NAU Combines Quality Education with Practical Experience

National American University is in the career enhancement business.  Beyond the obvious-educating its diverse student body-this affordable private university is all about getting people jobs, or getting people better jobs.  It’s about developing marketable skills.  Enhancing careers.  Meeting the needs of today’s employers.  Most of all, it’s about preparing students for tomorrow’s world today.

We’re career focused.  That’s what drives us. Since 1941, this campus has turned out students who find a job in their field quickly and can hit the ground running. As a private career university NAU has the infrastructure that allows us to respond rapidly to the shifting needs of the workplace. Practicing professionals serve on industry advisory groups in every instructional program to provide meaningful input into the curriculum design and review process.  A highly qualified faculty features instructors holding master’s degrees or higher with significant experience in their field.  This timely and comprehensive real-world approach to education means the students learn with a purpose and are work-ready upon graduation. 

NAU offers programs culminating in associate’s, bachelors, or master’s degrees that are in high demand in the marketplace, thus ensuring that each graduate has a degree they can use.  From business administration and information technology programs such as accounting, marketing, network administration, international business, and pre-law, to health-care management, athletic training, veterinary technology, equine management and paralegal studies.  NAU provides a strong foundation to excel in a range of traditional and emerging careers.

 Leading Student Success

NAU’s commitment to student success is evident beyond the classroom.  “ In addition to high quality programs, NAU’s small size and family culture allows instructors to get to know their students on a first name basis.  I enjoy getting to know my students and their dreams for the future,” says Peggy Schlechter, dean of student success, whose title says it all.  Student services are provided through personnel, programs, and procedures to stimulate student development, as well as personal and social growth.  An academic advisor works with every student each and every quarter.  Free tutoring and organized study groups are readily available.  All students are required to take a career management class.  In addition, through the career services department, students and staff work together to identify career objectives and seek out employment opportunities that fit the individual’s needs.  “We make a real connection with every student,” says Schlechter.  “The reward is the enjoyment of hearing good news from our students about their accomplishments long after they’ve graduated.”

 The Campuses Community Prevention Coalition

Many people have the false impression that most college students are heavy drinkers.  But it really is the other way around.  Most students either don’t drink or are responsible drinkers. That is the case across the country and here at NAU too. Do college students drink? Yes, of course they do and some, a small portion, drink more than is safe or healthy.

In 2005 three Rapid City colleges (National American University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and Western Dakota Tech) formed Campuses Community Prevention Coalition. The CCPC, along with college campuses throughout the nation, are working together to decrease the incidence of high-risk drinking behavior and create safe, healthy, and effective learning environments. Our prevention program is research-based and has proven effectiveness on campuses throughout the United States.

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