NCU Announces Center for Academic Resources and Adult Studies, Opens New Online Courses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2009
Contact:  Carla Aydelott, caydelott@northwestchristian.edu, 684-7241

Eugene, OR --- Northwest Christian University (NCU) is pleased to announce the creation of a new Center for Academic Resources and Adult Studies.  Functions of the Center include evening Professional Studies Program (PSP) and Graduate Admissions, registrar, disability services, veterans' education benefits coordination, academic advising, transcript evaluation for all student populations, prior learning assessment, adjunct faculty coordination (especially for PSP), and oversight of online programs. 

Brian Mills, formerly the Director of Enrollment Services, has been promoted to the role of Dean of the Center for Academic Resources and Adult Studies.  "This is an exciting time for NCU," Mills noted. "There is a growing program demand from adults who plan to finish their degree for new jobs and promotional opportunities.  We have designed academic programs with their needs in mind.  As a part of the new Center, we will be launching a number of new online programs starting this fall.  With our diverse and growing array of programs along with the opportunity for either face-to-face classroom delivery or online delivery (or some combination), we are able to meet the individual needs of the adult learners whose life circumstances and preferences vary greatly." 

With its recent online additions, NCU now offers the following undergraduate programs flexibly tailored to the needs of working adults: 

• B.A. in accounting offered totally online with an optional CPA track (NEW)
• B.A. in business administration offered totally online with a number of concentrations available (management, marketing, health care administration, human resource management, managerial finance, conflict management) (NEW)
• B.S. in computer information systems offered totally online (NEW)
• B.A. in management information systems offered totally online (NEW)
• B.A. in business administration (with a management concentration) offered in face-to-face classes in Eugene and Roseburg
• B.A. in interdisciplinary studies (customizable program)
• B.A. in psychology offered in a hybrid format (face-to-face classes combined with some online delivery) in Eugene and Roseburg

NCU is also preparing its long-standing certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) for evening delivery in a face-to-face format for working adults.  In addition to undergraduate students and others who wish to become TESOL certified, this program will especially appeal to public school teachers who wish to obtain a formal teaching endorsement in the high-demand area of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

With these new efforts, NCU is seeking to build on the success and enrollment growth it has been experiencing in recent years.  The new Center is critical in its overall effort to establish an enhanced focus on the adult market.  NCU made a commitment to the adult market back in the 1980s and has been very successful.  The new Center represents the institution's commitment to take the endeavor to new heights and reflects a growing demand in the adult learner market. 

Anyone interested in enrolling in one of NCU's adult studies programs, including its graduate programs, should contact Kathy Wilson at 541-684-7211.  For adult undergraduate studies, visit www.northwestchristian.edu/investinu or for graduate programs, visit www.northwestchristian.edu/stepup.

For additional information about the new Center for Academic Resources and Adult Studies, contact Brian Mills, Dean of Academic Resources and Adult Studies, at bmills@northwestchristian.edu.

About Northwest Christian University
Northwest Christian University is a liberal arts institution dedicated to developing competent, ethical leaders for service in the workplace, community, Church and world. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded in 1895 and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. Northwest Christian University offers 15 traditional undergraduate degree programs, four master's degree programs, and a professional studies program for working adults. More information about the University is available at www.northwestchristian.edu.

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