This step combines Trinity College’s 127-year tradition of excellence in nursing education with Augustana’s 165-year history of liberal arts and community impact. Students will benefit from a deeper integration of liberal arts learning and clinical practice, including expanded clinical resources; the Quad Cities will benefit from a stronger health care workforce; and Augustana will continue to grow as a leader in higher education.

National demand for nurses and health care professionals continues to grow, while many stand-alone nursing schools face challenges. This acquisition secures the future of nursing education in and for the Quad Cities, strengthens Augustana’s health care programs and reputation, and ensures stability and opportunity for students and faculty.

Augustana College will assume ownership of Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences, while UnityPoint Health will remain a critical clinical partner. A path forward as a unified institution holds immense promise and opportunity to expand its nursing education in the Quad Cities.

Pending approvals from the Higher Learning Commission and other regulatory bodies, change of ownership will occur June 30, 2026, and will set into motion an integration process of approximately 24 months which will be complete upon final approval from the U.S. Department of Education. 

During this time, integration will take place incrementally. Augustana will provide full support to students and faculty to ensure a seamless academic experience. 

Students and prospective students: 

• Trinity College: Mat Oles, Director of Student Services, mathew.oles@trinitycollegeqc.edu, 309-779-7814
• Augustana: Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Innovation, wkentbarnds@augustana.edu, 309-794-7662

Faculty and staff: 

• Trinity College: Tracy Poelvoorde, PhD, Chancellor, 309-779-7710
• Augustana: Dianna Shandy, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, diannashandy@augustana.edu, 309-794-7312

Alumni and community partners:

• Trinity College: Mat Oles, Director of Student Services, mathew.oles@trinitycollegeqc.edu, 309-779-7814
• Augustana: Joushua Blount, Strategic Communications & Media Outreach Specialist, joushuablount@augustana.edu, 309-794-7645

Media inquiries 

• Trinity College: Kristy Phillipson, Media Specialist, kristy.phillipson@unitypoint.org, 309-373-3839
• Augustana: Joushua Blount, Strategic Communications & Media Outreach Specialist, joushuablount@augustana.edu, 309-794-7645

For current 2+2 BSN and MSN students, your academic pathway will remain unchanged. Once the integration process is complete upon final approval from the U.S. Department of Education, a period of approximately 24 months, all courses and degrees will be provided by Augustana College. Advisors will provide individual guidance as integration proceeds.

Yes. Current students will be able to complete their programs without disruption.

No. Tuition and aid packages already in place will be honored.

Students graduating during the integration process will receive degrees from Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Once the integration process is complete upon final approval from the U.S. Department of Education, a period of approximately 24 months, degrees will be conferred by Augustana College.

Faculty and staff will continue to serve students prior to change of ownership June 30, 2026. A careful, thoughtful evaluation process will be used to align roles within Augustana, with an emphasis on stability and continuity for students.

Prior to the change of ownership, which will occur June 30, 2026 after HLC approval, existing pay and benefits will remain in place. Any changes will be communicated clearly and well before they take effect.

Augustana is committed to fair and transparent processes for faculty governance, promotion and professional development.

We are committed to sharing information as soon as it becomes available. You can expect regular updates prior to change of ownership June 30, 2026.

Absolutely. Trinity degrees will remain valid and respected. Accreditation ensures their continuing value for licensure and employment.

Yes. Students and alumni will continue to have access to official transcripts. Transcript requests will continue to be handled through Trinity but will be directed to Augustana’s Registrar’s Office upon the change of ownership on June 30, 2026.

Yes. Trinity alumni will be welcomed into the Augustana alumni community while retaining their distinct identity and history.

Yes. Existing partnerships are essential to the nursing program and will continue under Augustana.

Yes. Students will continue to train at UnityPoint Health–Trinity and other partner sites.

By combining Augustana’s liberal arts strengths with Trinity’s clinical expertise, this integration will produce more nurses ready to serve our community with a full range of technical, critical thinking, communication and leadership skills.

Yes. Augustana will continue to seek additional partnerships in health care and community organizations that expand opportunities for students and strengthen the regional workforce.

UnityPoint Health will remain a vital partner, providing clinical placements, hands-on training, and ongoing collaboration in health care education.

Pending approvals from the Higher Learning Commission and other regulatory bodies, change of ownership will occur June 30, 2026 and will set into motion an integration process of approximately 24 months which will be complete upon final approval from the U.S. Department of Education.

During this time, integration will take place incrementally and at the recommendations of each institution. Augustana will provide full support to students and faculty to ensure a seamless academic experience. 

Approval is required from the Higher Learning Commission and the U.S. Department of Education, as well other regulatory bodies.

The Transition Team is a cross-functional group appointed to guide the work between now and the June 2026 change of ownership. This team will be convened within 24 to 48 hours of the announcement and will include leaders from every major functional area, to collaborate closely with Cabinet and with Trinity College leadership to ensure operational excellence on ‘Day 1.’

The team will meet regularly from January through June, working closely with leadership as we move toward the change of ownership June 30, 2026.

Members will serve as connectors, mapping out and creating connections for the integration of each operational area, with a goal of serving the students of Trinity College of Nursing with a smooth experience on July 1, 2026. The team anticipates offering periodic open forums so both communities can hear updates directly.

The Transition Team is designed to bring thoughtful and steady coordination to a complex process and ensure both institutions move forward with confidence.

We know this transition raises thoughtful and important questions. Some answers are known today. Others will take time, careful coordination, and input from both institutions.

If you have a question you would like the Transition Team to consider, please share it using the form below. All submissions will be reviewed and routed to the appropriate area. Themes will help guide upcoming decisions, communications, and open forums.

If you have a question that isn’t addressed, please submit it here. The Transition Team will continue to update the FAQ as information becomes available.

Regular updates will be shared via email, Augustana’s website, and through information sessions that will be offered to students, faculty, staff and partners.