Sioux City, Iowa –  St. Luke’s College– UnityPoint Health intends to enter into a transaction with Morningside University as part of a shared vision to continue to enhance educational opportunities in healthcare and support academic excellence. Through this transition, St. Luke’s College– UnityPoint Health will become part of Morningside University, strengthening the university’s ability to cultivate and support healthcare professionals in Siouxland and beyond. 

This strategic acquisition reflects our mutual commitment to providing students with enriched learning experiences and access to expanded resources, while honoring the proud legacies of both institutions. The first stage of approvals is expected by the end of the Fall 2025 term. Following this, St. Luke’s College will operate independently during a transition period, meeting US Department of Education requirements for degree authorization, accreditation, and financial aid. By the end of 2026, St. Luke’s will fully merge with Morningside University, retaining its name as a Morningside location.

We remain deeply committed to supporting all current and incoming students throughout this transition. Teach-out plans will ensure students can complete their degrees on schedule with minimal disruption. Additionally, incoming St. Luke’s College students will have access to the vibrant Morningside University community, including opportunities to participate in athletics, student organizations, and campus housing.

“We are excited to welcome the students of St. Luke’s College into the Morningside University family,” said Chad Benson, Morningside University Interim President. “This is a pivotal moment for our nursing program, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation already established.”

“St. Luke’s College – UnityPoint Health is proud of our legacy of educating nurses and healthcare professionals,” said Jane Arnold, Market President of UnityPoint Health – Sioux City. “This new collaboration with Morningside University will strengthen educational and employment opportunities for future healthcare professionals here in our community for many years to come.”

For the employees at St. Luke’s College, a thoughtful evaluation process will be conducted to align roles with the evolving responsibilities that Morningside University will assume. We are focused on retaining talent and recognizing the vital contributions of our team members.

Morningside University and St. Luke’s College have a longstanding partnership, including collaborations on Bachelor’s degrees in Radiologic Technology and Respiratory Therapy. This new chapter builds on that foundation and expands offerings to include Associates’ Degrees in Radiologic Technology and Respiratory Therapy, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).

Building on its longstanding tradition of excellence in nursing education, Morningside University will continue to offer its highly respected healthcare programs. These programs not only address the critical healthcare workforce needs in Siouxland and beyond, but also affirm the university’s role as a leader in preparing compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals who make a meaningful impact in their communities.

“Our commitment to excellence in nursing education is stronger than ever as we prepare to greet the talented students of St. Luke’s College” said Dr. Jackie Barber, Dean of the Nylen School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Morningside University. “We are excited to expand our program and offer these students support to help their academic journeys.”

Please refer to the FAQ section below for detailed information about the transition.

About Morningside University

Morningside University is a private institution located in Sioux City, Iowa, dedicated to cultivating a passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to ethical leadership and civic responsibility. Through a combination of rigorous academics and experiential learning, Morningside prepares students to become leaders in their professions and communities.

About UnityPoint Health

UnityPoint Health is one of the nation’s most integrated health systems, providing care to both metropolitan and rural communities across Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, UnityPoint Health has relationships with more than 370 physician clinics, 17 regional and 19 community network hospitals, five community mental health centers and home care services throughout its eight markets. UnityPoint Health entities employ more than 30,000 employees who are dedicated to making it easier for people to live well. More at unitypoint.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decision to sign a new joint agreement and pursue a strategic combination between Morningside University and St. Luke’s brings exciting possibilities. It also brings many questions. We provide answers to the most frequently asked questions here. As the process moves forward and new information comes available, this page will be updated.

General

This agreement builds upon a longstanding partnership between Morningside University and St. Luke’s College – UnityPoint Health. Both organizations share a vision of enhancing educational opportunities in healthcare and supporting academic excellence.

St. Luke’s College– UnityPoint Health intends to enter a transaction with Morningside University, strengthening the ability to cultivate and support healthcare professionals in Siouxland and beyond. Associate degrees in Radiologic Technology and Respiratory Therapy, as well as a certificate in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), will continue to be offered. This new chapter expands offerings to include an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), and Imaging Sciences Modalities.

As part of this strategic partnership, Morningside will lease instructional and lab spaces from UnityPoint Health to ensure the continuity of academic offerings.

We expect the first stage of required approvals to occur by the end of the Fall 2025 term. That will be followed by a transition or “interim” period during which, in accordance with U.S. Department of Education requirements, Morningside will continue to operate St. Luke’s College as a separate college within the university, maintaining its own degree authorization, accreditation, and federal student financial aid participation. At the end of the transition period, which is expected to last through 2026, St. Luke’s will be fully combined under Morningside University. The St. Luke’s name will be retained as an additional location of Morningside University.

For current St. Luke’s College students

Your classes will continue throughout the summer and fall semesters. The first stage of regulatory approvals is expected to occur in Fall 2025. Throughout the process, both institutions will regularly communicate with the campus communities.  

While in the interim phase, students will continue to apply, be accepted by, and graduate from St. Luke’s College. Once all regulatory approvals have been secured, SLC students will eventually become Morningside students.

Yes, all current students will have their credits automatically transferred to Morningside

Yes, we expect no interruptions to a student’s progression to graduation. 

No, courses that are part of your plan of study will continue to be offered. During the interim phase, no substantive changes will occur to any plan of study.

No, while St. Luke’s College students will have the option to live on campus, it will not be required.

As part of this strategic partnership, Morningside intends to lease space back from UnityPoint. As part of this strategic partnership, Morningside has submitted to the Higher Learning Commission a request to make that space an additional location of the Morningside University campus.

St. Luke’s College campus will remain open for students in certain programs.

Yes. UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital will still be an option for clinicals.

Program tuition and fees for St. Luke’s College students are locked at their current rate through the remainder of the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic year.

This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and will be dependent on what types of funding the student has been receiving.  Typically, students file the FAFSA and their aid is dependent on the results of the FAFSA application. 

A student’s eligibility for federal loans is not dependent on your institution. Institutional aid is offered depending on the program. We would recommend talking with the financial aid office or your loan servicer for specific information on your loans.

While in the interim phase, SLC graduates will continue to have a separate commencement ceremony. Once SLC is combined with MU, there will be one Morningside University Commencement.

While in the interim phase, awaiting the required approvals from the Higher Learning Commission, the US Dept of Education, and other parties, St. Lukes College students will continue to earn degrees from St. Lukes College.

For accepted/prospective St. Luke’s College students

While in the interim phase, students will continue to apply, be accepted by, and graduate from St. Luke’s College. Once all regulatory approvals have been secured, SLC students will eventually become Morningside students.

While in the interim phase, you will not need to make any changes.

For Employees (from both institutions)

A structured evaluation process will be established to align staff and faculty roles with their evolving responsibilities. Faculty and staff will receive regular updates and clear communication regarding work and teaching responsibilities.

For St. Luke’s College Alumni

Yes.

All St. Luke’s College alumni will be invited to future Morningside University alumni events.

St. Luke’s College alumni will be added to the Morningside University alumni mailing list.

Current students and alumni can contact the Morningside University Registrar’s Office or go online to request a transcript at parchment.com.

For donors

A member of the St. Luke’s College or Morningside University team will be in contact with you to discuss your options.

For the community

For the employees at St. Luke’s College, a thoughtful evaluation process will be conducted to align roles with the evolving responsibilities that Morningside University will assume. We are focused on retaining talent and recognizing the vital contributions of our team members.

For business partners and vendors

All St. Luke’s College business partners and vendors will be transferred to Morningside University, and a thoughtful evaluation process will be conducted to determine a future relationship. After December 31, 2025, all vendors will be paid by Morningside University.