National Louis University: A Legacy of Education, Programs, and Accreditation
Founded on the principle of transformative education, National Louis University (NLU) has a rich history spanning over 140 years. From its humble beginnings as a school for training kindergarten teachers to its current status as a comprehensive university with diverse programs and locations, NLU has consistently evolved to meet the needs of its students and communities. This article explores the history, programs, and accreditation of National Louis University, highlighting its commitment to providing quality, professionally-focused education.
A Foundation Built on Innovation and Community
In 1886, Elizabeth Harrison, a pioneer in urban education and a dedicated community activist, envisioned a school that would empower women to teach young children. This revolutionary idea led to the creation of Miss Harrison’s Training School, which quickly became a cornerstone of the modern American kindergarten movement. The institution also played a vital role in the establishment of the National Congress of Mothers, later known as the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
Over the years, the institution underwent several name changes, reflecting its growth and expanding mission. It evolved from the Chicago Kindergarten Training School (1887) to the Chicago Kindergarten College (1893), then to the National Kindergarten and Elementary College (1912), and finally to the National College of Education (1930). The adoption of "National" in its name signified its role as the professional school of the National Kindergarten Association.
Expansion and Transformation
The university's trajectory took a significant turn in 1990 when it united the name of National College of Education with that of Michael W. Louis, a trustee and benefactor. Louis's generous $30 million gift, one of the largest ever given to an Illinois college or university, propelled the institution's transformation from a college to a comprehensive university. This contribution enabled NLU to greatly expand its programs and reach, solidifying its position as a leading educational institution. By this time, NLU encompassed three colleges: National College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Management and Business, offering 60 academic programs, with degrees extending to the doctoral level.
In 1999, NLU established its flagship location in the historic 22-story Peoples Gas Building at 122 S. Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, a landmark building constructed in 1910.
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Furthering its commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities, NLU acquired Kendall College in 2018. This acquisition added culinary arts and hospitality management programs to NLU's offerings, enriching the university's academic portfolio. In 2023, NLU launched the School of Nursing to help address the national shortage of nurses and provide opportunities for students interested in healthcare careers.
NLU took on the former students and hired former professors from now-defunct Argosy University in the summer of 2019, a for-profit institution that was abruptly forced to close due to the discontinuation of federal financial aid. The Argosy students were left without a way to continue their education until the possibility arose for them to transfer to NLU, which allowed them to pick up where they left off with the same classmates and professors.
Academic Programs and Colleges
Today, National Louis University offers a wide array of high-quality, professionally-focused programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in their chosen fields and communities. The university's programs span various disciplines, including business and technology, culinary arts and hospitality, education, health, nursing, human services, and social and behavioral sciences.
NLU's academic structure comprises several colleges and schools, each dedicated to specific areas of study:
- Undergraduate College: Offers a range of undergraduate degree programs. The Undergraduate College at National Louis University is dedicated to supporting underserved but college-qualified high school graduates in receiving an education at a reduced tuition rate. These students are able to choose between any of the university's undergraduate degree options. In 2015, NLU founded its Harrison Professional Pathways Program, an entirely new undergraduate degree program aimed at serving under-resourced but college-qualified youth in the Chicago area, specifically students graduating high school with a GPA between 2.0 and 3.0. To help students who may not be fully prepared for college, Pathways implements adaptive learning technology, Student Success Coaches, and flipped classroom environments to personalize instruction for each student.
- Kendall College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management: Provides specialized training in culinary arts, baking and pastry, and hospitality management. Kendall College at National Louis University offers preparation for careers in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, and Hospitality management. Kendall College combines a blend of traditional academic instruction with on-site, practical experience that aims to maximally prepare its students to transition smoothly into their chosen careers.
- College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences: Focuses on the study of psychology and human behavior, offering programs such as the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and the Community Psychology program.
- Graduate School of Business and Leadership: Offers advanced business and leadership programs for professionals seeking to enhance their careers.
- National College of Education: Dedicated to preparing educators and leaders in the field of education.
- Accelerate U: Provides accelerated degree programs for adult learners.
- School of Nursing: Offers nursing programs to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals.
- College of Professional Studies and Advancement (CPSA): CPSA consists of the school of health and human services, school of social and behavioral sciences, and school of business and management. Students may enter the field of Health and Human Services at the Bachelor's, Master's, or Ed.D.
These programs are offered at various levels, including certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, catering to a diverse range of students with different educational goals and career aspirations.
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Locations and Accessibility
National Louis University serves nearly 13,000 students annually across multiple locations, including:
- Downtown Chicago: The main campus, located in two historic landmark buildings at 122 S. Michigan Avenue and 18 S. Michigan Avenue, houses classrooms, laboratories, computer labs, a library, and the NLU gift shop.
- Lisle, Illinois (P.A.C.E. NLU Lisle): This location offers upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs for working adults. It includes classrooms, administration and faculty offices, computer labs, student lounges and a library.
- Wheeling, Illinois: Provides graduate programs in education and psychology, as well as programs for traditional students. The Wheeling location offers classrooms, computer labs and student lounges. It also houses student records.
- Florida Regional Center: Serving a diverse Florida population, this center offers a full range of NLU services, including enrollment counseling, academic services, financial services, academic development, information and library support and student affairs.
- Online: NLU offers a variety of online programs, making education accessible to students anywhere.
NLU also teaches courses at offsite locations but only with HLC approval and after a thorough review process to ensure that the facility meets the requirements for academic learning.
Accreditation and Recognition
National Louis University is committed to maintaining high standards of academic quality and is accredited by recognized accrediting bodies. This accreditation ensures that NLU's programs meet rigorous standards and that students receive a valuable and respected education.
A few programs in Kendall College are accredited by the American Culinary Federation. The University holds License by Means of Accreditation from the Florida Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education to operate as a university, to offer programs of instruction, and to award degrees. Additional information regarding NLU may be obtained by contacting the Commission for Independent Education at: 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.
Credit and degrees earned from colleges in the State of Florida which are licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education do not automatically qualify the holder for a Florida teaching certificate. In the state of Florida, students need to graduate from a state-approved program and then pass the FELE in order to receive a certification from Florida DOE in Educational Leadership that enables them to hold leadership positions at the district and state levels. As a state-approved program, graduates of NLU's M.Ed., Ed.S., and Ed.D. NLU is also a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
Read also: Explore accessible education at National University
Mission and Values
National Louis University's mission is to prepare students to lead in their professions and communities, encouraging excellence in the pursuit of career and personal goals. NLU is proud to drive economic and social mobility for its students, empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.
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