NACU News

NACU Campus Highlights: September 21, 2026

September 21

From new academic programs and curricula to investments in student success, faculty and campus facilities, NACU institutions continue to adapt to changing student needs and prepare graduates for what comes next.

Academic Innovation

Hood College Launches New School of Business and Communication

Hood College is bringing together its Department of Communication Arts and George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business to form the new Delaplaine School of Business and Communication. The new school will create opportunities for students to develop skills in analyzing information, understanding diverse audiences, communicating ideas and telling compelling stories while learning across disciplines.

Moravian University’s Aviation Program Takes Flight

Moravian University welcomed the inaugural class of its new aviation programs this fall. The first cohort includes 23 students — 14 professional pilot majors and nine aviation management majors — combining classroom learning with hands-on preparation for careers in the aviation industry.

Nazareth University Launches Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree

Nazareth University has introduced a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing degree for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners. The program, the only one of its kind in the Rochester area, combines primarily online coursework with limited in-person sessions and prepares nurses to diagnose, treat and educate patients using a holistic approach to women’s health.

University of Evansville Reimagines General Education Curriculum

The University of Evansville has redesigned its General Education curriculum to provide students with greater flexibility while preserving the breadth of a liberal arts and sciences education. Beginning in fall 2027, the new 30-credit curriculum will recognize prior college coursework, reduce unnecessary duplication and give students more flexibility to connect their coursework with their majors, minors and future goals. The curriculum also incorporates several distinctly UE experiences, including a Mission Experience through ChangeLab or designated courses at Harlaxton College, along with an emphasis on academic writing, emerging technologies and written and oral communication.

Research and Faculty

Merrimack Faculty Explore AI-Generated Online Health Information

Merrimack College faculty members Tahir Hameed, Lisa Perks and Andrew Tollison are examining the growing use of artificial intelligence to find health information online. Their research explores issues including trust, accuracy, bias, information overload and health literacy, with support from multiple START awards.

Russell Sage College Welcomes 13 New Faculty Members

Russell Sage College has welcomed 13 new faculty members for the 2026–2027 academic year. The new faculty bring industry connections, clinical expertise and practical experience to programs across four schools, including performing arts, nursing, health sciences, mental health counseling, education and management, as well as newer areas such as Speech-Language Pathology.

Student Experience and Access

Linfield University Names Associate Dean of Student Engagement and Inclusion

Linfield University alumna Araceli Cruz ’09 has returned to the university as associate dean of student engagement and inclusion. The newly expanded permanent role focuses on strengthening student belonging, engagement and success.

York College Launches Campus-Wide Textbook Access Program

York College of Pennsylvania has launched STAY — Spartan Textbook Access at York — to help lower costs and ensure undergraduate students have required course materials on the first day of class. Students are automatically enrolled each fall and spring, with required physical and digital materials prepared before classes begin. For 2026–2027, the program costs $23 per credit hour and is billed directly with tuition.

Campus Investment

University of New Haven Breaks Ground on New Home for Pompea College of Business

The University of New Haven has broken ground on a new donor-funded home for its Pompea College of Business. The four-story, 50,000-square-foot facility will be located at a prominent entrance to the university’s main campus, creating both a new academic home for the college and a highly visible gateway to campus.