That certainly has a nice ring to it, if it comes to pass. The news broke Wednesday that the College of William & Mary is in preliminary talks with Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk for some sort of merger that would rename the school.

The undergraduate and graduate science programs compel the college as a logical choice over other universities. For years, W&M has had a famous pre-med program that placed applicants at med schools all over the nation. Indeed, an early-admit program lets sophomores commit to EVMS as they continue toward their undergraduate degree. W&M President Taylor Reveley talked about a productive research collaboration between both institutions.

Wednesdays announcement had a big surprise element, as if to head off objections from Old Dominion University and Hampton University for missing the thrown bouquet. A merger by ODU came up last winter at the General Assembly, to no avail. Merger would seem to make more sense for ODU since the proximity is much greater.

This raises several questions.

What are the local implications? If all they do is rename the place, it would seem greater Williamsburg would miss out on substantial educational and economic benefits. If, however, a remote campus develops, the vacated land in back of Eastern State Hospital would be the obvious choice. The community group Crossroads identified the acreage for mixed use and research, so it would be perfect.

What are the state implications? The General Assembly has famously stripped state funding from William & Mary to a point where it comprises around 12% of the operating budget. If the Commonwealth underwrites a medical school, that percentage would go up, but only artificially so. The upshot is a wash for the rest of the college, except for prestige.

Is that all there is, prestige? ODU was once an extension school of William & Mary, and that worked out well. The prestige of a medical school connection would enhance the already-vaunted reputation of the college.

What are the cost implications? Medical schools are expensive to operate, so much so that they can drain a university. Close to home, Georgetown was lucky to sell its medical school some years ago and get out from under. William & Mary does not need a millstone, especially if it comes with operating deficits of millions or tens of millions.

Who decides? The legislature and the governor will make the call. This could become the next political football in the 2013 session, a major distraction just when Virginias public universities need more state funding for undergraduate schools. If a medical school sucks up all the oxygen (and money!), it will not serve us well.

Is this a done deal? Not hardly, according to official statements. But its fair to say things are pretty far along if the college is going public with the idea. It doesnt seem like the faculty have been consulted as a formal group, but surely the science profs are in the loop.

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