SHC, Rockhurst University announce alliance

Information courtesy of Spring Hill College
Spring Hill College and Rockhurst University announce a strategic alliance that will open new academic and professional pathways for their students. 
With more than 300 combined years of education, Spring Hill College, based in Mobile, and Rockhurst University, based in Kansas City, Mo., are two of the oldest, most prestigious Catholic, Jesuit educational institutions in the U.S. Beginning in the upcoming academic year, students can major in new academic programs, take advantage of seamless pathways to postgraduate degrees, enjoy experiential learning opportunities, and study abroad.
Aligning with current student and industry demand, Spring Hill College will offer students new undergraduate majors in the areas of data analytics and intelligence, exercise science, social influencing, and criminal justice. Adding value to existing programs, the agreement will create streamlined pathways for Spring Hill College students in health science programs to accelerate their academic and professional path in Rockhurst’s master’s program in Speech Language Pathology and doctoral programs in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.
“As part of our long-term strategic plan, Spring Hill College has been intentional over the last few years in seeking out mutually beneficial partnerships like this one with Rockhurst University to create new and innovative educational pathways for our students,” said Dr. Mary Van Brunt, president of Spring Hill College. “This strategic alliance is going to expand existing programs and create new opportunities across all of our academic divisions. I’m excited for our students to benefit from these new academic offerings - it’s also a perfect complement as we begin construction on our new Health and Science Innovation Center, which will open in the 2026-27 academic year.”
Rockhurst University students will enjoy expanded access to Spring Hill College’s Italy Center in Bologna, taking advantage of immersive cultural and academic experiences in a historic Italian university city. This program facilitates academic travel and fosters a global perspective within a Jesuit educational framework.
“With Rockhurst and Spring Hill’s shared Jesuit core value of ‘cura personalis,’ or ‘care for the whole person,’ we are excited for the expanded academic and professional opportunities our students will have through this alliance,” said Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., president of Rockhurst University. “This also aligns with our strategy to continuously offer new academic programs that complement our mission and vision and position our graduates to be more competitive in today’s job market.”
Students at both institutions will benefit from the regional environments and local industries in Mobile and Kansas City through exchange opportunities to study on either campus for expertly curated immersion experiences, such as supply chain and logistics opportunities with major employers and hands-on learning at places like the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
“The experiential learning between the two campuses will be very synergistic,” said Van Brunt. “We know innovative partnerships are key to our ability to shape leaders in service to others for our next 200 years.”