Lewis University and Northwestern Health Sciences University Sign Letter of Intent to Explore a Merger
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Last updated: July 7, 2026
ROMEOVILLE, Ill., and BLOOMINGTON, Minn. July 7, 2026 — Lewis University and Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore a merger that would create a distinctive institution dedicated to advancing healthcare education, expanding opportunities for students, and addressing the evolving workforce needs of communities across the nation.
The Letter of Intent marks the beginning of a formal period of due diligence and strategic planning through which the two institutions will evaluate a merger designed to build upon their complementary strengths and shared commitment to student success, innovation, and service.
As demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, Lewis University and NWHSU believe a combined institution would be uniquely positioned to expand educational pathways, enhance academic offerings, increase access to professional and graduate education, and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders and practitioners.
“Throughout our history, Lewis University has embraced innovation in service of our mission and our students,” said Dr. Christopher Sindt, President of Lewis University.
This Letter of Intent reflects our shared belief that higher education institutions must be willing to think boldly about the future. Together, Lewis and Northwestern Health Sciences University have an opportunity to create a distinctive model for healthcare education that expands access, strengthens academic offerings, and prepares graduates to meet the growing healthcare needs of society.”
Founded in 1932 and sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis University is a comprehensive Catholic university serving students through undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a broad range of disciplines, including nursing, healthcare administration, aviation, business, education, technology, and the liberal arts. Northwestern Health Sciences University, founded in 1941, is nationally recognized for its leadership in integrative and whole-person healthcare education, offering graduate and professional programs in chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, functional medicine, and related health sciences fields.
The institutions believe their complementary strengths create a compelling opportunity to advance innovation in healthcare education while preserving the distinctive missions, values, and traditions that have shaped each institution’s success.
“Northwestern Health Sciences University has spent more than eight decades preparing healthcare professionals to improve the lives of the patients and communities they serve,” said Dr. Deb Bushway, President and CEO of Northwestern Health Sciences University.
When students across disciplines learn to work collaboratively and understand their synergies, that ultimately not only benefits their patients, but also shapes the future of healthcare.”
The Letter of Intent initiates a comprehensive review process that will include academic, financial, operational, governance, and regulatory due diligence. During this process, leaders from both institutions will work collaboratively to evaluate the structure and terms of a potential merger.
Any final agreement would be subject to approval by the governing boards of both institutions, as well as any required accrediting agencies and regulatory authorities.
If completed, the merger would create a distinctive institution with expanded capabilities across undergraduate, graduate, professional, and doctoral education, advancing innovation in healthcare, whole-person wellness, workforce development, research, and community impact.
Additional information will be shared as the evaluation process progresses.
About Lewis University
Lewis University is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Lewis is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better.
About Northwestern Health Sciences University
Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) based in Bloomington, MN, has been a national leader in person-centered healthcare education for over 80 years. NWHSU offers a diverse range of evidence-informed programs and experiences including chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, undergraduate health sciences, and more. The University has more than 10,000 graduates throughout the U.S. and in 21 countries.
Media Contacts
Lewis University
Kathrynne Skonicki
Executive Director for Public Relations and Communications
skonicka@lewisu.edu
815-836-5711
Northwestern Health Sciences University
Shelby Pasell
Associate Director, Brand and Content Management
spasell@nwhealth.edu