From College to University: A History of Mount Mercy
Mount Mercy University, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and their commitment to providing values-driven education. From its humble beginnings as a two-year college for women to its current status as a comprehensive university offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, Mount Mercy has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of its students and the wider community.
The Founding and Early Years
The story of Mount Mercy begins with the Sisters of Mercy, an order founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831 by Catherine McAuley. These sisters arrived in Cedar Rapids in 1875 and quickly became active in the community. In 1928, driven by a vision to provide local educational opportunities while instilling Mercy values, the Sisters of Mercy of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, established Mount Mercy College as a two-year institution for women. This institution was built upon the Sisters' earlier purchase of Mound Farm and the Greene mansion in 1907, solidifying their commitment to creating a nurturing educational environment. The college's early curriculum emphasized both liberal arts and professional development, with initial focuses on business courses and teacher education.
Sister Mary Ildephonse Holland, considered the "Foundress of Mount Mercy College," played a pivotal role in the institution's early development. Her extensive experience as a teacher and administrator proved invaluable in establishing the college's foundation. Enrolling in the junior college provided students with an affordable Catholic education from the Sisters, who relentlessly sought to provide a comprehensive education in Catherine McAuley's name.
Transition to a Four-Year Institution and Beyond
In 1957, Mount Mercy took a significant step forward, transitioning into a four-year institution. This transition culminated in the awarding of its first bachelor's degrees in 1959. The college received accreditation as a baccalaureate institution by the North Central Association in 1960, solidifying its academic standing. The 1960s also saw the accreditation of the nursing, education, and social work departments, reflecting the college's growing commitment to professional programs.
The Sisters of Mercy transferred their legal authority and responsibility to a self-perpetuating independent board in 1968, with the stipulation that three members would always be Sisters of Mercy. This change ensured the continuation of the Mercy values and mission while allowing the institution to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education. Mount Mercy College became coeducational in 1969, further expanding access to its educational offerings.
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Sister Mary Agnes Hennessey led the campus through monumental change. McAuley Library opened, followed by the second dormitory, Regina Hall. The Greene Mansion, once the home of the Sisters of Mercy, was demolished, and the Sisters transferred legal authority to a Board of Trustees. Student enrollment tripled, and the college became co-educational.
Throughout the next 30 years, Mount Mercy met the physical demands of a growing student population. Donnelly Center was opened, followed by Hennessey Recreation Center, Busse Center, Lundy Commons and Betty Cherry Heritage Hall. Students utilized these spaces for classes, course work, athletic endeavors, co-curricular activities, and for socializing - and with these new facilities came increased opportunities.
Growth and Expansion in the New Millennium
The early 2000s witnessed further expansion of Mount Mercy's facilities, with the addition of Andreas House (2001) and Basile Hall (2003). These new facilities provided additional classroom and laboratory space for various academic programs, including business, biology, chemistry, and physics.
Christopher Blake began his duties as eighth president of Mount Mercy College and led its transition to Mount Mercy University.
On August 23, 2010, Mount Mercy College was officially re-designated as Mount Mercy University. This milestone marked a significant step in the institution's evolution, recognizing its growth in academic programs, research, and community engagement. Mount Mercy became the only Mercy university in Iowa and one of only sixteen nationwide, signifying its unique role in the Mercy higher education network.
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In 2012, the university announced plans to renovate the former army and navy training center into the Mount Mercy University CRST International Graduate Center. The center, which began hosting classes in 2013, houses the Olson Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic and several graduate programs. June 2013 marked a special announcement for the university’s athletics-the purchase of 22 acres adjacent to the main campus that would become Mount Mercy’s first outdoor athletic complex. The facility, completed in September 2017, is home to softball, baseball, an all-purpose track, multipurpose practice field, and a soccer field. For the first time in the institution’s history, outdoor athletes have a home field advantage.
Former president Laurie M. Hamen, JD, led the university with the same strength, courage, and vision as her predecessors. Dr. Robert Beatty and Dr. Tim Laurent also served as presidents of the institution. Currently, Dr. Todd A.
Athletics
The Mount Mercy athletic teams are called the Mustangs. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) since the 2016-17 academic year. Mount Mercy competes in 20 intercollegiate varsity sports, including men's and women's basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, track & field, and volleyball, as well as co-ed competitive cheer and dance.
Academic Programs and Values
Mount Mercy University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including bachelor's degrees in arts, science, business administration, and nursing, as well as master's degrees in areas such as business, education, marriage and family therapy, and strategic leadership. The university integrates a strong liberal arts component into its curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning.
The Catholic faith of the Sisters of Mercy remains central to life at Mount Mercy University. The university strives to be a community that demonstrates the highest standards of Catholic intellectual tradition, welcoming students of all faiths to engage in an education that fosters intellectual development, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. Students are encouraged to demonstrate values of service and charity through volunteering. The Mercy values and the Sisters of Mercy's Critical Concerns are deeply rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel. The university’s foundation, strengthened by the Sisters of Mercy’s five Critical Concerns, guides students in exploring an education that reaches far beyond the classroom.
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Mount Mercy is sponsored by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, through the Conference for Mercy Higher Education. As a Mercy institution, we carry out our charge to continue the Catholic intellectual tradition. The university fosters in its students, faculty, and staff a tradition of excellence in academic and personal growth. Mount Mercy University distinguishes itself among its peers. Like all Catholic colleges and universities sponsored by the Conference for Mercy Higher Education, we are a welcoming and inclusive learning community where people of all faiths can grow in mind, body and spirit.
Recent Developments
In May 2024, Mount Mercy University announced a partnership with St. Ambrose University in Davenport, allowing students to take classes at both institutions. At the time, a merger was "being explored for the future." However, in August 2024, it was announced that Mount Mercy University would merge with St. Thomas. The takeover by St. Ambrose became official June 1st, 2025.
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