The board of trustees of Villa Julie College has voted unanimously to change the name of the institution to Stevenson University.

The decision follows the approval of the Maryland Higher Education Commission last month for university status for Villa Julie. One of the main components will be the Villa Julie College of Arts and Sciences, which will occupy the institution's original campus on Greenspring Valley Road in Stevenson, Md.

"After careful study and discussion over the past three years, the board felt the time was right for a name which better reflects the makeup of the institution," says Kevin Byrnes, chair of the board of trustees. "We understand the importance and history of the Villa Julie name and are pleased it will remain as a major part of Stevenson University."

Historically, the name connects the institution's campuses in Stevenson and Owings Mills. Henry Stevenson, a prominent Baltimore grain merchant who founded Stevenson, later married Deborah Owings, granddaughter of the founder of the Owings Mill.

The transition will occur gradually up until the official legal change in early 2009. The school will keep its colors of green and white, and athletic teams will continue to use the Mustang nickname and mascot, but will compete under the Stevenson name in all sports in 2008-09.