National University’s first-ever nationwide campaign highlights holistic approach to student well-being.
SAN DIEGO (JULY 25, 2022) — National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit university that serves more than 30,000 working adult learners, educators, and members of the military community, announced the launch of its nationwide campaign. The student-centric, “whole human education” approach is part of a new brand transformation following the university’s 50th anniversary. The campaign emphasizes how the university helps students overcome traditional barriers to education with an innovative, 360-degree supportive ecosystem built on five critical pillars: Financial, Academic, Social & Emotional, Family Life & Community, and Career.
“National University is continually assessing and optimizing our programs to empower working adults with the skills to thrive in the knowledge-based economy,” stated Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, interim president of National University and chancellor of the National University System. “We’re committed to successful student outcomes by going beyond education—we surround our students with meaningful resources that take into account the many obligations they juggle in their daily lives.”
The campaign is backed by three, :30-second spots depicting roles adults often embrace as college students while simultaneously being the bill payer, fulltime employee, parent, or caregiver. The spots acknowledge the numerous responsibilities adults take on, and how daunting it can be to also return to school before asking, “What if a school could be there for all of you?”
Accompanying the campaign is National University’s newly unveiled logo, refreshed website, and mosaic-inspired digital ads showcasing diverse experiences that together comprise the face of the modern student. The campaign will run across TV, radio, and digital media as well as out-of-home platforms in key cities across the United States.
The revitalized campaign honors the university’s legacy of breaking educational barriers for lifelong learners while signaling a new vitality following the announced merger of Northcentral University and National University. Upon completion, National University will grow to serve more than 45,000 learners, expand its master’s and doctoral offerings, and make it the second largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education after the University of Southern California.
“The proposition of returning to school can be tough for working adults and our research showed students fear having to go it alone. We help them feel like they aren’t alone because at National University, supporting well-being is what ensures student success. We’re excited to bring our unique model of ‘whole human education’ across the country. It’s a tremendous payoff to help more Americans achieve economic mobility while preparing them for the future of work,” said Chief Marketing Officer Carey Hilderbrand.
The campaign was developed in partnership with Wongdoody, a global human experience agency, and included input from a wide array of faculty, students, alumni, and senior leadership. “Our work is designed to recognize that when you return to higher education, you’re not just a student. You’re a student and a parent, or a caregiver, or an employee, or all of these things at the same time,” said Jennie Moore, Group Creative Director at Wongdoody. “The campaign celebrates the unique life circumstances of everyone returning to get a degree and aims to reassure potential students that they’ll get the support they need.”
About National University: National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of hard-working adults by providing accessible, affordable, achievable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 75 online and on-campus programs and flexible four-week classes designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to over 30,000 students and 190,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice.
About the National University System: The National University System (NUS) is a network of accredited nonprofit education institutions serving a diverse population of students including pre-K-12 students and working professionals. NUS higher-education institutions serve more than 45,000 students through National University, Northcentral University, and City University of Seattle. NUS education-focused initiatives include Workforce Education Solutions, Harmony SEL, Inspire Teaching & Learning, and Fundraising Academy Cause Selling Education.