National Louis University
Chicago, IL
Quick Facts
“Sapientia Dignitas Temperantia”(Wisdom Dignity Judgement)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About National Louis University
NLU: Pioneering education, fostering innovation, and championing student success.
National Louis University (NLU), established in 1886, boasts a rich legacy rooted in the transformative early childhood education movement. Founded by Elizabeth Harrison to train "Kindergarteners," NLU was instrumental in shaping national educational standards, even co-founding the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Its initial curriculum became a model for education colleges nationwide, continuously evolving to reflect a deep commitment to academic and professional training, eventually growing into a comprehensive private university.
NLU's history is marked by a strong dedication to social impact and community engagement. In the 1920s, it partnered with Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jane Addams to provide educational opportunities to the underprivileged immigrant population served by Hull House. This spirit of accessibility and expansion continued as NLU broadened its academic scope beyond education, introducing liberal arts, business, and management programs, and achieving accreditation for master's and doctoral degrees. A significant turning point in 1990 saw the institution become National Louis University, fueled by a generous gift from Michael W. Louis, which enabled vast program expansion and the establishment of its flagship Downtown Chicago campus in 1999.
Today, NLU is a dynamic institution dedicated to innovative and student-centric learning. Its Harrison Professional Pathways Program, launched in 2015, exemplifies this commitment by offering adaptive learning technology, Student Success Coaches, and personalized instruction for under-resourced, college-qualified youth, growing to serve over 1,500 students in just five years. NLU further expanded its offerings and impact by acquiring the assets of Kendall College in 2018, adding renowned programs in culinary arts and hospitality. The university also demonstrated its compassion and adaptability in 2019 by providing a crucial academic home for former students and hiring professors from the defunct Argosy University, ensuring continuity for those pursuing their degrees.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1886 by Elizabeth Harrison, a pioneer in the early childhood education movement.
- ✦Instrumental in founding the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and setting national education standards.
- ✦Collaborated with Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jane Addams and Hull House in the 1920s to provide education to immigrant communities.
- ✦Evolved from a college to National Louis University in 1990, expanding to 60 academic programs extending to the doctoral level.
- ✦The Harrison Professional Pathways Program, founded in 2015, grew to serve over 1,500 students in five years.
- ✦Acquired assets of Kendall College in 2018, adding programs in culinary arts, hospitality, and early childhood education.
- ✦Provided a pathway for former students and hired professors from the defunct Argosy University in 2019 to continue their education.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
6 notable schools within National Louis University
National College of Education
The foundational college of NLU, central to its pioneering role in early childhood education and teacher training since 1886.
Kendall College
Acquired in 2018, offering specialized programs in hospitality management, culinary arts, and baking & pastry.
Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Offers doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology, providing a pathway for students from defunct institutions to complete their degrees.
School of Business and Management
Offers a range of business and management degrees, including MBA programs, with its origins tracing back to 1989.
School of Health and Human Services
Provides programs focused on health-related fields and human services.
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Encompasses studies in social and behavioral sciences, contributing to diverse academic pathways.
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