Join us in celebrating 85 Years of National American University!
Join us in celebrating 85 years of National American University. We’ve had a long history of providing quality higher education, and we couldn’t do it without our students, alumni, faculty and staff. The hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our community is what helped us reach this milestone. We consider this anniversary a collective success.
A Note from NAU’s President
This year, National American University proudly celebrates 85 years of creating opportunities, empowering people, and transforming lives through education. Our milestone coincides with two other historic celebrations — the nation’s 250th birthday and the enduring legacy of Mount Rushmore, built near the site of our founding campus in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Together, these milestones remind us of the spirit of vision, perseverance, and innovation that has shaped both our country and our university.
It is a privilege to celebrate this achievement with our National American University community of students, alumni, faculty, and staff who bring our mission, vision, and purpose to life every day. For 85 years, NAU has adapted to the needs of a changing world while remaining steadfast in our mission to prepare graduates for success in professional and technical fields. Guided by our vision to be an innovative university transforming your future, we continue to inspire a lifelong love of learning in all who are part of our story.
As we honor our past and look toward the future, we celebrate each of you who make NAU’s purpose possible. Your dedication, determination, and belief in the power of education continue to shape the next chapter of our shared journey.
Happy 85th Anniversary, NAU — and here’s to the future we continue to build together.
– Dr. Cindy Mathena, President of National American University
Give Back as Part of Our 85th Year Celebration
At National American University, celebrating 85 years means more than honoring our past.Whether you volunteer your time at a local shelter, donate essential items, help organize a food drive,
clean up your neighborhood, or support someone in need, your service matters. This initiative is a way
for NAU students to lead with purpose and strengthen the communities that have supported us for 85 years.
Participation is simple:
- Choose a service activity that matters to you.
- Document your work with a photo or short video.
- Submit your story and upload your documentation online.
All participants who submit a qualifying entry are automatically entered into a
raffle for a chance to win one of three $500 gift cards.
The first 100 student submissions will also receive a
limited edition NAU 85th Anniversary T-shirt as a thank you for your service.
? Learn more and get involved at the official Service Challenge page:
Join us in living out NAU’s mission of service and community impact during this milestone year.
Your contribution, no matter how big or small, helps shape the next 85 years of possibilities.
Where We’ve Been
Where We’re Going
National American University has always adapted to meet the changing needs of students and the world around us. As we celebrate 85 years of innovation in education, our focus remains on the future as we continuously modernize how, what, and where we teach to serve working adults who are balancing education with life’s many responsibilities.
We are expanding programs that align with high-growth industries and emerging technologies, ensuring our graduates are prepared for today’s jobs and tomorrow’s opportunities. From introducing accelerated degree paths and flexible online formats to integrating digital badges and career-connected learning, NAU is redefining what higher education can look like for adult learners.
We are also investing in new ways to enhance the student experience through personalized support, accessible technology, and a commitment to academic quality that fits into real lives, not around them.
At NAU, innovation is not just a goal; it is who we are. Our evolution reflects one promise to our students: we will continue advancing so you can too.
New Programs
At National American University, we continue to evolve to meet the needs of today’s working professionals—busy adults balancing careers, families, and education. Our newest programs are designed to deliver flexibility, relevance, and real-world value.
Students seeking to accelerate their education can explore the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (Focused), a streamlined three-year degree path built for individuals ready to advance quickly in the fast-growing technology field.
Through the Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security, students can pursue specialized undergraduate and graduate programs in intelligence management, counterterrorism studies, and strategic security—ideal for those advancing careers in law enforcement, military service, or national and private security sectors.
NAU has also expanded offerings in high-demand fields such as Aviation Management and Construction Management, both designed for professionals seeking leadership roles in dynamic, technical industries.
In addition, NAU proudly offers Paralegal Studies and Professional 365体育官网—two American Bar Association (ABA)–approved programs available in an online environment. These programs prepare graduates for success in legal support, compliance, and justice-related careers while maintaining the rigor and standards of ABA approval.
Each of these programs reflects NAU’s continued commitment to innovation, accessibility, and academic excellence—empowering students to advance their education and transform their futures.
Are you a part of the NAU community? We’d love to hear more about your experience! If you would like to share your NAU story, please email a member of our marketing team – marketing@national.edu.
Start Your Journey at NAU
With 85 years of experience, we have become experts in providing a high-quality education for our students. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, NAU has transitioned to offer 100% online doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, associate, diploma, and certificate programs, including programs in Healthcare Management, Business, Accounting, Technology, Criminal Justice, and Strategic Security. We can’t wait to be part of your story. Apply now!
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