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Sullivan University

Louisville, KY

private forprofitgraduate

About Sullivan University

Sullivan University: Fast-track your career with flexible, hands-on degree programs.

Sullivan University stands as a dynamic and career-focused institution, dedicated to quickly preparing students for professional success. From its origins as a one-year business college, Sullivan has evolved into a comprehensive university, recognized for its innovative "stair step" approach to education. This unique model allows students to gain valuable career diplomas swiftly, progress through associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, and even pursue doctoral studies, enabling them to enter the workforce at various stages while continuing their academic journey.

Founded in 1962, Sullivan's history is one of continuous growth and adaptation. What began as Sullivan Business College expanded its offerings to include associate degrees, establishing a presence in Louisville, Fort Knox, and Lexington. A significant milestone was the creation of the National Center for Hospitality Studies in 1987, bringing specialized degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and hotel and restaurant management. The institution further broadened its academic scope by gaining approval to award Bachelor of Science degrees in 1990, followed by MBA programs in 1997, and eventually doctoral programs in Pharmacy and Management in the 2000s.

Today, Sullivan University operates on an accelerated quarter system, ensuring a swift path to graduation. The Louisville and Lexington campuses offer a distinctive "Plus Friday" feature, providing dedicated time for students to engage with full-time undergraduate instructors. This commitment to student support, combined with a pragmatic, career-oriented curriculum, ensures that graduates are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by today's competitive job market. The university's evolution, including its 2018 merger with Spencerian College and Sullivan College of Technology and Design, solidified its position as a major educational provider in Kentucky.

Key Highlights

  • Pioneered a unique "stair step" degree approach, allowing students to quickly enter careers while advancing their education from diplomas to doctorates.
  • Established in 1962, it expanded from a business college to offer associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
  • Home to the renowned National Center for Hospitality Studies, offering specialized degrees in culinary arts, baking & pastry, and hotel & restaurant management.
  • Grew to become the largest private college in Kentucky by 1998, enrolling 3,000 students across its Louisville, Lexington, and Fort Knox campuses.
  • Offers accredited doctoral programs, including a Doctor of Pharmacy (established 2008) and a Ph.D. in Management (established 2010).
  • Operates on an accelerated quarter system, with Louisville and Lexington campuses offering "Plus Friday" for enhanced undergraduate instructor support.

Timeline

1962
Founded as Sullivan Business College by A.O. and A.R. Sullivan.
1972
Began offering associate degrees.
1976
Renamed Sullivan Junior College of Business and moved to its present Louisville campus.
1987
Opened the National Center for Hospitality Studies.
1990
Approved by the Kentucky Council on Higher Education to award Bachelor of Science degrees.
1997
First MBA degree offered.
1998
Became the largest private college in Kentucky with 3,000 students.
2000
Renamed Sullivan University.
2008
Began its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Pharmacy.
2010
Launched its first Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in management.
2018
Merged with Spencerian College and Sullivan College of Technology and Design.

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Sullivan University

🏫

National Center for Hospitality Studies

Offers degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, hotel and restaurant management, and catering, established in 1987.

💊

Doctor of Pharmacy Program

The university's first doctoral program, accredited by ACPE, allowing graduates to sit for the National Board Exam (established 2008).

🏫

Ph.D. in Management Program

The university's first Doctor of Philosophy program, focusing on management studies (established 2010).

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