Background

Why We Choose Stevenson University
· We have grown exponentially from our 1947 founding as medical-secretarial school. The addition of the new School of Business and Leadership, the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (opened in 2001), and other schools to come; as well as our 2004 expansion into two campuses and student residences, has redefined our institution. · A university designation more accurately reflects this dynamic organizational and transformational change. In May 2008, the Maryland Higher Education Commission agreed and granted us university status.
 * Why become a University**?

· The name Villa Julie College no longer reflected the tremendous growth in academic undergraduate and graduate programs, students, and the campus itself. · Market research showed there were misperceptions about the institution because of the name; changing the word College to University did not dispel these misperceptions.
 * Why change our name?**

· The name change process involved significant market research with many constituents – students, parents, prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members – about 75,000 individuals in all. · The process included a name study bulletin board on our website, which invited visitors 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 legal research, one name emerged as the clear-cut choice.
 * What was the process?**

· Qualitative research through focus groups found that the name Stevenson had strong perceptions of academic excellence, prestige, and tradition. · There is a geographic and historic link. Stevenson is the geographic locale of our founding. Early resident, Henry Stevenson, married Deborah Owings, granddaughter of Owings Mills founder. Further, Stevenson Road helps connect our two campuses. · The Villa Julie name will endure as the Villa Julie College of Arts and Sciences at the Stevenson campus.
 * Why Stevenson University?**