RSU and museum to merge?

Norman Transcript | University, museum to talk merger

Claremore's Will Rogers Memorial Museums and Rogers State University have announced plans to enter into merger discussions.

The Will Rogers Memorial Commission, which is responsible for the governance of the museum, will consider a proposal to study the merger at its regular meeting on Sunday.

The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma, the governing board for RSU, will consider a similar proposal May 10 in Norman.

The proposal would direct administrative staffs from both institutions, located on historic Talbert Hill also known as College Hill, to study the desirability of a possible merger over the course of the next year. Legislation would be required for the institutions to merge and dissolve the commission.

“We believe we may be able to open the door to a new world of possibilities in preserving and advancing the heritage of Will Rogers,” said Joe Wiley, RSU president, in a provided statement. “The university’s academic programs, library reserves and technological resources, coupled with the museum’s archives and art collection, would provide researchers with unprecedented access to Oklahoma’s favorite son.”...