Affiliation Highlights System’s Stability and Commitment to Expanding Lifelong Learning Opportunities
La Jolla and Pleasant Hill, Calif. – The National University System, a network of affiliated institutions committed to meeting the emerging demands of education in the 21st century, today announced that an agreement to add John F. Kennedy University as the System’s newest affiliate has been finalized. With the addition of John F. Kennedy University, the National University System now has the potential to provide lifelong learners with access to a complete range of educational offerings, including K-12, technical programs, certificates, teaching credentials, and associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
“The addition of John F. Kennedy University reflects the National University System’s mission of connecting students with innovative educational programs,” said Dr. Jerry C. Lee, chancellor of the National University System. “The System has become a unique model in higher education; a multi-tiered alliance of institutions offering traditionally underserved student populations multiple pathways to educational opportunities.”
“For 44 years, JFK University has given students an innovative education that serves to advance the well-being of our diverse local and global communities,” said Dr. Steven Stargardter, president of John F. Kennedy University. “The National University System shares this educational vision. By working within and leveraging the System’s model and resources, JFK University’s ability to educate and inspire positive change will be strengthened.”
The combined affiliates of the National University System have a fair market value estimated between $700 million and $1 billion. In addition to John F. Kennedy University, the affiliates of the National University System include: National University; National Polytechnic College of Science; National University International; the Division of Pre-College Programs, consisting of National University Virtual High School and National University Academy; Spectrum Pacific Learning Company LLC; and WestMed College. Other entities related to the System include the National University System Institute for Policy Research and the Center for Integrative Health.
The addition of JFK University’s Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD.) program means for the first time National University System students will have the option of obtaining a doctoral degree from a System affiliate.
John F. Kennedy University consists of five schools: Education and Liberal Arts; Holistic Studies; Law; Management; and the Graduate School of Professional Psychology; and the Division of Continuing Education. Similar to National University’s one-course-per-month format and accelerated pace, JFK University allows students to earn a degree while balancing work and family commitments.
“All of the affiliates of the System are committed in one form or another to providing access to education to students interested in health care, and JFK University’s programs, specifically the Doctorate in Psychology and its School of Holistic Studies, fit seamlessly into that commitment,” said Dr. Lee.
As an affiliate of the National University System, JFK University will retain its name, identity, and standing as an independent, fully-accredited university. The affiliation provides the university with access to the System’s extensive resources, and ensures a strong foundation for the continued growth of John F. Kennedy University.
About the National University System
The National University System was established to meet the emerging challenges and demands of education in the 21st century. The System is uniquely aligned to connect a diverse population of students to a network of innovative educational programs that are relevant to their lives, careers, and the marketplace and are delivered in a format that respects competing life priorities. Dr. Jerry C. Lee has served as the System’s Chancellor since it was founded in 2001. In addition to John F. Kennedy University, the affiliates of the National University System are National University; National Polytechnic College of Science; National University International; the Division of Pre-College Programs consisting of National University Virtual High School and National University Academy; Spectrum Pacific Learning Company LLC; and WestMed College. Entities related to the System also include the National University System Institute for Policy Research and the Center for Integrative Health.
About John F. Kennedy University
Founded in 1964, John F. Kennedy University was among the first institutions of higher education in California committed to lifelong learning for adults. Today, the University’s five schools and one division provide innovative higher education opportunities to more than 2,000 working men and women who, despite a full range of life responsibilities, are determined to advance their education and improve their future. A pioneer of education that integrates theory and practice, John F. Kennedy University and its students touch the lives of more than 30,000 people in Bay Area communities every year through their support of outreach centers and public programs. Dr. Steven Stargardter has served as President of John F. Kennedy University since 2004. For more information, visit www.JFKU.edu.
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