Augustana College announced on Monday, Dec. 22, that the college will acquire UnityPoint Health Trinity College of Nursing & Health Science in Rock Island.
Pending approvals for the acquisition from the Higher Learning Commission and other regulatory bodies, change of ownership will occur June 30, 2026, Augustana said in a news release today. The change 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.
This acquisition will unite Trinity’s 127-year tradition of nursing and health science education with Augustana’s 165-year history of liberal arts and sciences education.
“This step reflects an exciting commitment to the future of health care in our region,” Augustan President Andrea Talentino said in the release. “By bringing Trinity College of Nursing into Augustana as one unified institution we expand opportunity and promise for students and address critical workforce needs for our region. Our goal is to prepare compassionate leaders who understand the human impact of their work and are ready to serve our communities for generations to come.”
The acquisition builds on existing partnerships between Augustana and Trinity, including the direct-entry 2+2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program launched in 2024 and an accelerated BA-to-MSN pathway. These programs create a seamless experience from an Augustana foundation into Trinity’s clinical practice.
“This marks a transformational moment for nursing education in the Quad Cities,” said Dr. Tracy Poelvoorde, chancellor of Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which is located at 2122 25th Ave. on UnityPoint Trinity’s Rock Island campus.
“For more than 125 years, Trinity has prepared nurses and health professionals who serve with skill and compassion. By joining Augustana, we expand our capacity to prepare students not only as skilled clinicians but as leaders equipped to meet the evolving challenges of health care,” Dr. Poelvoorde said.
Preparing nursing pipeline
“Trinity has long been known for hands-on excellence; this next chapter allows us to build on that foundation with new opportunities, a vibrant academic community, and an even deeper commitment to the patients and communities we serve,” she added.
Leaders with both institutions plan to discuss the transaction this afternoon with Quad City media members.
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UnityPoint Health – Trinity, part of a network of hospitals owned by the non-profit UnityPoint Health. Long committed to the training of nurses in the Quad Cities, UnityPoint leadership recognized the potential impact of this step on the level of health care in the region.
“UnityPoint Health is committed to improving the health of the communities we serve,” said Shawn Morrow, market president of UnityPoint Health – Quad Cities, said in the release. “Supporting this integration ensures the Quad Cities will continue to have a strong pipeline of well-prepared nurses, grounded in both clinical excellence and the rigor of an Augustana education.”
Mr. Morrow also pointed out that UnityPoint will remain a key clinical partner in offering students opportunities for hands-on training and practice.
Current Trinity students will complete their programs without interruption and will graduate on schedule with fully accredited degrees. Students will continue to be served through the change in ownership and throughout the integration process, with a careful process in place to ensure stability and support.
