North Park University Leads the Nation With the Most Comprehensive Nonprofit Management Program

CHICAGO, IL, July 8, 2009 — North Park University is one of only two universities nationwide to offer a fully comprehensive nonprofit management program according to Nonprofit Quarterly, a magazine dedicated to strengthening the role of nonprofit organizations. In the 2009 Education Directory published in the spring issue, Nonprofit Quarterly surveyed schools nationwide to determine which eight essential programs are available at each institution. North Park University and Arizona State University were the only schools to meet all of the eight criteria.

The eight programs catalogued by Nonprofit Quarterly include credit programs, undergraduate certificate programs, undergraduate concentrations (more than three courses), graduate nonprofit studies classes, graduate certificates, graduate concentrations leading to a master's degree, graduate degrees majoring in nonprofit studies, and online courses.

In the past year, as the economy has worsened, North Park University has seen increased interest in its Axeslon Center for Nonprofit Management and an influx of applications from the recently unemployed, those looking to switch careers and others looking to further their education.

"We are pleased to be recognized by Nonprofit Quarterly as one of the leading nonprofit management programs in the country and hope this recognition will help direct prospective students to our nonprofit management programs," said Pier C. Rogers, Ph.D., director of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University.

The Axelson Center offers a variety of programs for professionals who work, volunteer or are transitioning into the nonprofit sector. These include graduate degrees and certificates, half-day and full-day professional development workshops, an annual symposium, a BootCamp for New Nonprofit CEOs, custom designed workshops for organizations, networking opportunities and some no-cost programs.

For more information about North Park University's Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management, please visit www.northpark.edu/axelson.

About North Park University
Located in Chicago, North Park University is a Christian comprehensive university that serves nearly 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students from around the country and the world. Within a diverse, close-knit, urban community, North Park offers a values-based education to students through more than 30 undergraduate majors and an adult degree-completion program, as well as graduate and continuing education in business, nonprofit management, nursing, education, music, and theology. By integrating faith with learning -- as it has done since its founding in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church -- North Park University continues to focus on the important task of preparing students for lives of significance and service. More information is available at www.northpark.edu.