The Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees has decided to combine two small state colleges--Lyndon State College and Johnson State College--that have been the access institutions for the northern and often most economically challenged region of Vermont. Northern Vermont University will result from the unification. The unification will multiply resources, provide a coordinated rather than competing approach to better target new students, combine opportunities in academic and experiential learning, and provide a larger and more diverse faculty. Further, stronger finances after unification will best position both campuses to address external challenges and devote limited resources to students and learning. The move is not without its risks, but with effective leadership, continued involvement by all community members, active support from the system, a laser-focus on the new university's mission, and optimism grounded in all of the above will combine to make this unification a success.