The National University System 20 ANNUALREPORT 07 Contents: The National University System 20 Message from the Chancellor 2 ANNUALREPORT 07 The National University System 4 National University 8 National Polytechnic College of Engineering and Oceaneering 26 Spectrum Pacific Learning Company 32 National University Virtual High School 40 WestMed College 48 National University International 54 Dr. Jerry C. Lee has served as Chancellor of the National University System since 2001. Dr. Lee also served as President of National University from 1989 until July 2007, overseeing the University’s growth into California’s second-largest, private nonprofit institution of higher education. In his role as Chancellor, Dr. Lee will continue to guide the strategic direction of the affiliates of the National University System. Message from the Chancellor National University's endowment is the 188th largest in the U.S., 13th largest in California, and the largest among colleges In 1971, National University was founded on a simple yet revolutionary notion: making lifelong learning and universities in the San Diego region. accessible, challenging and relevant to a diverse population of nontraditional students. Today, that dedication to providing a quality, affordable education has resulted in one of academia’s most remarkable “Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” success stories. Malcolm Forbes (1919 - 1990) At 36 years old, National University is young by University Business Officers’ (NACUBO) 2006 In 2001, National University further expanded its exemplify this commitment better than the Student emergency medical technicians, nursing assistants, I encourage you to learn more about the National traditional standards, but that hasn’t kept it from survey, National University’s endowment was the influence as the centerpiece of the National University Concierge Service, which was launched in March and early childhood educators, and it will also serve University System, its affiliates, and the future becoming the second-largest, private, nonprofit 188th largest in the United States, the 13th largest System, a network of diverse yet uniquely aligned 2007 with the goal of offering National University to diversify the academic programs and broaden the of higher education in the 21st Century in the institution of higher learning in California. Today, in California, and the largest among colleges and institutions dedicated to providing innovative students access to a one-stop, full-service contact student population of the National University following pages. the endowment exceeds $340 million. According universities in the San Diego region where National educational programs to traditionally underserved center, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 System. to the National Association of College and is headquartered. students. Few initiatives in our University’s history days a year. Looking to the future, I am pleased to report that Sincerely, Since our last Annual Report, the National Dr. Dana L. Gibson assumed the responsibilities of University System gained a valuable new affiliate in President of National University on July 9, 2007. WestMed College, an independent institution of higher I am confident that National University will Jerry C. Lee education approved by the Bureau of Private continue to achieve the highest levels of academic Chancellor, National University System Postsecondary and Vocational Education and rigor and quality under her leadership. accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career In my continuing role as Chancellor, I look Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). Based forward to focusing on guiding the combined efforts in San Jose, California, WestMed provides career and strategic direction of the affiliates of the National training for licensed vocational nurses, paramedics and University System. 3 The National University System Six affiliated institutions committed to the common goal of educational access. At first glance, a college specializing in marine technologies Colleges and universities aren’t the only traditional aspects of education that have experienced a and an online high school have little in common. The same transformation; the very concept of a “student” has assumed new meaning as well. With advances in technology, students are no longer bound solely to “I keep the subject of my inquiry constantly before me, and wait till the first dawning opens gradually, by little and little, into a full and clear light.” can be said about an e-Learning service provider and a classrooms and traditional brick and mortar facilities. Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727) college that offers education and vocational skills to nurses, Nor can they be completely defined by cultural and political boundaries. paramedics and medical technicians. But when joined Since its inception, the National University System has offered a bold approach to education, together by a shared vision – that in a free society access incorporating the previously divergent concepts of inclusion and diversity under an umbrella of to an education should be available to anyone who wants synergistic and affiliated institutions dedicated to providing traditionally underserved students with one – these seemingly unrelated entities form a cohesive the educational opportunities they so richly deserve. Established in 2001, the National University network of educational providers collectively committed to System continues to offer access to a growing range of students. Early System affiliates such as National lifelong learning. University, National Polytechnic College of 5 “The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.” Plato (427 BC - 347 BC) The National University System remains committed to the quality and rigor which have been the hallmark of its flagship institution–National University. The National University Engineering and Oceaneering, Spectrum Pacific the National University Center for Integrative organization. SMG is governed by an elected Board Overview Learning Company LLC, and National University Health. This year, a commitment to the future of Trustees, the members of which largely overlap • Founded in 2001 System oversees the Virtual High School remain committed to providing education and training needs of healthcare with the Boards of Trustees of the affiliated • Headquartered in La Jolla, California relevant programs and offerings while laying a solid professionals led to WestMed College institutions. This innovative legal structure was • Six affiliated institutions accomplishment of the foundation for future System entities. becoming the newest affiliate of the National created to facilitate the continued development of • Partnerships worldwide objectives of its affiliated To keep pace with the need for global access to University System. members of the National University System and to education, National University International (NUI) From its headquarters in La Jolla, the National maintain their functional independence for Facts institutions and provides a joined the National University System in 2006 to University System remains committed to purposes of accreditation, licensure, tax-exempt • An integrated system means students can enter provide online education opportunities to students expanding its offerings and services while status, and financial aid eligibility. vocational education tracks or earn certification variety of services to these in the United States and abroad. Incorporated in remaining true to the quality and rigor which The National University System oversees the through workplace development programs, then entities. The participation Nevada, National University International’s first have been the hallmark of its flagship institution– accomplishment of the objectives of its affiliated later decide to pursue degree programs. offerings included In-Demand and English Language National University. institutions and provides a variety of services to • The National University System embodies Thomas of each institution in the Programs and Inclusion Seminars. these entities. The participation of each institution Jefferson’s belief in the essential link between an In addition to global access, the National Leadership in the National University System is governed by educated populace and an effective democracy. National University System University System remains dedicated to the pursuit Dr. Jerry C. Lee serves as Chancellor of the a System Affiliation Agreement. • Received the Platinum Award for the 2006 is governed by a System of knowledge in the fields of wellness and peak National University System through his National University System Annual Report from performance. What initially began as a commitment appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the the League of American Communications Affiliation Agreement. to employee health and well-being has evolved into System Management Group (SMG), a 509(a)(3) Professionals (LACP). 7 Demand for National University’s singular educational model has fueled its expansion to a network of 28 campuses in California and Henderson, Nevada. National University California’s second-largest, private, nonprofit university. In 1971 when National University first opened its doors – with National’s impressive growth can be directly related to the steadfast commitment to six core values – quality, its unique format focusing on the needs of traditionally access, relevance, accelerated pace, affordability and community – that were at the heart of