The state Board of Regents has approved names for two institutions created by campus consolidations in central and north Georgia.

North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega and Gainesville State University will become the University of North Georgia. And Middle Georgia State College is the new name for the merger of Middle Georgia College in Cochran and Macon State College.

These are the first two names announced since the board voted in January to merge eight campuses into four to save money and create larger, stronger institutions in key areas of the state. The regents also approved mission statements for all four.

The new institutions must still be approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and then be voted on by the regents a final time.

Tags: Board of Regents, Macon State College, Middle Georgia College, College Mergers, North Georgia College & State University, Gainesville State University, University of North Georgia, Middle Georgia State College