National Louis University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

National Louis University (NLU) is a private university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, and a regional campus in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1886 by Elizabeth Harrison as a school to train “Kindergarteners,” NLU played a historic role in advancing early childhood education in the United States, helping to establish the National Kindergarten Movement and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Over time, the institution underwent several name changes, including Chicago Kindergarten Training School, Chicago Kindergarten College, National Kindergarten and Elementary College, and National College of Education, before merging with benefactor Michael W. Louis’ contributions in 1990 to become National Louis University. Accredited to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, NLU organizes its programs into the College of Professional Studies and Advancement, encompassing the School of Health and Human Services, the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the School of Business and Management. The university also acquired Kendall College in 2018, expanding offerings in hospitality, culinary arts, business, and early childhood education. NLU’s history reflects a commitment to community engagement and accessibility, including partnerships with Jane Addams’ Hull House in the 1920s and the creation of the Harrison Professional Pathways Program in 2015 to support under-resourced, college-qualified youth in Chicago. The university has moved its campuses several times, with its flagship downtown Chicago location at 122 S. Michigan Avenue in the historic Peoples Gas Building, and previously operated campuses in Wilmette, Evanston, and Skokie. NLU has also absorbed students from the now-closed Argosy University, providing continuity for their graduate programs. Throughout its history, NLU has remained dedicated to teacher education, professional training, and expanding access to higher education, maintaining a legacy of over 130 years of service while adapting to evolving educational needs and financial challenges, including faculty reductions and program consolidations to ensure institutional sustainability.