Benedictine University looking to move to Mesa
Jessica Unterreiner
Benedictine University, a Catholic liberal arts college in Illinois, may open a new campus in downtown Mesa as early as fall 2013.
“Benedictine is attractive to the city of Mesa and the entire East Valley because it offers something unique: a small, private, traditional, four-year liberal arts education that is faith-based,” said Bill Jabjiniak, city of Mesa’s economic development director.
A unique opportunity for students is something that MCC Vice President, James Mabry is optimistic about. “The diversity of goals our students have is going to require a diversity of opportunity… and I see (Benedictine) as another opportunity for our students,” said Mabry.
Instead of seeing Benedictine as competition, Mabry views the university as quite the opposite.
He has expressed that MCC intends to create a positive relationship with the school and one that would be beneficial to students at MCC as well.
When commenting on the future relationship between Benedictine and MCC, Mabry said that, “We’re looking to get the most advantageous deal we can for our students when they transfer”.
If Benedictine does open its doors as early as 2013, the institution plans to offer a limited amount of seats to junior and senior level students to begin with.
This means current freshman may want to consider Benedictine as a possible option in continuing their education.
Early programs that may be offered include psychology, criminology, and business.
When asked about the possible tuition rate of the institution, Charlie Gregory, executive vice president at Benedictine University, said, “We intend to set our tuition at a competitive $20,000 per year and is subject to change. However, tuition is just one component of affordability… our fi nancial aid strategy will be tailored to the region.”
Benedictine University would also be interested in offering a residential living space for students eventually.
“Our next steps are creating a development agreement that will outline operational plans on how to move forward,” Gregory said. The university must also get approval from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and receive a license from the Arizona State Board for Private Post-secondary Education before making the move.
Mesa has been looking to increase the variety of options in higher education in the area to give more educational options for students as well as stimulate surrounding businesses. “We know there’s economic benefit from having Higher Education institutions in a community,” said Jabjiniak.
In addition to Benedictine University, the City of Mesa has been in contact with several other universities. “There are still a handful of other universities that the city of Mesa is working with to identify options on how they can fit into the fabric of our community,” Jabjiniak said.
