The merger of three south Alabama community colleges into one regional campus moved forward this week, as trustees for the Alabama Community College System unanimously approved the merger.

Faulkner State Community College, based in Bay Minette, will be merged with Alabama Southern Community College and Jefferson Davis Community College to form the new Coastal Alabama Community College.

Faulker State President Gary Branch told trustees that he was excited by the merger and said he felt it could help improve course offerings and improve enrollment.

“It’s advantageous for students,” Branch said.

The merger plan still must be approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). If approved by SACS, the merger will take effect in 2017.