Reflections on Leadership—and Looking to the Future

It has been nearly 20 years since Dr. Robert Pearce strolled the campus as president of Mount Mercy University, but his affection for the school he once led is still readily apparent.  

“We took a great deal of pride in what occurred while we were here,” Dr. Pearce said, returning to campus for a recent visit. “We have a great deal of gratitude in what we gained from the experience.”  

The accomplishments under Dr. Pearce’s guidance from 1999-2007 are many: Growth in enrollment, a fiscally sound financial status, the construction of Basile Hall, expanded landscaping efforts on campus, and strengthening an emphasis on the Catholic/Mercy identity of the institution.  

With those memories still vivid, Dr. Pearce and his wife, Marie, continue to feel strongly about the ongoing success and sustainability of Mount Mercy. That’s why Dr. Pearce said he completely supports Mount Mercy’s impending strategic combination with St. Ambrose University in Davenport.  

“To me, this is a true example of leadership between two college presidents who have a sense of the future of higher education, understanding the impact on their institutions, and instead of letting current conditions take control of their future, they’re taking control in a very proactive way,” Dr. Pearce explained. “The net result clearly should be that they’re going to be successful in that enterprise and preserve two institutions that very much need to be preserved.” 

The sustained viability of the institution they once called home is also why Dr. Pearce and Marie continue to make financial contributions to Mount Mercy in the form of an endowment.  

“We feel Mount Mercy, and other schools like Mount Mercy, not only have a special place in education, but they also have a special place in the Church, and that, more than anything else, drives us,” Dr. Pearce said.  

A native of Enid, Okla., Dr. Pearce arrived at Mount Mercy from Idaho State University where he served as vice president for financial services, bursar, and professor of education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business as well as a master’s degree from Phillips University in Enid, before earning a doctorate in higher education from Oklahoma State University.  

In addition to his accomplishments, Dr. Pearce said being the president of Mount Mercy presented opportunities for him to live the “college experience” that he wasn’t always able to experience himself as a working undergraduate.  

“We tried to be as active on campus as we possibly could,” he said. “We viewed my career in higher education as a life experience for our whole family, not merely a job.” 

Since retiring from Mount Mercy in 2006, Dr. Pearce noted higher education has seen seismic changes, but he hopes young people will continue to see value in the college experience for both personal and professional growth. 

Now retired to Pocatello, Idaho, where he had previously spent time at Idaho State, Dr. Pearce and Marie have five children, 11 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Dr. Pearce today spends his time with family, being active in Church, playing golf, catching up on an endless stack of reading material, and spending time with friends, especially former colleagues. 

But his days in Iowa—leading a small Catholic university in Cedar Rapids—are still not far from his mind. 

“I’m just one of many who have been in this role,” he said. “I hope every one of us, in some way, brought something special during the time we were here.” 

The Robert W. and Marie F. Pearce Endowment supports their special priorities in the campus ministry and business programs.  

Whether you’re interested in leaving a legacy through a beneficiary designation, a gift from your IRA or by just creating or updating your will, we’re happy to help you find the option that best meets your needs. To learn more about supporting our students through planned giving, please contact Lonna Drewelow at 319-286-4408 or ldrewelow@mtmercy.edu.