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!

Union Institute & University logo icon

1964

Founded as the Union for Research and Experimentation in Higher Education (UREHE) by 10 college presidents. Royce (Tim) Pitkin named first chairman.

Royce_S.__Tim__Pitkin
Sam Baskin Union's First President photo

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.

Flashback Friday old logo
O from logo

1971

Registered with the Ohio Board of Regents.

1976

President King Virgil Cheek moves offices from Yellow Springs, OH to leased offices in Cincinnati.

King_V__Cheek__Jr_
100720kbp013

1980s

Undergraduate centers in California and Florida opened.

1984

First five-year accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

nca copy
unioninstituteseal

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.

photo of the Union Institute in Cincinnati
round union logo

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.

Roger-Sublett
higher learning commission-round

2010

Accreditation renewed by the Higher Learning Commission through 2016.

2016

Florida Academic Center moves to Hollywood, FL.

photo of Union Institute in Hollywood, FL
higher learning commission-round

2016

Accreditation renewed by the Higher Learning Commission through 2026.

2018

MA-CHMC program awarded CACREP Accreditation.

CACREP
caahep-logo-round

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.

webbprofilehighres
Baldwin Center

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.

tisj-logo-ltgreen