The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County is partnering with Mercyhealth to expand access to healthcare education and serve a key need in Wisconsin and stateline communities for nurses, technicians, and other healthcare professionals.
The newly named Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub includes the Rock County campus’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation center and skills labs supporting learning in maternity education, pediatrics, and geriatrics. The space, which opened in 2024, is a result of a collaboration between the Rock County campus and Edgewood University, which provided the technology — including the mannequins used in the simulation labs. Mercyhealth’s half a million dollar gift ensures the upkeep and regular enhancement of the spaces.
“UW-Whitewater is committed to addressing the needs of the region,” said Chancellor Corey King. “Together, with Mercyhealth, we’re making an investment in today and the future — ensuring our healthcare workforce is well-educated, robust and adaptable. The Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub on the Rock County campus offers hands-on engagement and learning opportunities. It provides our students with valuable real-world experiences desired by employers.”
“Mercyhealth is proud to grow our partnership with UW-Whitewater at Rock County and Edgewood University. Creating opportunities for nursing students within our community is about more than education — it’s about building the future of healthcare. We’re excited to train and empower the nurses who will care for generations to come,” said Kara Sankey, vice president of operations at Mercyhealth.
The latest agreement expands the healthcare education partnership between UW-Whitewater at Rock County and Mercyhealth, which includes facilities investments and academic collaborations.
The university recently announced a Bachelor of Science in medical sciences degree with emphases in radiology and sonography. Students in the program will spend their final two years working with Mercyhealth for hands-on learning in their field.
URock is also part of a collaborative nursing program with Edgewood University. Students take two years of classes on the Rock County campus and are able to finish out their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on site without having to leave the area.
“The opportunities afforded to students through the Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub help keep our workforce talent local, which is so important to the health of our community,” said Tricia Clasen, assistant vice chancellor of the UW-Whitewater at Rock County and dean of the College of Integrated Studies. “Our students already have such a positive impact in Janesville and throughout Rock County, and this partnership with Mercyhealth ensures the long-term investment into this program and into the education of future healthcare professionals.”
Per the agreement, Mercyhealth will continue to be embedded into URock’s medical sciences programs, including in workforce development, microcredential opportunities, and other future collaborations.
Mercyhealth’s gift will also be recognized as a lead gift of UW-Whitewater’s Our Stories. Our Future. campaign, which formally launched over the summer. The university is more than halfway to its goal of raising $50 million for the current and future welfare of the university.
A recipient of the Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award in 2023, Mercyhealth has been a collaborative partner of UW-Whitewater for more than 20 years. It is the exclusive healthcare provider for Warhawk Athletics, a perennial national contender that consistently ranks among the top 20 NCAA Division III athletic programs.
Mercyhealth will be celebrated as a university partner October 17 as part of the UW-Whitewater football game against UW-Stout at Perkins Stadium.
