MSU, Forest Institute cease merger plans

Missouri State University and The School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute have put an end to merger talks.

The schools, which began discussions in January and signed a letter of intent to merge in May, have mutually determined the merger isn't acting in the best interest of the two colleges, according to an MSU news release.

"This action does not mark the end of the collaborative efforts of Missouri State University and Forest Institute that date back to at least 2000. It is the intent of both institutions to continue their history of cooperation and collaboration wherever it may serve the interests of both schools and the community at large," the release said.

The Forest Institute campus, a roughly 54-acre site on West Battlefield Road, remains listed for sale by R.B. Murray Co. for $6.37 million, according to the real estate company's website.