The president of Lewis University, Dr. Livingston, announced that the Higher Learning Commission approved the Lewis and St. Augustine merger allowing them to grow together to build a better future for the students.
The merger was announced during the 2023 spring semester when Dr. Livingston and the St. Augustine College president Dr. Reyes González, released a statement.
As a result of this union, St. Augustine College will undergo a name change to “St. Augustine College at Lewis University.” In contrast, Lewis University will remain its current name.
In a communication to the student body, Dr. Livingston stated, “While we will remain separately accredited institutions until receiving final approval from the Department of Education (DOE), by becoming one corporate entity, St. Augustine College employees will transition to Lewis University employees effective Dec.1, with all associated benefits and privileges.”
Livingston outlined the Department of Education’s two-step process, mentioning that St. Augustine College students will continue to be enrolled in their degree programs until final approval is granted. At that point, the full merger will be completed both legally and academically.
As of Nov. 7, the Higher Higher Learning Commission approved the Lewis and St. Augustine merger. During their Board of Trustees Meeting on Nov. 2, the Higher Learning Commission approved the Change of Control application and the Plan of Merger agreement with St. Augustine College. This paves the way for the legal and corporate merger through the State of Illinois and the Illinois Board of Higher Education, set to proceed on Dec. 1.
Additionally, Dr. Livingston went on to explain one of the next steps. “While we will remain separately accredited institutions until receiving final approval from the Department of Education (DOE), by becoming one corporate entity, St. Augustine College employees will transition to Lewis University employees effective Dec. 1, with all associated benefits and privileges.”
According to a message sent to the population of the university, since revealing the intention to merge in spring 2023, substantial strides have been made in the scheduled integration of Lewis and St. Augustine. Both Boards of Trustees, the Christian Brothers of the Midwest District and the founders of St. Augustine College have unanimously supported the prospect of forging a united future with a shared mission focused on student success.
“We enthusiastically welcome our “new” colleagues from St. Augustine, who will work with us in Association to serve a growing number of students throughout Chicagoland and beyond.” stated Livingston.
