National American University Turns 75

The university, then known as National School of Business, first opened its doors in 1941 on a main street in Rapid City, South Dakota. Its early focus was on providing business classes in subjects like accounting and marketing in anticipation of the need for trained managers after World War II. Early programs were geared towards veterans who were returning from overseas and needed to adapt their skills to the new economy.

"Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson and our other instructors wanted us to learn," recalls Toni Marin, a 1944 graduate who still lives in Rapid City. "They wanted us all to become strong, good people. They cared."

Since then, National American University has focused on identifying those areas of need in the community and designing programs to fit them. Today, the university offers degrees in a wide range of fields, from its original business focus to healthcare, information technology, and more. It has also expanded its operations. National American University now has over 30 campuses in 10 states and offers online courses.

National American University's main focus is on flexibility. Degree options can be tailored to student interests, as well as their lifestyles, with the help of a personal advisor who begins working with the student to identify those needs before he or she ever takes a step in a classroom.

The university also tries to make it easy for students who wish to transfer credits or continue their college education after a hiatus. This approach is reflected by National American University's recent efforts to assist students from other institutions that have ceased operations.

"National American took us with open arms," said Scott, a former student of Westwood College. "They were saying, 'Yes, we will take you, we'll take all your credits and everything, and we are going to finish you off and let you walk.' It was unbelievably appreciated. They were the only school that was willing to do that. National American offered the best choice."

Today, NAU offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, healthcare, and legal studies. During the past 75 years, NAU has grown to serve students at more than 30 campuses offering courses in traditional, online, and hybrid formats, providing students increased flexibility to take classes at times and places convenient to their busy lifestyles.

National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (800- 621-7440 | hlcommission.org). For more information about degree programs, admissions, and financial aid opportunities, please visit www.national.edu.

For More Information
Gregg Peterson, Director of Marketing
605-394-4960 | [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160915/408397

SOURCE National American University Foundation

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