The proposed merger of two of Oregon’s oldest universities cleared a key hurdle this month, paving the way for Willamette University in Salem and Pacific University in Forest Grove to begin operating as a single legal entity by the start of 2027.
The combined school is likely to be known as the University of the Northwest and would enroll more than 6,000 students at campuses in Salem, Forest Grove, Portland and Hillsboro.
Governing boards at both schools signed off on the terms of the proposed merger earlier this month, according to a joint statement from the two universities…