Gilbert, Ariz.- Gilbert, Arizona is proud to announce that Park University’s newest Campus Center will open in the University Building in time for classes to begin in Fall 2018. The University will lease approximately 11,000-square-feet of the 89,000-square-foot building and aims to enroll 300 students by year three.

“Finding the right higher education partners for the University Building has been a top priority,” said Gilbert Town Manager Patrick Banger. “Park University has a strong history in academia and a promising and exciting future in Gilbert.”

Park University is a private, nonprofit, liberal arts university founded in Parkville, Missouri, in 1875. The university has become a national leader in higher education and currently serves 16,500 students at 41 locations in 22 states and online. The university’s goal is to serve traditional and non-traditional students looking to start or advance their career, and to provide them with affordable and convenient educational programs.

“Park University’s commitment to providing affordable and sought-after degree programs has been central to our mission for 143 years,” said President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D. “With the opening of Park’s Gilbert Campus, we are excited to expand our footprint in Arizona while meeting more students’ needs through the transformative power of higher education.”

In the first year of operation, the University will serve adult learners in accelerated eight-week evening classes. By the end of year three, an enrollment of at least 300 students is projected. Park University currently operates two Campus Centers in Arizona, primarily serving military students at Luke AFB in Phoenix and Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson.

Undergraduate programs will be offered in Business Administration Management, Fitness and Wellness, Communication Studies, and Criminal Justice Administration. Graduate degree programs will include Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Education in Education Technology, and Master of Education in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification.

“We have enjoyed collaborating with Park University to provide academic degree programs that support Gilbert’s educational goals,” said Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels. “The university has great plans to immerse themselves in the community and we look forward to supporting those efforts.”

The University Building is located in the heart of Gilbert’s Heritage District, offering an urban, downtown experience for students. This campus center will differ from other Arizona locations in that Park’s Gilbert campus will implement an athletic program proposed for year two of operation. Recruiting at the high school and community college levels, the university will develop a varsity program and will utilize existing community sports venues.

“Park University’s programs will complement the higher education offerings in the Phoenix East Valley and will contribute to the vibrancy and community living room environment of the Heritage District,” said Dan Henderson, Director of the Gilbert Office of Economic Development. “In addition to the economic return to individuals and society as a whole, higher education improves quality of life and creates a sense of pride within the community. The university’s plans to include collegiate sports as part of their offering will provide Gilbertonians another point of pride to rally around in the community. Welcome Park University!”

For more information about admissions at Park University, visit park.edu/admissions or contact Park’s Office of Admissions at admissions@park.edu / (816) 746-2533.

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ABOUT PARK UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1875 in Parkville, Mo., a suburb of Kansas City, Park University is a nonprofit, private institution that is a national leader in higher education. In 2000, Park achieved university status and now serves 16,500 students annually at 41 campus centers in 22 states and online, including campus centers in Parkville, Independence and Kansas City, Mo.; Lenexa, Kan.; Austin and El Paso, Texas; Barstow and Victorville, Calif.; and 33 military installations across the country. www.park.edu

Gilbert Media Contact:
Jennifer Harrison
Digital Media and Marketing Officer
Gilbert, Arizona
Office: (480) 503-6789
Cell: (480) 436-9781
Email: jennifer.harrison@gilbertaz.gov

Park University Media Contact:
Brad Biles
Director of Communications and Public Relations
brad.biles@park.edu / (816) 584-6888