Wed | Sep 18, 2024

Monroe College becomes Monroe University

Published:Saturday | September 14, 2024 | 12:07 AM
Jamaican students at Monroe University; Demetri Singh (left) from St. Elizabeth and 
Aeja Clarke from St. Ann.
Jamaican students at Monroe University; Demetri Singh (left) from St. Elizabeth and Aeja Clarke from St. Ann.
Marc Jerome, president MU
Marc Jerome, president MU
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Monroe College, a national leader in educating first-generation and international students with campuses in New York and Saint Lucia, has achieved university status and is now Monroe University.

“Today’s announcement is more than 90 years in the making,” Marc Jerome, president of Monroe University is quoted in a release from the institution.

“Achieving university status is a testament to the strength of our broad academic offerings and excellent outcomes and a positive reflection of our warm, supportive learning environment where students can reach their full potential.”

Referencing the relationship between Jamaica and the facility, it continued: Monroe University has a long and robust history with the people of Jamaica. Indeed, its very first international students were seven students from Jamaica.

It noted that Monroe has an agreement with the Ministry of Education that offers scholarships to 30 students who are interested in pursuing programmes in computer networks and cybersecurity or criminal justice. More information, including how to apply, may be found at https://tsap.moey.gov.jm/MonroCollegeScholarship.

“Today, Jamaicans remain one of our largest cohorts of graduating students each year, and their country’s flag never fails to receive the loudest cheers as it is proudly carried into Radio City Music Hall at commencement. Over the years, many of these talented and gifted individuals were hired to work at Monroe. Today, they serve senior roles in nearly every department at the university, from admissions and student services to IT and academic technology.

“The university extends its deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica, and the local high schools for their wonderful support and partnership in helping students achieve their higher education dreams. We are also thankful for the generous assistance and warm friendship of the Honourable Alsion Roach Wilson, consul general in New York, over the years.”

STRONG DIVERSITY

Monroe University began in 1933 when teacher Mildred King established the Monroe Secretarial School in the West Farms section of the Bronx. In 1963, the institution’s name was changed to Monroe Business Institute as offerings expanded. In 1972, Monroe became a junior college after it was authorised to grant associate degrees and became Monroe College following initial accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in July 1990.

Today, the institution is recognised for its impact as a leader in educating first-generation students and others who have been traditionally underrepresented and underserved across college campuses nationwide. Monroe, distinguished by the strong diversity of its faculty and staff, is consistently ranked among New York’s leading institutions for graduating black and Hispanic students and is recognised for its strong impact on graduates’ social mobility.

For more information and admissions criteria, please visit http://www.monroecollege.edu (a new URL reflecting the university status is pending).