The two institutions will build upon prior collaborations in a new vision for Catholic higher education
St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, are poised to expand academic offerings, athletic programs and innovative opportunities for students of both universities through the signing of a strategic agreement. The agreement is subject to applicable regulatory approvals with a goal of ultimately combining the two universities.
“We are thrilled to have the affirmation of both Boards of Trustees who share our commitment to changing the future of Catholic higher education for the better,” said President Amy Novak, EdD, St. Ambrose University. “St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy are better together and our campuses will grow in vibrancy. We know our planned combination will create a positive and lasting impact for students, our universities and local communities.”
St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy began exploring the potential for a strategic combination in late 2023. Following several months of additional discussions and due diligence, they have now entered into a definitive agreement. Once the required approvals from the Higher Learning Commission and other parties are received, St. Ambrose will become the nonprofit parent organization of Mount Mercy. If all progresses as expected, the first stage of approvals will occur in spring 2025. That will be followed by a “transition period” during which, in accordance with U.S. Department of Education requirements, St. Ambrose will continue to operate Mount Mercy as a separate university maintaining its own degree authorization, accreditation and federal student financial aid participation. At the end of the transition period, which is expected to last until mid-2026, the two universities will be fully combined under St. Ambrose with distinct campuses, educational offerings and intercollegiate athletic programs in both Davenport and Cedar Rapids. The Mount Mercy name will also be retained in the strategic combination, with that institution becoming the Mount Mercy Campus of St. Ambrose University.
“This shared vision supports the legacy and rich traditions of Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose while ensuring our students will have access to quality undergraduate and graduate programs for years to come,” said President Todd Olson, PhD, Mount Mercy University. “I would like to thank President Novak for her partnership in bringing this important and groundbreaking agreement to life.”
While pursuing the necessary regulatory approvals for each step of the combination, both universities will continue their previous collaborative efforts to increase affordability and access to quality education, along with expanded pathways for traditional students and adult learners alike. More than 80 faculty and staff members of the two institutions are working on these initiatives.
“We are enthused and encouraged by the early discussions of how our two universities can be best situated for the prospective combination. The support of these teams shows us we are on the right track to bring a new model of Catholic higher education to life,” said President Olson.
In May of this year, the two universities announced a joint academic agreement that allowed students to take a range of courses from either institution, starting in fall 2024. Since that announcement, both St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy have received praise from their respective communities for this proactive approach.
“The Sisters of Mercy in Cedar Rapids have been committed to Mercy Catholic higher education for almost 100 years,” said Sister Patricia Flynn RSM, Vice President of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. “Today, Mount Mercy University enters a new moment in its long history. We embrace a new partner – St. Ambrose University – and an exciting future where our shared values and dedication to excellence will bring enhanced opportunities to students, faculty, staff and the wider civic community. We are grateful for the vision, courage and perseverance that has brought all of us to today and will continue to create the path forward.”
Local business leaders have emphasized the opportunities this partnership will bring to the Eastern Iowa workforce, as industries struggle with issues like labor shortages and economic uncertainty.
"I am excited about the new programs and opportunities this partnership will bring to Cedar Rapids,” said Dr. Timothy Quinn, president & CEO, Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids. “This strategic combination will enhance the educational offerings in the healthcare field, potentially opening up the pipeline for more locally-focused and locally-educated healthcare employees, but also help meet the workforce needs of our entire community, fostering growth and innovation in our region.”
Learn more about the agreement and frequently asked questions at sau.edu/EduTogether
Media Contacts
Brian Boesen (St. Ambrose)
563-333-5717
boesenbrian@sau.edu
Taryn DeBoard (Mount Mercy)
319-363-1323 x1318
tdeboard@mtmercy.edu
