National University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni and Accessible Education

National University (NU), founded in 1971 by Navy Capt. Dr. David Chigos, stands as a testament to accessible, student-centric education, particularly for adult learners, working students, military personnel, and other non-traditional learners. With a commitment to holistic engagement and breaking down barriers to education, NU has fostered a diverse and successful community of alumni making impactful contributions worldwide.

Founding Principles and Mission

Dr. Chigos founded National University to address the need for educational opportunities and support for deployed soldiers and Veterans. His vision centered on creating a university that catered to adult learners and working students. This commitment to accessibility is reflected in NU's flexible scheduling, online programs, and robust support systems. The university's motto, "Discendo Vivimus" (We live through learning), encapsulates its core belief in the transformative power of education.

NU's mission extends beyond academic instruction. The university prioritizes holistic engagement, supporting students academically while acknowledging the impact of non-academic factors on learning. This approach, grounded in theoretical frameworks, aims to empower students, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and equipped to succeed.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

National University prides itself on its extraordinarily diverse student body, faculty, and staff. The university recognizes that diversity of background, orientation, and thought are necessary and valued elements of a learned society. NU actively works to close education gaps in underserved populations, believing that access to education is a fundamental right.

This commitment is reflected in NU's status as the largest conferrer of graduate degrees to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students in the country and a top three conferrer of doctoral degrees overall. The university strives to create a diverse and inclusive culture, offering programs designed to ensure personal and professional success for its employees.

Innovative Learning Pathways

National University is committed to creating deeper connections and meaningful outcomes for adult learners through credential-rich and experience-rich pathways. These pathways include military, community college, and employer partnerships, providing "on-ramps" for students to continue their educational journey.

Through corporate partnerships with organizations like Amazon, Sharp Healthcare, Hunter Industries, and the City of San Diego, NU helps businesses attract and retain employees with customized education and training programs. The university also supports organizations throughout California and nationwide, including the YMCA, County of Riverside, and AMN Healthcare.

In 2023, National University launched its virtual campus, initially available to students in select programs. Created using advanced VR and 3D modeling technologies, the virtual campus recreates elements of a traditional, physical college campus, expanding NU's immersive learning initiatives.

Notable Alumni

While the user provided information on notable alumni from Seoul National University, it's important to highlight that National University also boasts a distinguished alumni network. These graduates have made significant contributions in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, cybersecurity, law, and criminal justice.

Examples of National University Alumni:

Ramos: Widely credited for revitalizing international confidence in the Philippine economy. He served as chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and later as Secretary of National Defense before being elected president.
Néstor Vicente Madali González: A Filipino novelist, short story writer, essayist, and poet.
Lordy Tugade: A Filipino retired professional basketball player known as the "Alaminos Assassin" for his three-point shooting.
Isadore Hall III: An American politician and a former member of the California State Senate.
Rafael "Raffy" Puchero Nantes: The governor of the Province of Quezon, Philippines, from 2007 to 2010.
Danilo Ildefonso: A Filipino retired professional basketball player, two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, and assistant coach for the Alaska Aces.

Academic Programs and Structure

National University confers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and teaching credentials. The university comprises several colleges, each with its specific focus:

Read also: Eligibility for National Awards

College of Letters and Sciences: Provides undergraduate, general education courses and offers degrees in liberal arts, biological science, history, and psychology.
College of Business, Engineering, and Technology: Offers degrees and certificates from associate to doctoral levels in business, economics, engineering, technology, and computer science.
College of Education: Offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, certificates, and education credentials in areas including teaching, school counseling, school psychology, special education, early childhood education, and school administration.

Accreditation and Recognition

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The university has also received specialized accreditations for specific programs, demonstrating its commitment to academic quality and industry relevance.

In 2006, National University earned an Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Pacific Southwest Chapter, for its "One University" commercial, recognizing its efforts in promoting accessible education.

National University of Health Sciences Alumni

National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) also has a strong and successful community of alumni. The NUHS Alumni are the innovators and leaders in the growing field of integrative health care. As a community of leaders, they take our tradition of excellence and collaboratively inspire change worldwide. The alumni community has been on a mission to build the most elite foundation of excellence for students, National University and the profession. In the past few years, your membership has enabled us to accomplish essential initiatives such as updating techniques labs, purchasing anatomage tables, enhancing student resources; and much more. As part of the 2023 Homecoming celebration, NUHS President, Joseph P.D. Stiefel, MS, EdD, DC, addressed the NUHS Community at the University Luncheon. We are Better Together! Do you have a suggestion for us? Is there a concern we may address? We are happy to help you locate a National alum. Is your patient moving to another city or state? Let us help you suggest a fellow National alum in their new hometown!

Examples of National University of Health Sciences Alumni:

Drs. Nate (’16) and Shannon (14′ DC & 15′ MSAC) McKee: met at National University of Health Sciences, it was a coincidental interaction of being in the same time at the same place that started their relationship.
Dr. Thomas G. Sircher: began his chiropractic career as a graduate from National College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Rob Gregory: passion to serve his patients inspired him to further his education by pursuing a Doctorate of Chiropractic Degree at National University of Health Sciences.
Dr. Audra Lance: After graduating from National in 2013, Dr.

Merger with Northcentral University

On September 30, 2022, National University merged with Northcentral University, an entirely online institution specializing in advanced degrees. This merger expanded NU's reach and program offerings, adding over 10,000 students and 80 graduate and doctoral programs to the institution. This strategic move further solidified National University's position as a leader in accessible, online education for adult learners.

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