Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Nursing & Health Sciences take first step toward integration, strengthening health care education in the Quad Cities
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and UnityPoint Health Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s academic programs and operations by Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø.
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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. ¡°By bringing Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Nursing into Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Nursing & Health Sciences is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UnityPoint Health ¨C 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 ¨C 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø
Founded in 1860, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø is a selective, residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located in Rock Island, Illinois. Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Nursing & Health Sciences
Tracing its roots back to 1898, Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø UnityPoint Health ¨C 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.
Media Contact
Joushua Blount, strategic communications & media outreach specialist, joushuablount@augustana.edu or (309) 794-7645
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: March 10, 2026
UnityPoint Health¨CTrinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Nursing & Health Sciences will become part of Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. This is part of a shared vision to continue to enhance educational opportunities in health care and support academic excellence. This move will unite Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s extraordinary 127-year legacy in health care education with Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s 165-year history of liberal arts excellence and community leadership.
This page will be updated with information as it becomes available.
General
How does this benefit students, the colleges and the community?
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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯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.
Why is Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø interested in expanding its nursing and education program?
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, it reinforces our role as a leader in engaged, career-connected education that directly benefits the community we serve.
What is changing?
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø will assume ownership of Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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.
What is the timeline?
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. Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø will provide full support to students and faculty to ensure a seamless academic experience.
Whom should stakeholders contact with questions?
Students and prospective students:
- Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø: Mat Oles, Director of Student Services, mathew.oles@trinitycollegeqc.edu, 309-779-7814
- Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø: Kent Barnds, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Innovation, wkentbarnds@augustana.edu, 309-794-7662
Faculty and staff:
- Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø: Tracy Poelvoorde, PhD, Chancellor, 309-779-7710
- Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø: Dianna Shandy, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, diannashandy@augustana.edu, 309-794-7312
Alumni and community partners:
- Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø: Mat Oles, Director of Student Services, mathew.oles@trinitycollegeqc.edu, 309-779-7814
- Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø: Joushua Blount, Strategic Communications & Media Outreach Specialist, joushuablount@augustana.edu, 309-794-7645
Media inquiries
- Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø: Kristy Phillipson, Media Specialist, kristy.phillipson@unitypoint.org, 309-373-3839
- Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø: Joushua Blount, Strategic Communications & Media Outreach Specialist, joushuablount@augustana.edu, 309-794-7645
Students
What are my next steps as a student?
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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. Advisors will provide individual guidance as integration proceeds.
Will I still graduate on time?
Yes. Current students will be able to complete their programs without disruption.
Will Trinity students have access to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø student resources?
Yes. Trinity students will have access to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø student resources and services (e.g. library systems, career services, academic supports, etc.). Details will be communicated as services become available.
Will my tuition, financial aid or scholarships change?
No. Tuition and aid packages already in place will be honored. Trinity students will not be eligible for Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Nursing will be eligible for federal and state aid; students pursuing a degree through Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø will be eligible for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Will current Trinity students be eligible to participate in Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø varsity athletics during the transition period?
Only students who were first enrolled full time at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø will be eligible to participate in varsity athletics during this transition period. These student athletes will need to work with Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s Director of Athletics to seek a waiver from the NCAA to compete under Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø while enrolled at Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Nursing during this transition period. Due to NCAA regulations on eligibility, students who were not previously enrolled at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø are not eligible to participate in varsity athletics. However, all students are welcome to participate in the variety of club sports offered via Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø's Campus Recreation Office.
Only students who were originally enrolled full time at Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø are eligible to compete in Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø are not eligible for varsity athletics under NCAA regulations. All students, however, are welcome to participate in Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s club sports and campus recreation programs.
Will Trinity programs follow Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s academic calendar during the transition?
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.
Will classes be taught on the Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø campus?
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.
Does the acquisition include Trinity¡¯s master¡¯s nursing programs?
Yes. Trinity¡¯s master¡¯s degree offerings are part of the transition and will be evaluated for alignment within Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s academic portfolio. We will share updates on program titles, curriculum and admissions pathways once governance reviews are complete.
What institution will be listed on my diploma?
Students graduating during the integration process will receive degrees from Trinity Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø.
Faculty and staff
What does this mean for faculty and staff positions?
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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø, with an emphasis on stability and continuity for students.
Will my benefits, pay or reporting structure change?
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.
How will governance, tenure or promotion policies be handled?
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø is committed to fair and transparent processes for faculty governance, promotion and professional development.
When will we know more?
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.
Alumni
Will my nursing degree still be recognized and respected?
Absolutely. Trinity degrees will remain valid and respected. Accreditation ensures their continuing value for licensure and employment.
Will transcripts still be available? From which institution?
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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s Registrar¡¯s Office upon the change of ownership on June 30, 2026.
Can I participate in alumni events at the new institution?
Yes. Trinity alumni will be welcomed into the Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø alumni community while retaining their distinct identity and history.
Community and clinical partners
Will existing clinical partnerships continue?
Yes. Existing partnerships are essential to the nursing program and will continue under Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø.
Will students still train at the same hospitals and community sites?
Yes. Students will continue to train at UnityPoint Health¨CTrinity and other partner sites.
How will the acquisition strengthen workforce development in nursing/health care locally?
By combining Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯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.
Will new partnerships be pursued?
Yes. Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø will continue to seek additional partnerships in health care and community organizations that expand opportunities for students and strengthen the regional workforce.
What role will UnityPoint Health play going forward?
UnityPoint Health will remain a vital partner, providing clinical placements, hands-on training and ongoing collaboration in health care education.
Logistics and next steps
When does the acquisition officially take effect?
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.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø will provide full support to students and faculty to ensure a seamless academic experience.
What approvals are needed before the acquisition is final?
Approval is required from the Higher Learning Commission and the U.S. Department of Education, as well other regulatory bodies.
What is the Transition Team and what will it do?
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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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 Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø 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.
Have a question for the Transition Team?
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.
How will communication about changes be shared?
Regular updates will be shared via email, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s website and through information sessions that will be offered to students, faculty, staff and partners.