Accrediting agency approves merger of Kennesaw State and So. Polytech

KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) An academic accreditation agency has approved the merger of two metro Atlanta schools. <br /> <br /> University System of Georgia officials say the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has given final approval to the plan to merge Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University. <br /> <br /> State education officials announced plans to merge the schools in 2013. University System officials say the accrediting agency's approval is the final step the Georgia Board of Regents needed to allow the consolidated school to officially operate as Kennesaw State University. <br /> <br /> Officials say the board is scheduled to vote on the final recommendation for the schools' consolidation during a meeting on Jan. 6. <br /> <br /> University System officials say the merger will drop the number of institutions in the system from 31 to 30.