This partnership strengthens the Quad Cities by expanding access to a rigorous nursing education that prepares graduates for a high-need and rapidly evolving health care environment.

By aligning Trinity’s 127-year tradition of clinical excellence with Augustana’s 165-year history of academic rigor and depth of campus resources, centers and engaged learning opportunities, we strengthen the workforce with well-prepared nurses educated locally and positioned to serve locally. That strengthens hospitals and clinics with a deeper pool of qualified professionals who understand the needs of this community and are invested in its future.

It also attracts more college-going students to the region, many of whom will complete clinical placements, internships and early-career employment in local health systems. Over time, that supports workforce stability, improves patient outcomes and enhances institutional performance.

Beyond health systems, local businesses and nonprofit organizations benefit from expanded health-related expertise across the workplace and community. The result is improved quality of life, stronger talent retention and greater economic vitality.

Long term, this partnership positions the Quad Cities as a destination for health care education and employment. That reputation strengthens regional competitiveness and reinforces the role of higher education as a catalyst for community well-being.

Augustana has a long-standing commitment to preparing students for careers in health professions through strong pre-health pathways grounded in the liberal arts.  Expanding nursing builds on that legacy and deepens our ability to educate graduates who combine scientific expertise with ethical judgment, communication skills and compassionate care.

National demand for nurses and health care professionals continues to grow. This partnership allows us to secure and strengthen nursing education in and for the Quad Cities while aligning it with a broader academic and campus ecosystem.

For students, it creates clearer pathways from undergraduate study into clinical practice. For the region, it strengthens a locally rooted workforce pipeline. And for Augustana, it reinforces our role as a leader in engaged, career-connected education that directly benefits the community we serve.

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 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 24-36 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 24-36 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.

Yes. Trinity students will have access to Augustana student resources and services (e.g. library systems, career services, academic supports, etc.). Details will be communicated as services become available.

No. Tuition and aid packages already in place will be honored. Trinity students will not be eligible for Augustana scholarships until after final Department of Education approval. Financial aid will be administered depending upon your program of study. Students pursuing a degree through the Trinity College of Nursing will be eligible for federal and state aid; students pursuing a degree through Augustana will be eligible for federal, state, and institutional aid. 

Only students who were first enrolled full time at Augustana will be eligible to participate in varsity athletics during this transition period. These student athletes will need to work with Augustana’s Director of Athletics to seek a waiver from the NCAA to compete under Augustana College while enrolled at Trinity College of Nursing during this transition period. Due to NCAA regulations on eligibility, students who were not previously enrolled at Augustana are not eligible to participate in varsity athletics.  However, all students are welcome to participate in the variety of club sports offered via Augustana's Campus Recreation Office.

Only students who were originally enrolled full time at Augustana are eligible to compete in Augustana varsity athletics during the transition. Those students must receive NCAA approval to compete while enrolled at Trinity during this period.

Students who were not previously enrolled at Augustana are not eligible for varsity athletics under NCAA regulations. All students, however, are welcome to participate in Augustana’s club sports and campus recreation programs.

Trinity students will continue to follow the established academic calendar and transitions to a unified calendar will be communicated as those changes are adopted by faculty.

During the integration period, the vast majority of specialized courses in current Trinity programs will continue to be taught in the same location/current location.

Yes. Trinity’s master’s degree offerings are part of the transition and will be evaluated for alignment within Augustana’s academic portfolio. We will share updates on program titles, curriculum and admissions pathways once governance reviews are complete.

Students graduating during the integration process will receive degrees from Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Once the integration process is complete, a period of approximately 24-36 months after the July 1 change of ownership and upon final approval from the U.S. Department of Education, 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 24-36 months, which will be complete upon final approval from the U.S. Department of Education.

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 was convened immediately after the announcement and includes 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 meets regularly from January through June, working closely with leadership as we move toward the change of ownership June 30, 2026.

Members 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.