News Summary
Vanguard University has launched the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management, the first U.S. business school named after a Latina. During the unveiling ceremony, CEO Patty Arvielo emphasized empowerment and inspiration for future business leaders. The school will begin classes in the 2024-2025 academic year and aims to cater to diverse student populations. The initiative is part of VU’s broader restructuring to enhance educational offerings and address the needs of its Hispanic student body.
Vanguard University (VU) announced the launching of the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management, marking a historic milestone as the first business school in the United States named after a Latina. The unveiling ceremony took place on April 19 and gathered nearly 800 students, faculty, staff, and community supporters.
The honor was bestowed upon Patty Arvielo, the CEO and co-founder of New American Funding, who expressed her gratitude during the event highlighting her story of empowerment and her commitment to inspire future generations.
VU President Michael J. Beals emphasized the importance of aligning the university’s business programs with Arvielo’s name, aiming to inspire not only Hispanic female students but all students pursuing a business education. The Patty Arvielo School will officially commence operations in the 2024-2025 academic year, targeting both undergraduate and graduate learners, inclusive of residential, distance, and non-traditional students.
This initiative is part of VU’s larger academic restructuring, which involves the formation of several Schools and a College of the Arts and Sciences aimed at enhancing the educational offerings for a diverse student body. The new business school will offer a variety of programs, including accounting, business administration, management, marketing, communication, organizational psychology, and people operations.
Approximately 47% of the university’s undergraduate population identify as Hispanic, making VU a recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution. This strategic focus reflects the institution’s commitment to catering to the educational needs of its Hispanic students, particularly in light of demographic trends in U.S. higher education.
The establishment of the Patty Arvielo School of Business also includes recognition of a significant donation from Arvielo’s family, which is noted as the largest academic donation in the university’s 103-year history. This pledge supports VU’s mission to develop competent, character-rich business leaders with a strong foundation in Christian faith.
Vanguard University celebrates the 50th anniversary of its business program this year, which has seen consistent high enrollment over several decades. The new school aims to cultivate business professionals equipped to handle the challenges presented by a rapidly changing global environment.
As part of its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for Hispanic students, VU has received several Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program grants. These resources are earmarked to further expand educational accessibility and leadership training tailored to the needs of diverse student demographics.
The new business school is set to appoint a transitional dean, recruit anchor faculty members, and conduct a national search for its founding dean by Fall 2024. This organizational restructuring and development plan aim to ensure a mission-aligned and market-focused environment that prepares students for future careers and leadership roles.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Patty Arvielo School of Business at Vanguard University is a pivotal step toward expanding opportunities for Hispanic and diverse students in the field of business education, reflecting the growing focus on inclusivity and representation in higher education.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Vanguard University Trains Next Generation of Latina Leaders
- PR Newswire: Vanguard University Announces the Naming of the Patty Arvielo School of Business
- Diverse Education: Report on Latino Undergraduates in Higher Education
- AL DÍA News: Latina Role Models in Business
- Google Search: Vanguard University Patty Arvielo School of Business

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