St. Ambrose University has officially become the “parent company” of Mount Mercy University, 10 months after the universities announced their historic merger at a press conference held on Mount Mercy’s campus Aug. 1, 2024. “Today, we are officially one, combined institution, for the purpose of ownership. By the summer of 2026, both universities (and their […]
St. Ambrose University has officially become the "parent company" of Mount Mercy University, 10 months after the universities announced their historic merger at a press conference held on Mount Mercy’s campus Aug. 1, 2024.
“Today, we are officially one, combined institution, for the purpose of ownership. By the summer of 2026, both universities (and their catalogs) will be combined,” St. Ambrose President Amy Novak stated in a June 3 LinkedIn post.
The announcement marked the completion of the first of two steps required by the Department of Education for the two institutions to combine under a single entity.
“By the summer of 2026, both universities (and their catalogs) will be combined,” Ms. Novak wrote.
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1928, Mount Mercy University began as a two-year college for women. In 1957 the college made the transition to a four-year institution and became coeducational in 1969.
“I will just share that I am tremendously optimistic and enthusiastic about this progress toward our combination with St. Ambrose. I believe it provides a strong foundation for serving our students and living our mission - for both campuses,” Mount Mercy President Todd Olson wrote in an email to the CBJ.
Tough times for universities
The strategic move comes during a challenging time for colleges and universities nationwide.
Last month, as part of its efforts to stamp out Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and anti-semitism in higher learning environments, the Department of Justice announced a Civil Rights Fraud initiative. The initiative aims to invoke the False Claims Act to “investigate and, as appropriate, pursue claims against any recipient of federal funds that knowingly violates federal civil rights laws. Violations of the False Claims Act can result in treble damages and significant penalties,” according to the Office of Public Affairs.
The 2020 pandemic also presented significant challenges to institutes of higher learning, with enrollment numbers dipping nationwide. In 2023, Iowa Wesleyan University, an institution with roots dating back to 1842, closed its doors following a decline in donations, rising inflation and the denial of COVID relief funds.
Most recently, Mount Mercy’s total enrollment for Fall 2024 was 1,402 compared to St. Ambrose’s 2,501. According to the Gazette, these numbers are still below the pre-pandemic years, with Mount Mercy’s total enrollment at 1,849 in 2017 and St. Ambrose’s at 3,118.
“There have been a few naysayers along the way and others who doubted whether a new model of higher education could be developed. Friends, we are doing it! Cost savings are being realized already,” Ms. Novak stated.
“Enrollment at both institutions is on track to be well above budget, graduate programs are expanding, philanthropy is up, and a new narrative is being written about how we can work collaboratively to strengthen mission, contain costs, and build new revenue streams,” she continued.
The universities have more than their Catholic roots in common – according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, both institutions have a 66% graduation rate and an average annual tuition of $23,000.
For now, Mount Mercy continues to operate as a distinct university “with our own leadership team, granting our own degrees, until we complete step two of the process with the U.S. Department of Education,” Mr. Olson wrote, reiterating that the process will be finalized in 2026.
After the process is finalized, Mount Mercy will be known as the Mount Mercy Campus of St. Ambrose University.
