History
Since 1964, Union Institute & University has specialized in providing quality higher education degrees for adults nationwide. Union is a non-profit, regionally accredited university that offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in a delivery model that is the result of more than five decades of identifying and refining ways to structure and deliver education to meet the needs of adults.
Distinguished as the pioneer in adult education, Union perfected the concepts now common in higher education such as the hybrid model, a blend of online and traditional classroom instruction; interdisciplinary studies; and student-centered education with socially relevant and applicable learning outcomes.
Thousands have completed their degrees at Union while juggling multiple commitments, including the balancing act of family and career. You CAN do this…start the next step in your education journey today, apply now!
1964
Founded as the Union for Research and Experimentation in Higher Education (UREHE) by 10 college presidents. Royce (Tim) Pitkin named first chairman.
1965
The UREHE consortium was first headquartered in Yellow Springs, OH., Antioch faculty member Dr. Samuel Baskin became the consortium’s first president in 1965.
1969
The name "The Union for Experimenting Colleges and Universities" is adopted.
1971
Registered with the Ohio Board of Regents.
1976
President King Virgil Cheek moves offices from Yellow Springs, OH to leased offices in Cincinnati.
1980s
Undergraduate centers in California and Florida opened.
1984
First five-year accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
1989
University name changed to "The Union Institute."
MID-90s
The former historic building that housed the Beau Brummel Ties Company is purchased and renovated to become Union’s new national headquarters.
2001
Acquisition of Vermont College, University name changed to "Union Institute & University."
2003
Union Institute & University's Board of Trustees named Dr. Roger H. Sublett as the university's fifth president.
2010
Accreditation renewed by the Higher Learning Commission through 2016.
2016
Florida Academic Center moves to Hollywood, FL.
2016
Accreditation renewed by the Higher Learning Commission through 2026.
2018
MA-CHMC program awarded CACREP Accreditation.
2018
MA-Health & Wellness program awarded CAAHEP Accreditation
2018
Union Institute & University's Board of Trustees named Dr. Karen Schuster Webb as the university's sixth president.
2021
Union Institute & University moves national headquarters to 2090 Florence Avenue in Cincinnati, OH.
2021
The Institute for Social Justice is created as a signature initiative under the leadership of President Karen Schuster Webb.
