The plan received enthusiastic affirmation from the Boards of Trustees of both universities. The goal is to ultimately combine the two universities into one institution, pending applicable regulatory approvals by the Higher Learning Commission and the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
We look forward to extending the conversation further as this collaboration continues to take shape with the joint input from members of both the Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose communities. Learn more about the agreement and statements of support below:
Even before talks of combination began, Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose have celebrated a long history of collaboration. For many years, our two institutions have worked together to streamline paths to degrees for students, better our communities, and preserve the presence of Catholic higher education in Eastern Iowa.
Now, while embarking on this journey to combine, we have a great opportunity to share stories of the combined impact both schools have had on our alumni.
First, we're highlighting the story of Hillary and Kyle Wehr, a married couple of Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose alumni who are living this partnership in their personal lives.
Have a Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose story of your own? Reach out today!
It seemed a little like destiny that our two alma maters would come together to drive the tradition of a Catholic liberal arts education forward in Eastern Iowa.
