DeVry becomes a university

BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP
Staff Writer

JENNIFER KOHLHEPP DeVry Institute of Technology, Route 1, North Brunswick, officially changed its name to DeVry University on Sept. 2.

NORTH BRUNSWICK — A local learning institution is finally getting the credit it deserves.

When the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association approved the merger of DeVry Institutes and Keller Graduate School of Management into a single educational institution last year, the parent company became known as DeVry University.

With the exception of campuses located in New Jersey and New York, DeVrys around the nation changed their titles to reflect the merger.

"In New Jersey, institutions are held up to different standards to gain the title of university," Dr. Harold McColloch, president of the North Brunswick campus, said.

Recently, however, the Higher Learning Commission changed its rationale and allowed the name change, according to McColloch.

"Essentially, they’re letting us accredit our institution as a university because they recognize us as an out-of-state school," McColloch said.

DeVry University is a division of DeVry Inc., an international higher education company based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.

McColloch said that as of last month the commission recognized the corporation, and in turn the school, are based out of Illinois.

As a result, the DeVry Institute of Technology officially changed its name to DeVry University Sept. 2.

"I think the new title allows us to set our horizons a little higher," McColloch said. "Our faculty, credentials, and library will all have to adhere to this new standard."

McColloch said the name change allows for the possibility that the school will soon offer master’s degrees.

DeVry University offers baccalaureate and associate degree programs in business, technology and management.

Ronald L. Taylor, president and chief operating officer of DeVry, North Brunswick, said the recent merger has been an evolutionary process that began with KGSM’s acquisition of DeVry Institutes in 1987.

"Over the years, the combined organizations have evolved signifi­cantly," Taylor said. "The two divi­sions collaborated in the develop­ment of new academic programs and formats, and shared faculty and administrative staff."

Taylor said DeVry Online, which provides both degree pro­grams for adult learners via the Internet, was the latest develop­ment resulting from the merger.

"As DeVry University, we will continue to develop innovative ways to meet the post-secondary education needs of both tradi­tional-age students and adult learners, and respond to the work­force requirements of industry," Taylor said.

The first DeVry University diplomas will be awarded to grad­uating students of the North Brunswick campus in October.

More than 52,000 students are enrolled in DeVry University in 19 states and two Canadian provinces at its 25 campuses and 41 centers, including DeVry Online.