Malone is the next Ohio college to make name change

Malone College took a giant step forward this month, changing its name from a college to a university to better fit its diverse program offerings.

The institution officially took the name of Malone University on Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. According to the Director of University Relations at Malone the name change will not only better describe the institution as a whole but also help with enrollment.

Malone's program has changed over the last several decades to include multiple schools, 6 in all, including schools for the arts, sciences, and nursing.

"The institution has followed a University structure for many years," Susie Thomas, Director of University relations explained. "This structure includes separate colleges with separate deans."

The process that Malone took was drawn out over multiple years. First, the president of Malone appointed a Blue Ribbon committee to research the effects of the change.

After some research the committee recommended to the board of trustees to change from a college to a university. In February, the board voted unanimously to change the name; picking Oct.3 as the date, the Friday of Homecoming weekend.

"It was a good move for the growth of academic programs," Thomas said. "But it could not be done overnight."

The frustrating part for the university has been making sure the name was changed everywhere it had previously been. Signs, publications and letterheads every thing had to be changed according to Thomas. As far as enrollment though, Thomas expects the change to help.

Muskingum College's Senior Director of Admissions disagrees with the idea of University bringing more students.

"Some students might be drawn to looking at a University over a College," Beth DaLonzo said. "But I think in the end the decision is based on the academic environment of the school, not on the name of college or University."

Following the name change of Malone, Cedarville, Walsh, Ohio Dominican and many other Ohio schools from College to University, leaves many wondering if Muskingum could see this change sometime in the future.

With its interesting array of programs and the addition of a school of nursing, Muskingum is headed towards a University structure.

"The question of whether Muskingum might consider a change in name from college to University is an interesting one," Paul Reichardt, Vice President for Academic Affairs said. "But it would be a subject for discussion at the highest levels of the college."

The Vice President of Enrollment here at Muskingum sees the possibility in the name change being discussed.

"I would be surprised if that was something we talked about in the five to 10 years," William Zellers said. "Especially because of our diverse programs."