For LeAnn Ridgeway ’86, ’98 MBA, the merger between St. Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University feels like a homecoming. As a graduate of both institutions, and a former Mount Mercy board member, she’s seen firsthand the transformative power of Catholic higher education, and she knows both institutions are on a path to success.
“Both universities look to educate the whole person,” Ridgeway reflected. “That is what really attracted me to both schools.”
A 1986 graduate of Mount Mercy, Ridgeway spent 37 years working for Collins Aerospace – an aviation and defense technology company that is one of the world's largest suppliers of aerospace and defense products. She retired as its chief sustainability officer in March 2024.
Working her way up to the position, Ridgeway leaned on her Catholic higher education as a guiding principle to fuel her curiosity and cultivate a collaborative environment.
She gained her foundational business education from MMU, earning degrees in business and economics. Then, she advanced her education through the Master of Business Administration program at St. Ambrose.
“As a proud Mount Mercy alum, continuing my education with St. Ambrose felt like a natural next step,” Ridgeway said. “I was drawn to the sense of connection, the caliber of the professors, and the emphasis on applying what we learned directly to real-world business challenges. The program was truly designed for working professionals who wanted to keep advancing their careers while remaining grounded in faith, community, and purpose.”
The evening classes allowed Ridgeway to elevate her education without stepping away from her career. She strengthened her leadership skills and gained a more holistic view of business and finance, setting her up to become a strategic decision-maker and effective multi-discipline leader.
“SAU’s practical, hands-on approach gave me the tools to accelerate my professional growth and strengthen my leadership skills,” Ridgeway said.
“The professors were outstanding – approachable, experienced, and invested in our success. They didn’t just teach theory; they connected it to real business challenges and encouraged open discussion.”
That education paid off. Ridgeway was the first-ever female vice president at Collins to run a business unit. She was also the company’s first-ever chief sustainability officer. A key part of herrole was identifying strategies and best practices that positioned Collins as a leader in aerospace engineering.
She says her confidence to navigate through challenges was shaped by her education at both MMU and SAU.
“Mount Mercy grounded me in faith, ethics, and service-driven leadership. St. Ambrose built on that foundation with strategic thinking, collaboration, and real-world application. Together, they shaped how I lead today – with purpose, integrity, and a deep respect for the people and values that make organizations thrive.”
Both campuses continue to benefit from Ridgeway’s leadership in her new role as chair of the Mount Mercy Campus Board. This board serves as an ambassador and provides strategic support to the St. Ambrose Board of Trustees, ensuring the Sisters of Mercy’s legacy continues to be carried forward.
Ridgeway approaches this new chapter with excitement as her two alma maters move into their next chapter, together.
“So excited about the possibilities of this union together and everything that we're going to be able to do,” Ridgeway said, “not only for the students but also for the faculty and staff to broaden their opportunities, as well as what we're going to be able to do in the communities that we're serving.”
