CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (March 31, 2026) — Mount Mercy University is building for the future, announcing an important leadership update to advance its Catholic and Mercy mission while strengthening its strategic combination with St Ambrose University.
President and CEO Amy Novak EdD has named Todd Olson PhD campus president of Mount Mercy University effective upon completion of its integration with St Ambrose as outlined by the US Department of Education. Dr Olson remains president of Mount Mercy until the transaction is approved.
In his future role, Dr Olson will continue providing focused leadership for Mount Mercy while continuing to help guide the integration with St. Ambrose. This evolving leadership model ensures strong, on-site leadership while advancing collaboration across both campuses in support of students.
“Dr Olson is a strong partner and mission-driven leader who is well-positioned to help guide our universities into the future,” said Pres Novak.
“His appointment reflects the strong momentum already underway and supports our shared focus on student success, innovation, and opportunity as we continue this important work together.”
Novak notes that Olson will continue to oversee daily operations while leading philanthropic, community, and governmental engagement efforts; represent Mount Mercy within the Conference for Mercy Higher Education; support the Mount Mercy Campus Board; and maintain oversight of key campus priorities, including student services and engagement, athletics, facilities, public safety, and other areas requiring local expertise. He will also serve as a key member of the St Ambrose University leadership team, working collaboratively to advance shared goals and student success across both institutions.
“I am enthused about continuing the innovative work of our combination, and continuing to lead the Mount Mercy campus in the years to come. I look forward to collaborating with Pres Novak and our colleagues on both campuses to see that we are delivering a great experience for our students, and building a promising future for Catholic higher education together.” Olson said.
“As former chair of the Mount Mercy Board of Trustees, I worked closely with Dr Olson as we explored the opportunities of combining with St Ambrose,” said Michele Busse, St Ambrose University board member and philanthropist.
“Todd is a trusted and innovative leader for Mount Mercy and our broader community, and he has been instrumental in the early success of the combination. Now, as a member of the St Ambrose board, I am confident Mount Mercy will continue to thrive under his steady, forward-looking leadership.”
For more information, visit mtmercy.edu or sau.edu.
About St Ambrose University
Founded in 1882 by the Diocese of Davenport, St Ambrose University’s commitment to academic excellence, the liberal arts, social justice, and service is rooted in its Catholic intellectual tradition. The leading, private university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers more than fifty undergraduate and graduate programs. One-hundred and forty years since its inception, St Ambrose education remains centered on intentional, holistic, and experiential learning, with a vision to be a vibrant, sustainable, and learner-focused model for Catholic higher education, preparing individuals from all walks of life to lead lives characterized by our core values of courage, wisdom, justice, and service. To learn more about St Ambrose University, visit sau.edu.
About Mount Mercy University
Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages, and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community and live their values. Mount Mercy provides a forward-thinking, future-focused education, offering baccalaureate and graduate education to 1,400+ enrolled students and uniquely blending a quality liberal-arts education with career-focused professional preparation. To learn more about Mount Mercy University, visit mtmercy.edu.
