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The planned merger of two local educational institutions would mean changes for students and area residents. The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press asked the following questions about the process, and the answers camein a joint response from Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Where is the EVMS/ODU in the process and what are the next steps?
Leaders from EVMS and ODU — along with representatives from Sentara Healthcare — met Dec. 17, 2021, to commit in a Memorandum of Understanding to explore ways closer alignment or affiliation could enhance their collaborative efforts to strengthen educational research and healthcare outcomes in Hampton Roads.
Since then, multidisciplinary teams comprised of individuals from both EVMS and ODU, and supported by counsel of experienced third-party advisors, have actively engaged in reviewing myriad elements of this proposed integration.
That work is robust and ongoing.
In December 2022, Gov. Glenn Youngkin shared his proposed budget amendments for the 2023-2024 biennium. That proposed budget included a framework and timeline for the integration.
We remain incredibly grateful for the strong show of support that we have received for the integration from our team members at EVMS and ODU and around the region, especially from Delegate Barry Knight and Senator Louise Lucas, along with Gov. Youngkin.
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Our next milestone is approval of the state budget, which we expect over the summer. We are working toward a Jan. 1, 2024, integration.
Will there be any associated capital projects?
Currently, there are no planned capital projects associated with the proposed integration.
What new programs/classes/majors are planned as a result of the merger?
An integrated EVMS-ODU health sciences center would create the largest portfolio of health sciences degrees in the commonwealth.
The combined institution would include a School of Medicine, School of Health Professions, College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing, along with the Medical Group and O.N.E. School of Public Health, a joint initiative among ODU, Norfolk State University and EVMS. The integrated center would provide 56 health sciences programs, including 18 not offered elsewhere in Virginia — such as Master of Surgical Assisting, Doctorate in Reproductive Clinical Science and Master of Art Therapy and Counseling.
How will the community benefit from this? What will the community lose in this merger?
The proposed integration, grounded in close connections with the diverse communities in which both institutions proudly serve, will transform the health and economy of Hampton Roads and beyond, through sustained excellence and innovation in education, research and patient care by working collaboratively with strategic partners.
Leveraging the power of ODU’s R1 designation and EVMS’ long-standing community focus, the new health sciences center would be well positioned to attract and retain a diverse pool of students and faculty and help address the regional workforce needs while also increasing access to patient care and reducing disparities within the Hampton Roads region through integrated care models. In addition, the EVMS Medical Group will continue to provide outstanding care to patients and community members.
By coming together, we would have the potential to enable greater interdisciplinary educational opportunities for students through coordination between health professions programs and engineering programs, among other areas.