December 7, 2015
Antioch University Highly Rated By U.S. News for Serving Adult Students
Yellow Springs, Ohio – U.S. News released a report ranking schools based on the percentage of students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the 2014-2015 academic year age 25 or older, and Antioch University’s Midwest (AUM) campus came in as number one.
When all five campuses are combined, the University as a whole would be ranked fifth in the country, demonstrating that Antioch University offers a very attractive learning environment for adult students.
Antioch University has a long history of serving adult students completing bachelor’s degrees or pursuing advanced degrees. The report ranked AUM first with 95% of its students older than 25. Enrollment data for all of Antioch University’s five campuses throughout the U.S. shows that more than 82 percent of the university’s students are 25 or older have ranked the university as fifth in the nation.
The recent announcement on the U.S. News website states: “Not all students set out for college immediately after high school graduation. Some enlist in the military, spend time in the workforce or take time off to travel the world. For those who choose to go to college later in life, having classmates who reflect their age, interests and experiences can help ease the transition from the ‘real world’ to the world of an undergraduate student.”
The statement mirrors Antioch University’s focus, culture and emphasis on transformative education for working adults.
“Adult learners prefer to be in an environment with other adults, especially undergraduates who are returning to complete a degree,” said Felice Nudelman, chancellor of Antioch University. “For decades, we have tailored our academic programs, course scheduling, experiential learning opportunities and student services to help non-traditional students succeed. The U.S. News data, combined with our own research, demonstrates that the environment we have created is very attractive to students who are attracted to Antioch University.”
The University has a national and international reach through its five campuses in Keene, New Hampshire, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, California, Seattle, Washington, Yellow Springs, Ohio, its online programs through Antioch University Connected, and its PhD in Leadership and Change program.
About Antioch University
Inspired by the work of pioneering educator Horace Mann, Antioch University provides learner-centered education to empower students with the knowledge and skills to lead meaningful lives and to advance social, economic, and environmental justice. With campuses in Keene, New Hampshire; Los Angeles; Santa Barbara; Seattle; Yellow Springs, Ohio; and online at AU Connected, Antioch University is a bold and enduring source of innovation in higher education. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Updated October 2, 2015: KING 5 TV News ran a story on the evolution of the downtown core and Antioch University Seattle’s part in our city’s transformation. Click Here to view.
Universities that serve busy adult learners need facilities that enable students to learn, connect and collaborate as they advance themselves personally and professionally. That’s the vision for Antioch University Seattle (AUS) as the campus prepares to move into a new space just blocks from its current location.
Antioch University recently signed a long-term lease securing space in a three-story building that is under construction at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Battery Street (2404 3rd Avenue), just three blocks from the current Antioch University Building at 6th and Battery. On September 30, Antioch University completed the sale of the 6th and Battery building to HB Management, a private Seattle real estate company, generating excitement about the Seattle campus move to a brand new location, which is expected to be completed by late 2016. Until that time, AUS will remain in the current building with no disruption to class offerings and schedules.
“We are excited to design and outfit a building around today’s student. The days of rows of desks, a chalkboard and lectern are long gone,” said Dr. Dan Hocoy, AUS president. “Our students need space to collaborate, learn experientially and leverage technology. We’ll be working together with students, faculty, staff and the AUS community to make sure our shared vision for the new space becomes reality.”
Antioch University is nationally recognized as a leader and innovator in providing adult students experiential educational opportunities that lead to personal and professional enhancement. AUS, one of the five campuses of Antioch University, has occupied its current downtown Seattle building since 1996, and celebrated its 40th year in Seattle this past February. Its recent sale includes a provision through which AUS will lease back its current space until December 2016 to make the transition to the new location as seamless as possible.
AUS’ strategic relocation comes at a perfect time, as its current location in the Denny Triangle is in the midst of a commercial and residential construction boom. Antioch is reinvesting a portion of the sale proceeds in a state-of-the-art campus. The new campus is located along the 3rd Avenue transit corridor connecting Seattle’s major employment centers—South Lake Union and Downtown—both of which employ current and future Antioch students. It is walking distance to Downtown, Amazon, and the Seattle Center. As a new construction building, AUS has the opportunity to optimize space and improve the student experience.
“Because of the sale, we are able to make a significant investment in the new space to ensure that it’s a true 21st century learning environment. This is such a unique opportunity and so much has changed since we moved into the current space 19 years ago. We’re very excited to announce the move and have our vision for the new facility become reality,” said Felice Nudelman, chancellor of Antioch University.
The new space is being leased from Martin Selig Real Estate. Construction of the new building is under way now. In addition to modern classrooms and a lounge space for students, it will include a large event area for university and community events.
“Over the next four months the design team, led by global design firm Gensler, will be working with campus leadership, our real estate advisory team and campus user groups to design and refine our new home. It’s been a long and complex process and I am so pleased that we are evolving with the vibrant downtown Seattle community while serving our students in new ways,” Dr. Hocoy said.
“Antioch’s commitment to creating a built space that reflects the University’s unique educational model and supports the evolving needs of its students is commendable,” said Matt Anderson, Principal at Heartland LLC. “Furthermore, the University’s pro-active approach to leveraging its real estate portfolio in support of a resilient business model is well-timed and important for organizations and firms across all sectors to be thinking about.”
“In alignment with Antioch University’s learner-centered educational mission, we’re excited to be working with a group of dedicated educators, staff, and students to redefine the modern university campus, through detailed user research and educational strategy, to create a compelling learning environment for the future leaders of the region,” said Ryan Haines, Principal and Research and Design Strategy Lead at Gensler.
Heartland LLC, a Seattle-based real estate advisory and investment firm, is serving as Antioch University’s strategic real estate advisor across the five-campus portfolio and supported Antioch in its campus sale and new campus site selection and lease negotiation. Gensler is designing Antioch’s space in the 3rd and Battery location and Robinson Company is serving as Antioch’s owner’s representative on the space build-out.
About Antioch University
Antioch University is an accredited, non-profit university and a bold and enduring source of innovation in higher education that serves adult students around the world, online and from its five campuses in four states in addition to its University-wide international and doctoral programs. The University lives by its mission every day by helping students realize their potential and achieve their educational goals through rigorous and responsive learning environment. Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at antioch.edu.
About Heartland LLC
Heartland LLC is a Seattle-based real estate advisory and investment firm with over 30 years of experience designing, analyzing and implementing strategies to manage risk and optimize value in all aspects of both the built and natural environment. Heartland specializes in assisting private and public clients across many realms: civic real estate, corporate owners/users, real estate companies and investment opportunities. In all cases, we are advisors first and combine strategy development with rigorous analytics and implementation capabilities to provide tailored services to help our diverse client base define and implement their vision.
About Gensler
Gensler is a global design firm grounded in the belief that great design optimizes business performance and human potential. Their 5,000 practitioners networked across 46 offices use global perspective, local presence, and a data-driven design methodology to innovate at every scale. Whether they are focused on the student experience, refreshing a retailer’s brand, planning a new urban district or designing a super tall building, they strive to make the everyday places people occupy more inspiring, more resilient, and more impactful.
About Robinson Company
The Robinson Company is a 13 person, 30-year-old project management firm that also has a division that provides hundreds of cost estimates every year. Since 1985 they have managed dozens of both large and small projects for clients in the private, public and non-profit sectors. They specialize in working with universities, K-12 schools and non-profit clients who may do one major project every 10 – 20 years. Three principals own the company: Sharon Kennedy, Principal-in-Charge of Estimating Services; Jean Robinson, Principal-in-Charge of Finance; and Kirk Robinson, Principal-in-Charge of Project Management Services.

“Flickr – The U.S. Army – Medal of Honor, Maj. Bruce Crandall” by The U.S. Army – Medal of Honor: Maj. Bruce Crandall. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Seattle – Colonel Bruce P. Crandall (Ret.), husband, father, explorer, pilot, Vietnam War hero, engineer, civic leader and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, will address Antioch University Seattle’s (AUS) 2015 graduates at the university’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 21 at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 and beginning at 1:00 pm. He will share insights about demonstrating social courage and the inner determination to choose the right path, which may not always be the safest or easiest route.
“Colonel Crandall exemplifies the definition of courage and bravery, not only because of the extreme danger that he faced during his military service, but also because of his willingness to face danger in pursuit of helping others and at great personal risk,” said AUS president Daniel Hocoy. “Standing up for one’s beliefs is difficult enough – doing so in the most extreme of circumstances is the true mark of a courageous leader and hero.”
During the Vietnam War, then Maj. Crandall led more than 900 combat missions during two tours of duty and is credited with saving more than 70 lives. The official narrative for his Medal of Honor credits him with displaying leadership by example and fearless courage as he “voluntarily flew his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire on flight after flight, delivering desperately needed ammunition, water and medical supplies into one of the most hotly contested landing zones of the region” in the Ia Drang Valley, South Vietnam. Enemy fire had gotten so intense that the infantry commander closed the landing zone and even Med Evac pilots were grounded. Crandall decided to undertake the mission. He and his wingman, Maj. Ed Freeman, (also awarded a Medal of Honor) flew 14 hours transporting the wounded to safety.
Col. Crandall’s story was one of the many depicted in the 1992 book We Were Soldiers Once…And Young, and in the related 2002 film We Were Soldiers, in which he was portrayed by actor Greg Kinnear. Col. Crandall served as an aviation consultant during the film’s production in 2001.
At the commencement event, which also falls on Father’s Day, AUS will confer a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and master’s degrees from the following programs: School of Education, Graduate Programs in Leadership and Change, and the School of Applied Psychology, Counseling & Family Therapy.
Col. Crandall’s son, Steve Crandall, chair of the AUS Board of Trustees, will also speak at the event. The university’s distinguished alumni award will be presented to Marsha Botzer, founder of Ingersoll Gender Center and a champion of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and progressive communities for more than 35 years.
Tickets to the event are required. Graduating students will receive two guest tickets and limited amount of additional tickets will be offered through academic departments at a later date.
May 26, 2015
Antioch University Seattle Closes its Spring Event Series: Justice, Education & Action on May 28
Notable panelists will tackle leveraging community to improve schools for marginalized students
Seattle – Antioch University Seattle (AUS) will close its spring lineup of education and community-focused talks with a panel event entitled The Power of Community at 6:30 pm on Thursday, May 28 at AUS, 2326 6th Ave, Seattle. Registration is not required, and there is no cost to attend, however the event is a Washington state-approved Clock Hour Offering eligible for three clock hours. The clock hour fee is $8, and can be paid via cash or check at the event.
“We are extremely proud of this event and of the Spring Speaker Series because it brings to light controversial issues in public education in solutions-focused ways,” Dr. Rachel Oppenheim, chair of the MAEd department at AUS. “This truly illustrates Antioch University’s mission of educating ethical, responsible teachers and leaders who are unafraid to fight for justice for all.”
This event will bring together various educational stakeholders to discuss how we can draw upon the knowledge and resources of families and communities to improve schooling, particularly for marginalized and under-resourced students. Educational leaders, community activists, parents, and advocates will discuss measures for making schools more equitable and how to best prepare emergent educators to teach in Seattle’s diverse schools.
AUS’ spring event series, which included two additional events in April and May, is designed for current educators, prospective educators, and those interested in learning more about our current educational systems and what can be done to make them more just and equitable for all learners. All three events highlight the promises and assets within Seattle’s schools and pinpoint areas in need of revision and reform. Participants learn about educational structures that stifle innovation and excellence in teaching, as well as methodologies for creating change and building stronger connections between schools and communities.
About Antioch University Seattle
Antioch University Seattle is a fully accredited, not for profit institution that is a bold and enduring source of innovation in higher education. Antioch University provides real world knowledge, skills, and experience to adult students online and from its five campuses in four states, in addition to its University-wide international and doctoral programs. The University lives by its mission every day helping students realize their potential and succeed in their educational goals through an innovative learning environment that is rigorous and responsive to their needs. Antioch University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1927.
Antioch University Seattle Launches New Masters Concentration in
Play Therapy in Counseling and Family Therapy Programs
Certification also available for existing therapists
Based on its expertise in using different types of therapy to connect with individuals, Antioch University Seattle (AUS) announces the launch of a new play therapy concentration in its Counseling and Family Therapy master’s programs. The concentration is one of only a few in the nation, and centers on the unique healing modality that emphasizes expression and exploration through play, a natural medium of communication during growth and development.
Learn more on the Play Therapy website.
“There is a growing need for play therapists in therapeutic and educational settings because of the unique and dynamic ways that people communicate and play therapy’s effectiveness in helping children and families process life events in a safe, structured and healthy environment,” said Cary Hamilton, the program’s chief faculty member. “We are very excited to be offering this opportunity to current and future students.”
The one-year program, which will launch in the upcoming spring semester, has been developed to meet the academic requirements to achieve a Registered Play Therapist designation through the Association for Play Therapy, upon completion of a student’s respective Washington State licensure of LMFT or LMHC. It is also open to existing therapists who wish to add the play therapy certification to their areas of expertise.
About Antioch University Seattle
Antioch University Seattle is a fully accredited, not for profit institution that is a bold and enduring source of innovation in higher education. Antioch University provides real world knowledge, skills, and experience to adult students online and from its five campuses in four states, in addition to its University-wide international and doctoral programs. The University lives by its mission every day helping students realize their potential and succeed in their educational goals through an innovative learning environment that is rigorous and responsive to their needs. Antioch University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1927.
Learn more about our Play Therapy certificate.
Alan Guskin, President Emeritus of Antioch University,
To Speak at January Public Event
He Inspired the Peace Corps and Helped Found AmeriCorps VISTA
Seattle, WA – Alan E. Guskin, president and chancellor emeritus of Antioch University, will be guest speaker at a free public reception and talk on January 21, 2015 at Antioch University Seattle.
In 1960, he helped inspire John F. Kennedy to launch the Peace Corps, and was part of the inaugural cohort of volunteers to Thailand. Three years later, he returned home to become founding administrator of AmeriCorps VISTA, the national service program designed to fight poverty.
Since then, he’s enjoyed a longtime, distinguished career in academia, as a university faculty member and administrator. He was a driving force in the creation of Antioch University, and served at various times as the University’s president and chancellor.
“Al had a major impact in creating both the Peace Corps and Antioch University,” said Ingrid Ingerson, director of institutional advancement at Antioch University Seattle.
“For more than 50 years, he’s been a tireless advocate for social justice, and has encouraged others to follow suit, both at home and internationally. He paved the way for so many Peace Corps, VISTA and Antioch alumni.”
Guskin is a nationally renowned consultant on organizational change and restructuring, particularly in higher education, and has written extensively on the roles that leadership, change, power and conflict play in the process. He is a frequent speaker, and in 1986, on the 25th anniversary of the Peace Corps, was chosen, along with former wife Judy Guskin, Sargent Shriver and director Loret Ruppe, to place a wreath on the grave of John F Kennedy on behalf of all Peace Corps volunteers.
In 2000 to 2004, he led a think tank of 14 top thinkers and practitioners in higher education to develop ideas for student learning in the context of limited financial resources. He currently is distinguished professor in Antioch University’s innovative PhD program in Leadership and Change.
Now 74, and a longtime Edmonds, WA resident, he graduated from Brooklyn College in 1958, and immediately enrolled in graduate school at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. There he led the student group that persuaded John F. Kennedy to establish the Peace Corps. He left school to be one of the first volunteers, subsequently helped found VISTA, and later directed the Florida Migrant Farm Worker Program, funded by the War on Poverty.
In 1968, Guskin received his PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan, and pursued his academic career. He held faculty positions there, and at several other universities before transitioning to administration. He served as president and chancellor of various schools, before simultaneously being named president of Antioch University and Antioch College in the mid-1980’s. After a university reorganization, he held the position of chancellor of Antioch University until 1997.
In 2010, he received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from the University of Michigan. He also was recipient of the Morris T. Keeton Adult and Experiential Education Award, Council on Adult and Experiential Learning. Additionally, he holds honorary doctorate degrees from Saybrook Institute and Antioch University.
Guskin is a trustee at Dominican University of California, and has served in that capacity at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania and Westminster College in Utah. He also is a member of many national advisory boards and committees.
“We are thrilled to hold this special, intimate event,” said Ingerson. “Everyone is invited to hear Al share his reflections, and his thoughts about Antioch University as we move into the future.”
The event is hosted by the PhD program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University Seattle.
About Antioch University Seattle
Antioch University Seattle is a fully accredited, not for profit institution that is a bold and enduring source of innovation in higher education. Antioch University provides real world knowledge, skills, and experience to adult students online and from its five campuses in four states, in addition to its University-wide international and doctoral programs. The University lives by its mission every day helping students realize their potential and succeed in their educational goals through an innovative learning environment that is rigorous and responsive to their needs. Antioch University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1927.