PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
A bold problem solver. A positive deviant. A tackler of challenges. A higher-ed innovator. It gives me pride to hear these colloquial expressions used to describe National Louis University, but it is the act of these traits, the execution of these attributes, that affirm who we really are and how we are on the move. This is a period of exceptional innovation in every respect at NLU — from program delivery models, to a relentless focus on learning and outcomes, to the way we organize ourselves academically and administratively. We are increasingly recognized as an innovative problem solver focused on post-secondary attainment, educator preparation and strong professional programming across a broad array of disciplines. Dubbed a Gates Foundation’s “positive deviant,” we don’t even flinch when tackling contemporary challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education. We believe that it is important to serve adult learners, and to do so well means we have to understand their needs. Accordingly, we expanded our program modalities. Additional quality online programming to address the complex and competing priorities that our adult learners must juggle was created. To balance the need for flexibility and connection with colleagues and peers, we are introducing the new “Weekend Center” where programs will meet monthly and work online between sessions thus providing the adult learner the best of both worlds — online flexibility, and face-to- face networking. We are committed to our core strength in educator preparation and ensuring that there is a pipeline of great teachers available for our nation’s children. To this end, we continue our work within the National College of Education to re-envision teacher preparation with a competency focused, field-intensive approach that has teachers ready to handle a classroom on day one. I invite you to read more about this in this issue’s Advancing the Incredibly Satisfying Job of Teaching by NCE Dean Robert Muller.
We believe in providing affordable options for students to pursue their educational aspirations. Work is progressing on a new and innovative undergraduate college that provides access to quality, affordable education for all students, through a flipped and adaptive learning model, strong individualized support, and a focus on developing a well- rounded professional who is career ready at graduation. We have expanded programs to included computer and information systems, online early childhood education programs, business, and social sciences, among others. Through all this change, our institution continues its unwavering tradition of focusing on student success and the impact on the communities we serve. The achievements of the past year exemplify the many ways that our talented faculty and staff advance our institutional commitments and values. I hope you find the stories and perspectives in this magazine a reminder of the power of extending opportunity to all who seek to better themselves through education. I consider it an honor to steward an institution that is committed to equity and advancing social and economic mobility for students, but it is the support of our larger community that will truly move us forward. You, our alumni and friends, play a key role in the future of this commitment. Join me in showing our students your support by making a gift. And through the generosity of some of our donors who are willing to match dollars raised, your donation will double its impact. What more direct way to say you believe in our students and their future? We invite you to stay engaged between semi-annual issues of this magazine by visiting nl.edu/alumni
Best regards,
Nivine Megahed, Ph.D. President
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National Louis University VIEW | Spring 2018
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