Huntington University board approval moves Peoria campus process forward

HUNTINGTON, Ind. The Huntington University Board of Trustees has approved the proposal to create a Peoria, Ariz., campus for the institution.

The next step is a vote from the Peoria City Council, and with that vote, the campus could open as early as spring of 2014.

In October, the university entered into a 180-day exclusive negotiating agreement with the City of Peoria to begin talks of what a potential branch campus could mean for both entities. In that time, university administrators have met with city officials to determine location, programs and funding sources.

The campus would feature programs such as digital media arts, exercise science, nursing, ministry and missions, education and counseling psychology. Two other institutions, Trine University of Angola, Ind., and St. Scholastica College of Duluth, Minn., are also planning to offer degree programs in Peoria. Each university will offer different academic majors to students based on its unique institutional strengths.

The Huntington campus will look to attract students who are seeking a Christ-centered, professionally sound and community connected education. The campus will also offer the opportunity for Huntington, Ind.-based students to study in Arizona for full semesters or for shorter term classes.

"This is an exciting opportunity to expand our mission into the growing and underserved Southwest," said President G. Blair Dowden. "Through this great initiative, we will be able to provide a Christ-centered, liberal arts education to more students than ever before."