The boards of Montreat College and Point University in Georgia have agreed to pursue a merger between the two private Christian schools.

A joint statement from the schools says the entity would bear the name of the university in West Point, Ga. However, the western North Carolina campus will continue to be identified as Montreat.

Officials say the merger will increase the reach and effectiveness of the schools' Christian education. It will offer new programs to Montreat's undergraduate students, as well as access to graduate programs in Georgia.

Montreat has struggled in recent years with finances and low enrollment. In January 2012, Montreat laid off 39 full-time employees and discontinued some programs.

Montreat has 858 students, while Point University has more than 1,400 students.

Tags: merger, private colleges, College Mergers, point university, montreat college