Chancellor Cunningham presents at CETYS University International Seminar on Innovation in Higher Education
As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, I am proud that National University is recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution and as an active member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities. I am so excited to share more about our partnership with one of the top universities in Mexico – Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior (CETYS) University. Leveraging strengths from both of our nonprofit universities, we are developing certificate programs for CETYS students in the three main subject areas that have been identified as growth areas for the U.S-Mexico border region: sustainability management, autism education and information technology. The National University System (NUS) also participates in Mexico’s Proyecta 100,000 Program, which aims to increase student mobility between the U.S. and countries of the Western Hemisphere with a goal of sending 100,000 Mexican students to the U.S. and receiving 50,000 students in Mexico by 2018. The U.S.-Mexico border is a dynamic, innovative region, and these partnerships enable us to create even more cross-border educational opportunities, fostering a true global educational experience, which is something we encourage at all of our National University System affiliates.
Chancellor Cunningham with NU Professor, Dr. Ramon Corona at CETYS 55th Anniversary
Earlier this month, I was thrilled to travel to CETYS to celebrate the University’s 55th anniversary with Fernando León García, President of CETYS University System. I was joined by administrators from National University and NUS affiliate City University of Seattle (CityU), including CityU President, Randy Frisch, as the University also maintains a collaborative partnership with CETYS University offering double degree programs in business, engineering and psychology.
As with the start of a new calendar year, the beginning of a new academic year provides an opportunity to reflect and refocus on goals. Each year, National University’s Fall Academic Assembly brings together members of the faculty and administration to reflect on how we can best serve our students by teaching courses that incorporate current research, the latest technological advances, and lessons that are relevant to the real world. Esteemed faculty members shared research and scholarship goals on topics such as blending digital content into teacher education programs and integrating mobile app tools introductory STEM (science, technology Engineering, math) courses.
NU Faculty members at Fall Academic Assembly
During the Assembly, we also heard more about the new Innovation Grant program and how faculty and staff across the National University System are collaborating to create exciting new programs, services and academic pathways aimed at fostering student success. Some of these developments include a standardized patient simulation program to enhance clinical training for nursing students. Another program is designed to ease the transition of military students to civilian life and promote academic success among Veteran students. There is also a new technology center that brings together university and pre-college students to work on cyber-mechanics and other areas of STEM. I am look forward to hearing the results of all the Innovation Grant endeavors. Furthermore, I am so proud of our wonderful faculty and staff, who continuously demonstrate their commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals by providing superior programs and services and make NU a distinctive leading edge university.