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NLU eCampus  Getting Started With NLU Online History and Mission |
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INSTITUTION NAMES
Miss Harrison's Training School:
1886
Chicago Kindergarten Training School:
1887
Chicago Kindergarten College:
1893
National Kindergarten and Elementary College:
1912
National College of Education:
1930
National-Louis University:
1990
INSTITUTION PRESIDENTS
Elizabeth Harrison:
1886-1920
Edna Dean Baker:
1920-1949
Dr. K. Richard Johnson:
1949-1972
Dr. Oscar Chute (Interim):
1972
Dr. Calvin E. Gross:
1972-1977
Dr. Orley R. Herron:
1977-1997
Dr. Edward A. Risinger (Acting):
1997-1998
Dr. Curtis L. McCray:
1998-Present
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The History of National-Louis University
The faith of one woman led National-Louis University to champion the concept of kindergarten teaching and made it one of the first teacher colleges in the country to offer a four-year education degree. National-Louis also pioneered adult education, beginning with the education of mothers whose children populated Miss Harrison's Training School, as National-Louis University was originally known, and evolving into the world-wide "campus without walls" of today.
For 80 years National-Louis specialized in education, developing into one of the finest education colleges in the country-National College of Education. National College of Education was instrumental in founding the Parent-Teacher Association and played a leading role in the launching of the national Head Start Program.
In the late 1970s National-Louis diversified, as it introduced academic programs in allied health, applied behavioral sciences, and human services-which were organized into the College of Arts and Sciences in 1982. Another rapid growth area, business programs, would result in the formation of the College of Management and Business in 1989. During this period of growth, National College of Education also began opening campuses across the nation and in Europe.
In 1990, National-Louis University united the respected name of National College of Education with that of trustee and benefactor Michael W. Louis. Louis' $30-million gift spearheaded the transition from college to university. National-Louis University now encompasses three colleges-National College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Management and Business. Together, they offer more than 60 academic programs, with degrees extending to the doctoral level.
National-Louis University has always served the principle that education must be responsive and accessible to all students, including adults who juggle career and family demands while pursuing studies. It is also renowned for programs geared to students who are not native speakers of English. National-Louis in Nowy Sacz, Poland, is the most prestigious business school in Poland, and has helped train the first generation of free-market business leaders in that country.
National-Louis University's dedication to students is not an approach that developed yesterday; it was born of the dream that began when the institution itself was born. It is a legacy of caring and innovation that enables individuals to reach their full potential.
Top Ten Neat Facts About National-Louis University
- Chicago's third-oldest private university, founded in 1886, NLU serves nearly 15,000 students annually through 15 campuses around the world. (Five in the Chicago area, eight across the nation, and two in Europe), as well as through on-line programs.
- Awards more master's degrees in education than any university in the country.
- Was founded by pioneering educator Elizabeth Harrison, who introduced kindergarten to America. In the 1890s, Harrison organized the first Convocation of Mothers, which, with the help of NLU, would become the PTA.
- National-Louis' MBA program was named one of the Top Ten programs in the nation for African-American graduates by Black MBA magazine in October 2001.
- Counts 19 Golden Apple Award winners for excellence in teaching among its graduates.
- NLU is ranked the #1 business school in Poland (its director was named "Businessman of the Decade" there), and is educating the first generation of free-market executives in Poland at its campus in Nowy Sacz.
- Pioneered the PACE program, the leader of only three programs in the country that offer post-secondary educational programs for learning-challenged adults, enabling them to lead productive, independent lives.
- NLU co-founded the innovative and highly successful public high school, Best Practice High School, in 1996 on Chicago's West Side. BPHS consistently ranks in the top 10 Chicago Public Schools.
- Works directly with more than 170 public schools in the city to help lead educational improvement in Chicago.
- Received a $6.3MM grant from the U.S. Department of Education for innovative teacher training programs now being implemented throughout Illinois.
The Mission & Purpose of National-Louis University
The mission of National-Louis University is to develop highly competent and humane individuals to serve and lead in an increasingly diverse and global society. Central to this mission is a commitment to life-long and active engagement in learning. As an independent, not-for-profit university that values teaching, NLU links tested theory and practice with the on-going experiences of its students. NLU is sensitive to the changing needs of society and is responsive to the students and publics it serves.
Purposes
In addition to its mission, the University is defined by a set of key institutional purposes that support the mission of the University.
The University endeavors to:
- Educate individuals for service and leadership through academic programs at the pre-baccalaureate, bachelors, masters, advanced certificate, specialists, and doctoral levels.
- Sustain a university environment that optimizes learning and inquiry for students and faculty.
- Continuously monitor and assess both student academic progress towards NLU's educational purposes and the quality of academic programs and services.
- Emphasize the development of individuals and organizations through innovative programs locally, nationally and internationally.
- Support teaching, scholarly activity and service that lead to the integration of theory and practice.
- Maintain a deep sense of community in the institutional, instructional, collegial and scholarly lives of NLU faculty, staff and students.
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