St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy Universities Celebrate Major Milestone Toward Strategic Combination of the Catholic Institutions

St. Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University today celebrated the successful completion of the first step in a two-step process to fully combine.

This key milestone establishes St. Ambrose as the parent organization of Mount Mercy, laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient future for Catholic higher education in Iowa and the region. The two universities are expected to fully combine in Summer 2026, pending step-two approval by the U.S. Department of Education.

Presidents, board members, faculty, and staff from both institutions gathered at Mount Mercy’s Sisters of Mercy University Center to reflect on the progress made and share a vision for what comes next.

“This is a defining moment,” said Dr. Amy Novak, President of St. Ambrose University. “By joining together, we are honoring the founding missions of both institutions while also building something more adaptive, more sustainable, and more student-centered. Our shared Catholic identity will remain the foundation, but the opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and serve even more students, especially those historically underrepresented in higher education, are what excite me most.”

“We are moving forward with care, intention, and deep respect for our legacy and founding by the Sisters of Mercy,” said Dr. Todd Olson, President of Mount Mercy University. “The completion of this first phase ensures we can begin investing in a future that empowers our students, faculty, staff, and alumni communities across both universities. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will be able to serve our missions in even more transformative ways.”

The combination aims to ensure the long-term viability of both institutions through the leveraging of shared resources and a unified vision. Novak says the combination will strengthen student services and expand program offerings, provide personalized support to students of all ages, and expand regional impact – while preserving the distinct histories and traditions that define each campus community.