Lewis University, St. Augustine Complete First Step Of Merger

ROMEOVILLE, IL — With the approval of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission, St. Augustine College has joined Lewis University as of Dec. 1, according to a release from the university.

Lewis University began in 1932, with just 15 students enrolled in an aviation-focused curriculum, and is now the eighth largest, private, not-for-profit university in Illinois. St. Augustine College was established in 1980, and was the first bilingual institution in the Midwest, creating a welcoming environment for Hispanic students in Chicago.

"This affiliation was possible because two institutions, fully aligned in their mission of serving students, are becoming stronger together," Dr. David Livingston, president of Lewis University, said in a release.

"St. Augustine College always has reached out to students often overlooked by traditional higher education. The expanded opportunities in our affiliation with Lewis University will be transformational to entire families in the Chicago area," Dr. Reyes Gonzalez, president of St. Augustine College said.

The university said the final step of the process will happen after formal approval by the U.S. Department of Education. Until that final step occurs, Lewis and St Augustine will actively partner while maintaining their separate and independent accreditations and degree-granting authority.

“In a future that will require increased levels of training and education for success, we can serve as a model for all of higher education that through collaboration, rather than competition, students will be the ultimate beneficiaries," Livingston said.