Both St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy have shared their optimism about the merger and the opportunities it presents for their campuses. While mergers can often leave employees and students feeling uncertain, the leaders of the two institutions have been transparent throughout the process.
Richard Barrett, an associate professor at Mount Mercy, praised President Olson for his honesty and openness during the discussions. Barrett was involved in the early stages of exploring the partnership and noted that the institution had been looking for ways to collaborate with other Catholic institutions for the past two years.
Barrett highlighted the importance of looking ahead and planning for the long term, rather than waiting until it’s too late. The merger between St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy represents a proactive effort to ensure the sustainability and success of both institutions for years to come.
As they move forward with the merger, both universities are focused on maintaining their individual histories and traditions while creating something new together. Faculty leaders from both campuses are working on designing a new shared governance model, highlighting the collaborative and innovative approach being taken.
The merger between St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy represents a significant step forward in the realm of Catholic higher education, demonstrating a commitment to adaptability, creativity, and long-term sustainability in the face of ongoing challenges in the higher education landscape.
Esto es lo que más me emociona: que tengamos líderes que harían esto con suficiente antelación.