POTSDAM -- The merger of Union Graduate College into Clarkson University was approved Monday by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents.

"We are pleased by today's Board of Regents vote to approve the charter and master plan amendments needed to support the merger of Union Graduate College and Clarkson University," said Clarkson University President Tony Collins. "This is an important milestone as we move forward toward a January actualization of our merger. It is rare today to see a partnership between two strong and financially viable institutions such as ours. We look forward to a vibrant future as we enhance the opportunities for both schools' students."

The Department of Education’s program actions are contingent upon completion of the merger.

The merged entity will be called Clarkson University, with Union Graduate College in Schenectady to become the Clarkson University Capital Region campus.

Clarkson, a private, nationally ranked research university, and Union Graduate College, an independent college recognized for its exceptional programs in professional and graduate-level education, share a close alignment in several key academic disciplines.

“Today’s approval by the Board of Regents is the latest affirmation for this pioneering merger, which represents a world-class higher education model to serve students, businesses and industries into the future,” said Union Graduate College President Laura Schweitzer. “As I prepare for my retirement on August 1, I have the utmost confidence in the future of the combined institution. I will continue to watch with pride the extraordinary commitment and vision of both teams as they progress towards a January 2016 merger, and look forward to seeing the many positive outcomes for our students.”

The Schenectady campus will serve as an integrated hub for program marketing, student recruitment and admissions for master’s programs. Clarkson will expand its graduate offerings by continuing the distinguished bioethics, healthcare management and education programs currently offered at Union Graduate College.

Clarkson’s nationally ranked engineering, science, management, physical therapy and physician’s assistants programs will reinforce existing programs at Union Graduate College in those related disciplines, and offer additional resources to benefit students and alumni of each school.

The merger received unanimous approval from the boards of trustees of each institution in early May. The target date for implementation of the merger is January 2016.