For the fourth time in its 50-year history, Concord’s piece of New Hampshire’s state university system is about to get a new name, part of a big change that should raise the profile of this often-overlooked institution but not alter its underlying mission. “Most people haven’t heard of Granite State College. I’ll be talking to a neighbor about it and they’ll say, where’s that? If you say UNH they know what it is,” said Joy Acker, who was in many ways a typical GSC student – she got her bachelors degree at age 36 when she had four children – and now works as associate director of admissions operations. As of next July, GSC will merge with UNH-Manchester to form the UNH College of Professional Studies. Advocates say the move will benefit both institutions.
