News



Feasiblity study leads way to successful extension campus
August 2009

Glenside, PA, August 31, 2009 - Steve Bell, Executive Director of Communications at Neumann University says the best fact about the new Phoenixville campus is that the first cohort just graduated and we have another ready to go in September. Thirteen local teachers and three almost retirees, who thought a Masters would help them give back, graduated from our Phoenixville Masters in Education program.

In 2006 Neumann University was approached by an alumna with an idea to help Neumann develop a presence approximately 30 miles from the Philadelphia area main campus. The concept was to partner with the alumna, who is a real estate developer, on a mixed-use facility that would include an educational center of at least 50,000 square feet. The educational center would include several colleges offering complimentary program options for a primarily adult audience.

Neumann's wisely conservative executives asked the question, “Would it work?”

Neumann College retained Paskill Stapleton & Lord to conduct a feasibility study to assess the educational needs of the community and to identify delivery models that would work in the proposed environment. A comprehensive study was completed in the fall of 2006. The goals of the study were to determine the demand for graduate, continuing education, and undergraduate degree completion programs in the Phoenixville, PA area, the center's location.

An environmental study to closely examine the demographics of the area included a potential employer survey. A competitor and peer program assessment determined the format, delivery models, and competitor marketing tactics in the region. The result of the project was an extensive report that included a situational analysis, observations, and recommendations. After carefully weighing its options, and thoroughly analyzing the findings put forth in our research report, Neumann College decided to move forward with its plans of offering classes at the extension campus.

About Neumann University Neumann University was founded and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. Neumann is a private, Catholic, co-educational College in the Franciscan tradition, which emphasizes respect for individuals, concern for the environment, and social responsibility. The College offers undergraduate degrees in a broad variety of subjects, six graduate programs, and an accelerated bachelor's degree program for adults.