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National University President Named Chancellor of New National University System

November 20, 2001

La Jolla, CA  -- The Board of Trustees for National University has named University President Dr. Jerry C. Lee as Chancellor of a newly organized National University System. 

Under the new system, the 30-year-old institution will grow through the acquisition of independent colleges, which will operate as affiliated entities. The presidents of these colleges will report to Chancellor Lee, who will also remain as National University President for an undetermined term until a new president is chosen. His successor will report to him also.

Dr. Lee assumed his new title as National University Trustees approved a plan to acquire the College of Oceaneering, a private institution in Wilmington, California that is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The College of Oceaneering provides associate of science degrees in marine technology. Founded in 1967, it has educated more than 8,500 students and graduates close to 300 entry-level professionals per year in the fields of hyperbaric medical technology, non-destructive testing technology, underwater welding technology, and marine technologies.

National University is purchasing the College of Oceaneering from President and CEO John Schwitters, and Vice President and Director Alek Haidos. National University will name a new President, who will assume leadership of the College of Oceaneering, following completion of the sale. 

The naming of Dr. Lee as National University chancellor comes on the university's 30th anniversary, and Dr. Lee's 12th year as National University President. Previously he served as President of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.  During his tenure at National University, he has overseen a period of financial security, substantial improvement in academic quality and rigor, and increased recognition from the higher education community.

The past four years in particular have been marked by dramatic growth. During that time enrollment of full time equivalent students has increased at an annual average of 8.4 percent, financial resources have increased by 150 percent, National has become California's second largest private non-profit university, and the university's quasi-endowment has become one of the fastest growing in the nation.

In May, Standard & Poor's and Moody's, the nation's two most influential credit rating agencies, upgraded the University's credit rating. S&P assigned an 'A+' issuer credit rating to National, citing net tuition revenue growth exceeding 11 percent over the past two years, operating margins averaging about 33 percent over the past three years, and a tripling of cash and investments over the past five years. Moody's awarded an 'A1' rating based upon growing financial resources with modest leverage, exceptional operating performance, strong student body growth, and a solid niche in the rapidly growing adult education market.

In the past 30 months, National University has completed more than 200,000 square feet of new construction on educational facilities throughout California. In June, it purchased the 75,000-square-foot headquarters building of Jenny Craig Inc in La Jolla. In November it will open a new 14,000-square-foot academic center in Stockton.

Dr. Lee's dedication to providing access to quality education for California's diverse population has earned him the Leadership Alliance for Excellence in Education, Outstanding Professional Award, and the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development Presidential Award for Exemplary Service.  He is also a recipient of the Advancement of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom Award from the United National Association of the United States; the American Association of University Administrators' Eileen Tosney Award, the American Athletic Association of the Deaf's Distinguished Service Award, the San Diego

Leadership Alliance's Outstanding Leadership Award, and the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development's Presidential Award for Exemplary Service. Additionally, Dr. Lee has been recognized as the Sertoma Man of the Year, as one of San Diego Magazine's "50 People to Watch," and he has been knighted by the Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.  

Other awards include: the U.S. Steel Foundation Cost Reduction Incentive Award from the National Association of College and University Business Officers; the Man of the Year Award from Alpha Sigma Pi; the Gallaudet College Alumni Association President's Award; the Gallaudet Community Relations Award; the first Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Gallaudet University; the National Association of College Auxiliary Services Excellence in Journalism Award; the Distinguished Alumni Award from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Sate University;  the 1986 National Service Award from the Council for Better Speech and Hearing Month;  a One-of-a-Kind Award from People-to-People; the San Diego Executive of the Month award from San Diego Executive Magazine; San Diego's First Thursday Citizen Achievement Award; a Certificate of Appreciation from San Diego Superior Court; and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from National University.

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