Augustana College and Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences Take First Step Toward Integration, Strengthening Health Care Education in the Quad Cities
ROCK ISLAND, Ill (12/22/2025) — Augustana College and UnityPoint Health Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences have signed a definitive agreement to strengthen the future of health care education in the Quad Cities through the acquisition of Trinity College's academic programs and operations by Augustana College.
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.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for students and preparing the next generation of compassionate, skilled professionals. UnityPoint Health will continue as a vital clinical partner in nursing education.
This acquisition will unite Trinity's 127-year tradition of excellence in 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," said Andrea Talentino, president of Augustana College. "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.
"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," Poelvoorde said. "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."
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. "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."
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.
Note to editors: Augustana President Andrea Talentino and Trinity College Chancellor Tracy Poelvoorde, PhD, will be available for media interviews Monday, Dec. 22, between 2 to 3 p.m. at Carlsson Evald Hall, 3601 7th Ave., Rock Island. Members of the media who wish to interview, please RSVP with Joushua Blount, Strategic Communications & Media Outreach Specialist, joushuablount@augustana.edu, (309) 794-7645.
About Augustana College
Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective, residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located in Rock Island, Illinois. Augustana is home to more than 2,500 students and offers 100+ academic programs. Its Bold & Boundless strategic plan emphasizes access, innovation and preparing students to lead with impact in a diverse and changing world.
About Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Tracing its roots back to 1898, Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences has educated generations of nurses and health professionals in the Quad Cities. Known for its small-college environment and clinical rigor, Trinity offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in nursing and allied health sciences.
About UnityPoint Health - Quad Cities
UnityPoint Health is one of the nation's most integrated health systems, providing care to both metropolitan and rural communities across the Midwest. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, UnityPoint Health owns or operates more than 400 physician clinics, 18 regional and 17 community network hospitals, community mental health centers, urgent care/express care locations, and home care facilities across our states.UnityPoint Health entities employ more than 31,000 team members who are dedicated to improving the health
and well-being of all those we serve. Find out more at unitypoint.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
The decision to sign a new joint agreement and pursue a strategic combination brings exciting possibilities. It also brings many questions. We provide answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
A web page with detailed FAQs is up and will be updated as more information is available.
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