There is hereby created a university branch, which shall be known as the Ohio university Ironton branch and which shall consist of the educational institution formerly known as the Ohio university academic center.
Upon the creation of the Ohio university Ironton branch, the branch shall in good faith consider cooperative agreements with other institutions of higher education in counties contiguous to Lawrence county. Consideration should be given to agreements that minimize the duplication of course offerings and maximize the number of programs available to Lawrence and surrounding counties. Such agreements may also include the sharing of facilities, faculty members, and other items considered mutually beneficial.
R.C. §3337.15