This is from The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com):

"Boston University (BU) and Wheelock College have confirmed they have entered discussions of a possible merger in recent weeks.

"Wheelock College, about a mile away from BU’s south campus, has faced declining enrollment over the past few years, leading Wheelock’s new president, David Chard, to consider a merger. Wheelock received six responses to its Request for Proposals (RFP), but believed merging with BU would best preserve its mission of educating students in teaching and social work.

"In the merger, Wheelock’s School of Education, Child Life, and Family Studies would merge with BU’s School of Education to create the Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. An official date, among other details, have not yet been released by either institution.

“'Over the upcoming weeks the leadership of Boston University and Wheelock College will be working with our faculties and our academic and administrative leaders to shape the vision of our merged academic units and services,' the joint statement said. 'We believe the merger will enhance Boston University’s programs, as well as preserve the mission of Wheelock College to improve the lives of children and families.”'

Editor's note: There seems to be an overpopulation of small colleges in New England, and dozens might close over the next decade.