NU and ACCCA focus on creating pathways to possibility for California community college administrators and managers
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- National University () — a nonprofit, veteran-founded institution that serves more than 130,000 learners annually through its degree and professional training programs — and the Association of California Community College Administrators (), a nonprofit representing administrative professionals comprising 73 districts and 116 colleges, today jointly announced a new partnership to provide pathways to possibility for community college administrators to pursue bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at NU.
Employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow by more than 8% from 2020 to 2030, according to the . For these positions, an educational entry level of a master's degree and experience working in higher education is required. National University is perfectly aligned to help fill the pipeline of education leaders needed in California and support hard-working California community college leaders. NU offers a comprehensive suite of online master and doctoral pathways, as well as a wide array of baccalaureate programs, in flexible four-week and eight-week courses, providing as many options as possible designed to help adult learners reach their goals while balancing busy lives.
"The partnership between National University and the Association of California Community College Administrators will open a pathway for community college leaders to further excel in their careers through advanced degrees," said Dr. Gerardo de los Santos, vice president of community college relations at National University and inductee into the American Association of Community College Leadership Hall of Fame. "Known as the home of the And-ers™, National University supports the growing population of learners who juggle multiple responsibilities — students who are balancing school with work, transitioning from military service, caring for families, and much more. Our partnership with the Association of California Community College Administrators enables National University to give back to current and future dedicated community college leaders."
Through this partnership, ACCCA employees are offered a 25% tuition scholarship to be applied toward National University bachelor's and master's courses and a 15% tuition scholarship for doctoral programs, including the . This financial support opens pathways to future higher education leadership positions. NU's holistic approach to student support, well-being, and success — called Whole Human Education™ — is about supporting the whole student and providing the financial, academic, emotional, career, and family support working adults need to successfully attain a higher education degree.
"I believe in the power of California's community colleges," said Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, ACCCA board president and chancellor at Peralta CCD. "I've been fortunate to witness the extraordinary accomplishments of students who trust us with their learning and life aspirations. Working alongside administrators, classified professionals, and faculty who are so deeply committed to our students, institutions, and the broader community is a great privilege. As we strive to create more just and equitable outcomes, we must relentlessly cultivate and nurture leaders with the vision and passion to serve in critical administrative and management roles. This partnership with National University will play an integral role in advancing the development of these leaders within the community college system."
About National University: National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of nontraditional, working, and military students by providing accessible, affordable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego's largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 190 online and on-campus programs with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one graduate education models designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to 130,000 learners served per year—50,000 degree-seeking students and 80,000 workforce and professional development students—and 245,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. To learn more about National University's new possibilities in education including next-generation education, value-rich education, and whole human education, visit .
About the Association of Community College Administrators
ACCCA, the Association of California Community College Administrators, is the foremost member-supported professional organization for administrators and managers of California's community college campuses. Comprising 73 districts and 116 colleges, the California Community Colleges make up the largest higher education system in the nation — providing a gateway to higher education for over 2.1 million students per year. As you will see when you tour this site, ACCCA seeks to provide its members with services, benefits, products and programs that will enhance their professional lives.
Established in 1975, ACCCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of administrator's rights. ACCCA provides insurance benefits, publications, professional development opportunities, business partnerships, advocacy, counseling and assistance to over 1,000 full time administrators, associate members, affiliates and corporate members. At ACCCA, a small administrative staff headquartered in Sacramento, selected independent contractors and a vast workforce of volunteers carry out the work of the Association. Our volunteers are the board, commission, committee members and our campus reps.
Media Contact
Ashleigh Webb, National University, 760-889-3494, [email protected],
SOURCE National University

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