The+Ins+and+Outs+of+Choosing+Stevenson+University



A Brief Overview
// ** Why We Choose Stevenson University ** //





 **Two historic changes have occurred within Villa Julie College.**
 * On **Wednesday, May 21, 2008**, the Maryland Higher Education Commission approved university status for the institution.
 * On **Wednesday, June 11, 2008**, the Villa Julie College Board of Trustees voted to change the College’s name to **Stevenson** **University**, **to be announced publicly on June 12, 2008.**


 * Why become a university?**
 * //Growth and transformation.//**
 * The College has redefined itself from its founding as a women’s medical-secretarial school. Villa Julie College’s **growth**, **organizational**, and **transformational** changes have led to its becoming a **regional leader** in career-focused liberal arts education.
 * A university designation more accurately reflects the **dynamic growth** signified by the new School of Business and Leadership and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. More will follow.


 * Why was the name change considered?**
 * //The data is compelling.//**
 * Market research indicated significant regional confusion and misperceptions about the name Villa Julie College.
 * The College invited constituents to suggest new names and share thoughts. **More than 80 names were proposed.**
 * After additional **historical and legal research**, the list was narrowed to **seven finalists**. Using qualitative focus groups and quantitative research studies, **Stevenson** **University** **was a clear-cut decision**.


 * Why Stevenson University?**
 * //Strong perception and historic link.//**
 * Based on the market research data, Stevenson University has strong perceptions of **academic excellence**, **prestige**, and **tradition, and has an historic connection to both campuses. Stevenson is the geographic locale of our founding.**
 * The **Villa** **Julie College** **name will endure** as the “Villa Julie College of Arts and Sciences” at the Stevenson campus.