Success through MMU and SAU

Long before discussion of an institutional partnership between Mount Mercy University and St. Ambrose University, Nichole (Clefisch) Plagge was a beneficiary of the academic opportunities provided by both institutions.  

Nichole majored in biology and psychology at Mount Mercy, graduating in 1997. She then earned a graduate degree at St. Ambrose in physical therapy. That set her on a professional path that led her to her current role as Clinical Manager for Physical Therapy and Oncology Physical Therapist at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.  

“I feel both schools have very strong academic programs, have solid leadership and visions, and can embrace the mission-based roots that both of them have,” she explained, “to create an exceptional environment for students with so many opportunities.” 

Nichole is one of the select individuals with personal knowledge of both environments as part of her academic journey, giving her unique perspective on the benefits of institutional collaboration. 

“As someone who attended both institutions, I see this as an incredible partnership, with so many positive opportunities,” she explained. “Both institutions have done very well in creating strong academic programs, graduate programs, leadership programs, and so much more. All of this will now be available to students. I am excited to see how this progresses and what the future holds for this partnership.” 

Nichole envisioned her own future in the medical field from the time she was a freshman in high school. She arrived at Mount Mercy from her hometown of Guttenberg, Iowa, with the intention of becoming a physician.  

“Coming from a small town and a small school, I knew I wanted to go to a smaller college where I would still feel connected to the community,” Nichole recalled. “I looked at several schools, and when I came to my campus visit at Mount Mercy, it felt like a perfect fit.” 

With guidance from Mount Mercy mentors such as Dr. Frank Jaszcz, she found herself excelling in science and the opportunities presented by a path in biology. 

“I still feel today that my biology degree from Mount Mercy is one of the strongest science degrees in the college realm,” Nichole said. “I ended up with a double major in biology and psychology, as I found psychology to be not only fascinating, but a valuable asset to a career in medicine.” 

"I still feel today that my biology degree from Mount Mercy is one of the strongest science degrees in the college realm." —Nichole (Clefisch) Plagge '97

To gain experience, Nichole began volunteering at Mercy Medical Center, eventually becoming a permanent volunteer in physical therapy. That led to a weekend job as a rehabilitation technician, and after seeing the important role of rehab in changing people’s lives, she made a decision to pursue physical therapy as a graduate degree. 

“I applied to three physical therapy schools, and St. Ambrose in Davenport was the one that, again, felt like home, had a strong program, and was the right fit for me,” she said. “The professors were not only excellent academically, but made sure we were all compassionate, caring clinicians as well.” 

When she earned her graduate degree from St. Ambrose in 2000, a physical therapist position opened up at Mercy Medical Center, where she has remained ever since. In her role today, she oversees 11 physical therapy clinics and inpatient physical therapy services, managing 51 people and the department budgets, staffing, expansion initiatives and growth, process development, interdisciplinary projects, and all administrative functions.  

Nichole said what she learned at Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose helped prepare her for professional success. 

“Mount Mercy’s excellent biology and psychology programs, the dedicated professors from those programs and their true interest in students provided the guidance and direction to allow me to get into physical therapy graduate school,” Nichole said. “The physical therapy program at St. Ambrose was outstanding. Didactically, I felt very prepared for a career in physical therapy and confident to explore the many realms of the profession.” 

With both institutions now combining what they have to offer, Nichole believes students will have more options and an enhanced academic experience.  

“I think St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy can bring different program opportunities to both of their students, and provide more graduate paths,” she said. “Overall, for a student to have the ability to have two amazing colleges available to them, in two different cities, both with so many different things to offer, is quite the package.” 

Beyond academics, both institutions operate under a spirit of compassion that encourages students to lead a life of service. That ethic continues to drive Nichole—her many volunteer pursuits include the Cedar Valley Humane Society, Homeward Bound Siberian Husky Rescue, Live by Living (a cancer survivorship group), Especially for You Race Against Breast Cancer, the Indian Creek Nature Center, and the Mission Advancement Committee at Mercy Medical. 

Additionally, Nichole gives back through her service on the Mount Mercy Alumni Board.  

“Giving back to the community and volunteering is a core value for me, and something our whole family has invested in,” said Nichole, who lives in Cedar Rapids with her husband and three sons.   

“Catherine McAuley said ‘We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us,’” she added. “I feel volunteering allows us to share our light with others who need it.”