Lakeland University: A Comprehensive Overview
Lakeland University, a liberal arts institution with a rich history and a forward-looking approach to education, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to a diverse student body. Based in Howards Grove, in southeast Wisconsin, Lakeland provides a personalized learning environment with a global perspective. With a focus on experiential learning and innovative programs, Lakeland prepares students to think critically, communicate effectively, and succeed professionally.
Historical Roots and Evolution
Lakeland University traces its origins to 1847, when German immigrants settled in the Sheboygan area. Driven by a desire to provide higher education for their children, they established Missionshaus (Mission House) in 1862. This combined academy, college, and seminary initially focused on training ministers but gradually broadened its scope to include a wider range of disciplines.
In 1956, the institution adopted the name Lakeland College, signaling a shift towards a liberal arts education. The seminary relocated to Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Lakeland continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of its students. In recognition of its growth and expanded offerings, Lakeland College officially became Lakeland University on July 1, 2016. This transition led to the creation of three schools: the School of Business & Entrepreneurship, the School of Science, Technology & Education, and the School of Humanities and Fine Arts, along with new academic programs.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
Lakeland University offers a wide array of academic programs designed to cater to various interests and career aspirations. Students can choose from thirty-four majors and twenty-two minors, providing ample opportunities for specialization and interdisciplinary study. The university distinguishes itself with unique programs such as the Aviation minor, the only four-year college in Wisconsin to offer this course, culminating in a private pilot certificate after 31 hours of flight and classroom study, primarily using Cirrus SR-20 aircraft.
Lakeland also provides advanced educational opportunities with three graduate master’s degrees in Counseling, Business Administration, and Education, catering to professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Read also: Tuition Fees at Lakeland
Lakeland's commitment to innovation is evident in its five-year pathway program, allowing high-achieving students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Leadership and Organizational Development in an expedited timeframe. Qualified students can also apply for a special program during the admissions process to complete a B.A. and M.B.A. or M.S.
For students interested in healthcare, Lakeland offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N. Completion Program) and a partnership with Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) School of Pharmacy, providing a pathway to a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree while earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.
Experiential Education and Cooperative Learning
Lakeland University is deeply committed to experiential education, believing that students learn best by doing. The Cooperative Education program allows students to earn up to 25% of their degree through paid, professional work experience at the residential campus. This innovative approach provides valuable real-world skills and helps students graduate with less tuition debt, making a bachelor’s degree accessible to a wider range of individuals.
The university's emphasis on practical experience extends to its Launch program, where students operate campus merchandise shops, gaining hands-on business skills.
Flexible Learning Options for Adult Learners
Recognizing the needs of working adults and non-traditional students, Lakeland University offers flexible learning options through the William R. Kellett School of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies. Students can pursue Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees through online, on-ground, or BlendEd® classes. These courses are available at various off-campus centers, including Chippewa Valley, Fox Cities, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Rapids, Kohler Company, and other corporate locations throughout the state.
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The Kellett School offers 12-week online and BlendEd® courses in the fall, spring, and summer, as well as 7-week online courses throughout the year, connecting faculty and students from diverse locations through interactive learning groups.
Global Engagement and Study Abroad Programs
Lakeland University fosters a global perspective through its diverse study abroad programs. Students can participate in short-term and long-term opportunities to immerse themselves in different cultures and broaden their academic horizons.
Lakeland maintains an accredited branch campus in Tokyo, Japan, offering an intensive English language program and an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree program. American students can also study at Lakeland University Japan (LUJ) as part of their undergraduate program, taking advantage of the Study Abroad at LUJ program to study Japanese language and culture.
Other study abroad opportunities include guest semesters in Germany at Universität Kassel or Universität Marburg, study programs in London with the Foundation for International Education (FIE), and partnerships with Universidad Reformada in Barranquilla, Colombia, and Tama University in Japan. Lakeland also offers programs in Belize and Luxembourg.
Campus Life and Resources
Lakeland University's main campus spans 240 acres and is located 12 miles northwest of Sheboygan in rural, eastern Wisconsin. The campus is conveniently located near Lake Michigan and the Kettle Moraine State Forest, providing students with access to outdoor recreational activities.
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The John Esch Library, located at the center of campus, offers a wide range of resources for students, including over 66,000 books, subscriptions to over 200 academic journals, newspapers, and magazines, a computer lab, group study rooms, and individual study spaces. As a member of the Monarch Library System, students have access to over 1,400,000 additional items.
Lakeland University's athletic teams, known as the Muskies, compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III and the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). The Muskies' mascot is an anthropomorphized pike fish sporting a hook. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling.
Accreditation and Recognition
Lakeland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of quality and academic excellence. In the most recent edition of Best Colleges, Lakeland University is ranked among the top Regional Universities in the Midwest and is recognized for its performance on social mobility.
Affordability and Value
Lakeland University is committed to making education affordable and accessible. Through its Cooperative Education program and other financial aid initiatives, the university helps students minimize tuition debt and achieve their academic goals.
Leadership and Faculty
Beth Borgen serves as the President of Lakeland University, dedicated to providing a safe and growth-facilitating environment for students. The university's faculty and staff are committed to the quality and safety of the Lakeland University experience, providing students with the support and guidance they need to succeed.
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