The impending merger between Bainbridge State College and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College became official on Wednesday when the Board of Regents approved the proposal. Although the merger will not be official for a year, BSC students are already looking into how the changes will affect them.

“I think it will have a pretty big impact,” Ben Holden said. “I am actually a UGA transfer so it got me a little bit worried if the classes that I would need in order to transfer to UGA would still be reciprocal through ABAC, but it still will be.”

Other students said that the merger with ABAC will weigh into their decision when they are looking into where to complete their bachelors degrees.

“I need a BSN in nursing and Bainbridge doesn’t offer it and ABAC doesn’t offer it, but I heard that if they merge together they will offer one,” Makenna Greene said. “That would probably [keep me here].”

Overall, the students were in favor of the merger and the impact it will have on BSC.

“I was skeptical about it at first until I read into it and how it would benefit the state, cut down on cost and offer more four-year programs,” George Avery, a history major, said. “Now, I support it…I have already made up my mind and made arrangements to go to Valdosta State, but if I hadn’t I probably would stay here if they offered a four-year.”

Holden added, “It allows the student to get a better name when they go to school. Nothing against Bainbridge, but ABAC has a better zing to it than I got my degree at Bainbridge State College.”

Another student said that the merger won’t affect his decision, but that it is nice to see BSC college expanding.