News Summary
Vanguard University has inaugurated the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management, the first business school in the U.S. named after a Latina. Opening in Fall 2023 under Dean Thomas Arnold, the school aims to promote inclusivity and diversity in business education, offering multiple degree programs and planning an MBA for 2025. This milestone aligns with Vanguard’s commitment to serve diverse student populations, supported by a transformational donation from the Arvielo family, and a focus on enhancing career opportunities for students.
Costa Mesa, CA – Vanguard University has officially launched the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management, marking it as the first business school in the United States to be named after a Latina. The school opened its doors in Fall 2023, following the appointment of Thomas Arnold as its founding dean in April 2023. Arnold brings over two decades of experience in business management, notable for his former roles on Wall Street and his management of global real estate for the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in the Middle East.
The school has been named in honor of Patty Arvielo, co-founder and CEO of New American Funding, reflecting her significant contributions to the mortgage industry and her influence as a prominent Latina entrepreneur. Arvielo’s family made a transformative donation to Vanguard University, which aided in establishing the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management, aimed at fostering inclusivity in business education.
Vanguard University has announced that the new school will offer seven academic programs, including degrees in accounting and business administration. Furthermore, the university is set to introduce a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in 2025, also supported by the financial backing from the Arvielo family. The establishment of this school aligns with the celebration of Vanguard’s business program’s 50th anniversary, emphasizing a commitment to academic excellence and innovation in business education.
Focus on Diversity and Opportunities
The Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management strives to cater to a diverse range of students, including residential, distance, and non-traditional learners interested in business and related fields. Vanguard University has been recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) since 2015, with 47% of its undergraduate students identifying as Hispanic and 35% being first-generation college students. This robust demographic representation enhances the school’s mission to embrace diversity and serve a wider community.
To further empower students, Arnold plans to foster partnerships with local business organizations, including the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County and the Urban Land Institute, to create more internship opportunities. The expectation is that these experiences will enhance students’ professional readiness and broaden their career prospects upon graduation.
Enrollment and Future Prospects
The school is optimistic about its enrollment figures. Despite a statewide trend of declining enrollment in private universities, Vanguard reported a 5% increase in student enrollment this year. The university currently has approximately 2,200 enrolled students and offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs across multiple disciplines, catering to an active academic community.
New American Funding, which Patty Arvielo co-founded with her husband Rick Arvielo, recently faced challenges, reporting a significant revenue decline in 2023 due to high interest rates that have impacted mortgage lending. However, the company plans for future expansion through strategic acquisitions in the Midwest and Eastern regions, demonstrating resilience in a fluctuating market.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Patty Arvielo School of Business and Management stands as a significant milestone for not only Vanguard University but also for representation in higher education, particularly within business disciplines. The commitment to diverse student populations and the strategic vision set forth by the leadership aims to position the school as a key player in the academic landscape, while also providing students with the necessary tools to thrive in a competitive business environment.
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Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Vanguard University Names Business School
- Wikipedia: Vanguard University
- OC Register: In-N-Out’s Contribution to Vanguard U
- Google Search: Vanguard University Patty Arvielo School
- LA Times: Vanguard Peer Educators
- Google Scholar: Vanguard University
- OC Business Journal: Vanguard’s New Business Dean
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Education
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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