National American University
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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National American University |
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| Motto | Quality higher education in a caring and supportive environment. |
| Established | 1941 |
| Type | Private |
| President | Dr. Jerry L. Gallentine |
| Location | See below |
| Colors | Royal Blue and White |
| Mascot | Marvin the Maverick |
| Website | national.edu |
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National American University (NAU) is a private, for-profit university with multiple campuses in the United States. NAU has undergraduate and graduate programs.
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[edit] Academics
National American University offers core academic programs in accounting, applied management, business administration, health care, and information technology. The graduate degree programs available include a M.B.A. and a Master of Management degree. Degree offerings vary by region.
[edit] Campus Life
National American University’s first campus in Rapid City, still located at 321 Kansas City Street, has on-campus housing, a gymnasium, several classroom buildings and a library.
The dormitory, at 121 Kansas City Street, is open year-around and houses a cafeteria-style dining room. Other features include public computers in the commons area and available WiFi access. It is within walking distance of most downtown businesses and has easy access to the cities’ bus routes. Other campus locations (listed below) offer a wide variety of degree programs, but no on-campus housing is available.
[edit] Athletics
NAU’s Rapid City campus is home to two collegiate sports – volleyball and rodeo. The mascot is the Maverick.
The Maverick women won the NAIA National Volleyball Championship in December 2006 at the end of a perfect season — 41-0. It was the second national title in volleyball since the arrival of Coach Todd Lowery in 2002. Lowery was named 2006 NAIA Region III Volleyball Coach of the Year.
NAU’s Maverick rodeo team—both men and women—compete in the Great Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. With the fall season of competition completed, both are in the number one position. Several NIRA champions call NAU Rapid City home.
[edit] History
National American University was established in 1941 as a one-year secretarial school by Clarence Jacobson. It was called National College of Business and was located in a downtown Rapid City building. In 1960, Jacobson had the building that now houses administration for the Rapid City campus constructed at 321 Kansas City Street and moved National College to that location.
In 1962, NCB was acquired by Harold T. Buckingham and members of his family. Shortly after the Buckingham’s purchased the school, a period of growth began which led to the construction of the classroom buildings, dormitories, a library, gymnasium, and an auditorium.
NCB was granted collegiate accreditation as a junior college by the Accrediting Commission of the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools in 1966. Senior college accreditation was granted in 1970.
The 1970s brought another period of growth, this time with the addition of several branch locations in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions. This trend toward reaching out to other communities resumed in the 90s with the addition of more campuses nationwide and continues today (See below for a complete listing of National American university campuses.)
In 1985, NCB earned accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and in 1997 the university name was changed to National American University.
The university made its first foray into the world of online education in 1998 and now offers many classes and several degrees completely online through its Distance Learning campus.In 2000, the growth of the university system resulted in the creation of Central Administration which is located south of Rapid City.
[edit] Locations
Campuses are located in Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado; Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, New Mexico; Independence and Zona Rosa Mall in northern Kansas City, Missouri; Mall of America, Brooklyn Center and Roseville, Minnesota; Overland Park, Kansas; and Ellsworth AFB and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. NAU has opened education centers in Watertown, South Dakota and Wichita, Kansas, and, in the near future, will open a campus in Austin, Texas.
[edit] Distance Learning
National American University began to develop online courses in 1996 and now offers degree programs in a number of academic areas.
[edit] Accreditation
NAU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
[edit] Student Services and Activities
There are many student organizations, both university based and national, that NAU students can join. The Rapid City campus has several club and intramural sports.
