completion of this merger and welcome the Pacific Northwest College of Art into Willamette University,” Willamette President Stephen Thorsett said in a statement. “I am so grateful to our two communities, whose hard work and dedication made this a reality, and I am especially excited for our students, who will see immediate benefits as we further advance our plans for collaborative opportunities and cross-disciplinary programs that will be the trademark of this union as it deepens the connection between art, design and the liberal arts and sciences.”
https://www.opb.org/article/2021/06/30/willamette-university-pacific-northwest-college-of-art-merge/
