Westcliff University Concludes 2021 Celebrating Key Milestones and Recognitions
Higher Ed Innovator Makes Strides with New Programs, a New Campus, Multiple Award Recognitions, Launch of its Prep Academy, Enrollment of 4,000 Students and More
Westcliff University’s ribbon cutting ceremony at the new main campus located at 17877 Von Karman Ave, Suite 400, Irvine, CA 92614
IRVINE, CALIF. (DEC. 15, 2021) – Westcliff University, an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today’s employers, is celebrating remarkable progress through 2021. A new campus grand opening, the launch of the Innovation Hub and the Westcliff Preparatory Academy, reaching 4,000 in student enrollments and several award recognitions and milestones are among the tremendous strides Westcliff has taken this year, and the university is just getting started.
“Westcliff University has experienced great success this year, and we could not be more proud,” says Dr. Anthony Lee, president and CEO of Westcliff University. “The passing of our Provost, Dr. David McKinney, late last year deepened our devotion to bringing his vision into existence, and we committed to elevating the university to new heights while ensuring student success remains at the core of everything we do.”
The year kicked off with Western State College of Law at Westcliff University achieving a national ranking of fourth for diversity, with an A+ rating from prelaw Magazine. This news followed the formal announcement of Westcliff acquiring the law school, the oldest in Orange County, preserving its 50-plus year legacy for current students, 11,000 alumni and future generations of lawyers, judges and legal officials.
In April, the Times Higher Education’s 2021 Impact Rankings – a global performance table assessing over 1,000 universities worldwide against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – recognized Westcliff University across six categories. Among U.S. universities, Westcliff ranked in the top 15 in Decent Work and Economic Growth; top 20 in Peace and Justice; top 30 in Partnerships for the Goals; top 30 in Gender Equality; top 35 in Quality Education; and top 35 in Reduced Inequalities. These rankings showcase the transformational value that Westcliff offers students, the community and higher education.
In August, Westcliff University announced the launch of Westcliff Preparatory Academy – a new middle and high school designed to develop young leaders in the areas of entrepreneurship and technology. Westcliff Prep provides dual-enrollment opportunities allowing students to earn high school and college credit. The academy provides a unique university-style learning experience with college professors while offering flexible scheduling and 100 percent remote learning options. The curriculum includes full-stack coding, design thinking and game development to ensure graduates are well prepared for tomorrow’s industry demands.
On Sept. 10, Westcliff University officially opened its new campus at 17877 Von Karman Ave. #400 in Irvine, Calif., celebrating with a well-attended “Rolling Out the Blue Carpet” event. The university welcomed the community to tour the new campus and network with students, faculty and staff. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, VIP guest speakers including the mayor of Irvine and a pep rally led by the Westcliff Warrior Cheer Team.
Also this year, Westcliff University announced the launch of its Innovation Hub, a center of excellence committed to creating a transformational teaching and learning experience. The Innovation Hub firmly asserts Westcliff at the intersection of education and entrepreneurship with the creation of IGNITE, an incubator program that provides students with hands-on experience supporting the growth of real start-up companies. Faculty and university partners further the university’s mission to educate, inspire and empower students through research projects, cross-college collaborations, presentations from industry leaders and new program development in in-demand fields such as programming, cybersecurity and data science.
To close 2021, Westcliff University’s president and CEO Dr. Anthony Lee was recognized as one of Orange County Business Journal’s OC 500, honoring Orange County’s most influential leaders. Additionally, 18 Westcliff University student-athletes were honored with the Champions of Character Award by the California Pacific Conference (CAL PAC), one of the largest leagues in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), an indication of their commitment to integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.
“While there is much to celebrate at Westcliff, there is still so much more to be done for us to truly realize our potential,” says Dr. Lee. “While we know that Dr. McKinney would be proud of our achievements, he would be the first one to ask, ‘what’s next?’ That mentality is the heart of Westcliff’s current and future success.”
For more information about Westcliff University, please visit: https://www.westcliff.edu/innovation-hub/.
About Westcliff University: Westcliff University is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today’s employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees spanning 21 areas of study including business, education, technology, computer science and engineering – and most recently law with the acquisition of Western State College of Law. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation which affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. With more than 4,000 enrolled students, its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries; it offers community and business engagement opportunities for the hands-on experience today’s students require; and it provides innovative and affordable programs live online and in classrooms across the globe. Visit www.westcliff.edu and www.wsulaw.edu to learn more; and follow Westcliff on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Editor’s Note: Media interested in speaking to expert staff, faculty and leadership of Westcliff University should email westcliff@beyondfifteen.com to facilitate interviews.