June 27, 2025

St. Ambrose University joins the Conference for Mercy Higher Education (CMHE) as an associate member as SAU became the parent organization of Mount Mercy University. St. Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University celebrated the successful completion of the first step in a two-step process to fully combine.

During the celebration, St. Ambrose University signed a Pledge committing to upholding the Mercy mission and values on the Mount Mercy campus in collaboration with Diocese of Davenport Bishop Dennis Walsh, SAU President Amy Novak and MMU President Todd Olson.

CMHE Executive Director Julia Cavallo said, “Catherine McAuley recognized that a good beginning is of great importance so as this new beginning takes shape, may Catherine’s words be a reminder of our greater purpose to be examples of Jesus Christ in a world where there’s so much hatred, oppression, and division. Let this true example of partnership be a shining light in this Jubilee Year of Hope. We look forward to the gifts that this partnership will bring us in the future.”

This key milestone lays 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.