Dmitrich said making a merger happen would require increased funding, and the Legislature would have to be on board. It isn't the first time such a proposal has been discussed, as Dmitrich said local officials have talked about other options during past sessions. His bill would also include a name change, to Utah State University College of Eastern Utah Campus.

He called CEU a "major asset for the community," adding that when Carbon County's natural resources become depleted, "we'll still have our community college fueling the economy there."

CEU President Ryan Thomas issued a statement containing successful merger models exhibited in nearby states. He said a possible merger between USU and CEU has been in the works for a number of years and was "prompted primarily by concerns about the financial stability of CEU." The college was encouraged to work out such issues independently as a merger would most likely not include any additional operating funds. Since talks began, financial stability at CEU has improved, but enrollment numbers are still low and lawmakers have had to bail the school out of various debts over the years.

Concerned students and faculty met with Thomas during a community meeting Wednesday, with Dmitrich, King and members of the Board of Regents listening in via teleconference. Questions regarding programming and job cuts abounded, while Dmitrich said he sees no reason for dramatic change in the current structure of the college.

"This is far from being done," he said, adding that the Legislature has been exploring the merger for years.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com