National Louis University
Chicago, IL
About National Louis University
Pioneering education, National Louis University champions accessible, innovative learning for all students.
National Louis University stands as a beacon of educational innovation, tracing its roots back to 1886 when Elizabeth Harrison founded it to train the nation's first "Kindergarteners." From its inception, NLU has been synonymous with forward-thinking pedagogy, establishing requirements that became a model for education colleges nationwide and championing early childhood education across America. Today, it remains dedicated to transforming lives through accessible, personalized learning experiences, continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of its diverse student body.
The university's history is a testament to its enduring commitment to social impact and academic excellence. It proudly partnered with Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jane Addams and Hull House to provide vital educational opportunities to underserved communities. Evolving from the Chicago Kindergarten Training School to the National College of Education, it eventually became National Louis University in 1990, a transformation propelled by the generous support of benefactor Michael W. Louis. This pivotal moment allowed for significant program expansion, cementing NLU's status as a comprehensive university offering degrees up to the doctoral level.
NLU's academic strengths span a wide array of fields, including education, liberal arts, business, and, more recently, health, human services, hospitality, and culinary arts through the acquisition of Kendall College. The university is particularly renowned for its Harrison Professional Pathways Program, founded in 2015, which provides a unique, adaptive learning environment with dedicated Student Success Coaches for college-qualified but under-resourced youth. This innovative program has flourished, demonstrating NLU's unwavering dedication to equity and student success. Furthermore, NLU has shown remarkable leadership by welcoming hundreds of students and faculty from the defunct Argosy University, ensuring their academic journeys could continue uninterrupted, including the doctoral students of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1886 by Elizabeth Harrison, pioneering the early childhood education movement in the U.S.
- ✦Developed requirements for educators that became a national model for education colleges.
- ✦Partnered with Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jane Addams and Hull House to serve immigrant populations.
- ✦Was one of the first teachers' colleges in the country to offer a four-year Bachelor of Education degree.
- ✦Launched the Harrison Professional Pathways Program in 2015, growing to over 1,500 students in five years.
- ✦Acquired Kendall College's acclaimed programs in hospitality, culinary arts, and general education in 2018.
- ✦Provided a vital pathway for hundreds of Argosy University students and professors to complete their education in 2019.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
4 notable schools within National Louis University
National College of Education
The foundational college, pioneering early childhood and elementary education, which is now a core component of NLU's broader academic structure.
College of Professional Studies and Advancement
An overarching college formed in 2014, encompassing programs in Health and Human Services, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Business and Management.
Kendall College
Acquired in 2018, known for its programs in general education, early childhood education, business, hospitality management, culinary arts, and baking & pastry.
Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Integrated into NLU after the closure of Argosy University, allowing doctoral students in Clinical Psychology to complete their graduate degrees.
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