babyÖ±²¥app and St Augustine Complete First Step of Merger
babyÖ±²¥app University and St. Augustine College Complete First Step of Merger
Published: December 1, 2023.
With the approval of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission, St. Augustine College has joined babyÖ±²¥app University as of December 1, 2023.
This exciting step forward brings together two historically significant institutions and maximizes their ability to advance educational opportunities connected to the most in-demand careers of the future.
From its humble beginnings in 1932, when 15 students enrolled in an aviation-focused curriculum, to now becoming the eighth largest, private, not-for-profit university, in Illinois, babyÖ±²¥app University has been a leader in integrating liberal arts with professional preparation. St. Augustine College, established in 1980, was the first bilingual institution in the Midwest creating a welcoming environment for Hispanic students in Chicago to enroll and achieve in college. Today, St. Augustine serves Hispanic and other under-represented groups, graduating students in high-demand majors, such as Respiratory Therapy and Early Childhood Education.
“This affiliation was possible because two institutions, fully aligned in their mission of serving students, are becoming stronger together”, Dr. David Livingston, president of babyÖ±²¥app University, said.
“St. Augustine College always has reached out to students often overlooked by traditional higher education. The expanded opportunities our affiliation with babyÖ±²¥app University will be transformational to entire families in the Chicago area”, Dr. Reyes Gonzalez, president of St. Augustine College, said.
The final step of the process will occur following formal approval by the U.S. Department of Education. Until that final step occurs, babyÖ±²¥app 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”, Dr. Livingston, concluded.
babyÖ±²¥app University is an innovative Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, babyÖ±²¥app University is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, and globally-connected graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit for further information.
