DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Monday, May 6, the presidents of St. Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University announced the signing of a new collaboration that would allow students to take different courses from either university, whether in-person or in a hybrid or online format beginning next fall term.
“In the current higher education environment, this type of work represents a bold and proactive approach to capitalize on the current academic and financial strength of both Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose,” Dr. Amy Novak, president of St. Ambrose University, said. “Currently, both universities boast a number of strong financial indicators. This joint work promises to strengthen our collective ability to innovate and grow as vibrant, values-based leaders in our marketplace.”
More pathways for students at both institution will be available as the two universities are also in the process of finalizing a second agreement which will facilitate the transition of qualified students from undergraduate programs into 18 different graduate degree programs.
“This deepened collaboration lays the foundation for a new model of Catholic higher education. The expanded pathways that this collaboration provides for our students and our communities will be groundbreaking,” Dr. Todd A. Olson, president of Mount Mercy University, said.
Both universities have been discussing the opportunity to collaborate to help increase affordability and access to quality education for traditional students and adult learners alike. University leaders say that some of the anticipated student benefits include:
- The potential to reduce time to degree completion.
- Expanded opportunities to move seamlessly from undergraduate programs into graduate programs in healthcare, engineering, marriage and family therapy, social work, public health, education, and business.
- A strengthened core curriculum focused on holistic formation and the development of ethical decision-making frameworks grounded in the Catholic tradition of both universities.
- New opportunities for adult learners to complete degrees, obtain certificates, and upskill themselves to be more competitive in the labor market.
- New benefits and possibilities for the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids communities.
According to a press release, the two universities are focused on long-term sustainability and efforts to control the cost of higher education and increase student access.
“We have seen great collaboration between our two universities in recent years,” Olson said. “We both strongly value our students, our communities, and our missions, and have seen the results that can come from expanding opportunities with other like-minded institutions. We must remain innovative in the current higher education landscape and be proactive in our learner-centered approaches, rather than waiting to see what happens.”
Conversations towards a potential strategic combination during the upcoming months are expected.
For more information and frequently asked questions, visit St. Ambrose University or Mount Mercy University.
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