The presidents of Augusta State University and Georgia Health Sciences University are hearing from the public about the upcoming merger of the two institutions.

The schools' leaders didn't have many answers for the 100 people attending the lunchtime forum held at Augusta State Wednesday or another 30 attending a meeting at Georgia Health Sciences later in the afternoon.

The new school still doesn't have a name, but the presidents say a working group will submit a list of six possible names for public comment by the middle of the month. A joint strategic plan detailing the vision for the new university will be available in August for feedback. The new school will adopt Augusta State's Jaguars mascot and current address.

Meanwhile, Middle Georgia State College does have a new name and is hoping to find a fresh identity, accepting suggestions for school colors and a mascot for the new institution.

The school is the result of a merger of Macon State College and Middle Georgia College that should be complete in January.

Individuals can submit nominations through an online survey. Results will be provided to members of the consolidation implementation committee at a July 12 meeting, where submissions will be narrowed down to 10.

The final selection will be made by the college president or the implementation committee. The announcement will be on Sept. 1.

Tags: Augusta State University, Georgia Health Sciences University, Macon State College, Middle Georgia College, University Merger, College Mergers, Middle Georgia State College