Founded in 1890 by A.N. Hirons as LaPorte Business College in LaPorte, Indiana, Brown Mackie College — Moline became known as Commonwealth Business College. In 1919, ownership was transferred to Grace and J.J. Moore, who successfully operated the College for almost 30 years. Following World War II, Harley and Stephanie Reese operated the College under the name of Reese School of Business for several decades.
In 1975, the College came under the ownership of Steven C. Smith as Commonwealth Business College. A second location, now known as Brown Mackie College — Merrillville, was opened in 1984 in Merrillville, Indiana, and a third location was opened a year later in Davenport, Iowa. In 1987, the Davenport location relocated to its present site in Moline, Illinois.
In 1995, the College came under the ownership of Commonwealth Business College Education Corporation, and the current school name, Brown Mackie College — Moline, became official when the College changed ownership again in September 2003. In 2009, Brown Mackie College — Moline changed its name to Brown Mackie College — Quad Cities.
Brown Mackie College — Quad Cities is proud of its long history and its many graduates who have become successful, contributing members of our community. We look forward to the continued growth and the development of our students with a sense of confidence and pride.