History of Lakeland University
Lakeland University traces its beginnings to German immigrants who traveled to North America and eventually to the Sheboygan area where they settled in 1847. Even as they struggled for food and shelter, these pioneers thought in terms of higher education for their children.
In 1862, they built Missionshaus (Mission House), a combined academy-college-seminary. The school provided training in the liberal arts followed by a traditional seminary curriculum, as most of the students were destined to become ministers. As the needs of students changed, Mission House gradually broadened its purpose. By the end of the century, enrollment was no longer limited to pre-theological students and the college had developed strong programs of study in a number of disciplines.
A talented, scholarly faculty set high standards for the college early in its existence, standards which have been maintained to this day. Known simply as Mission House for 95 years, the college adopted the name Lakeland in 1956. Higher education was evolving, and the seminary moved to Minneapolis/St. Paul in 1962 to become United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. The era of Mission House had ended, but Lakeland College became heir to its campus, tradition, and educational mission.
Over the next 60 years, Lakeland evolved to meet the needs of students around the state and around the world. Beginning in 1978, Lakeland began to meet the needs of a growing population of working adults who sought advanced coursework by developing evening degree programs at seven centers throughout Wisconsin. Accreditation was extended to online undergraduate degree programs in 1998 and graduate programs in 2002. Today, students taking classes in Lakeland’s Evening, Weekend and Online program make up a significant percentage of the university’s student body.
Lakeland also delivers an accredited program through its branch campus in Tokyo, Japan. Lakeland’s Japan campus was developed in 1989-90, gained accreditation in 1991 and 1993, and uses the Wisconsin campus’s general education requirements as the foundation for its Associate of Arts degree. In December 2005, Lakeland College Japan became the second U. S. branch campus in Japan to receive official Japanese recognition as an institution of higher education.
In 2016, the institution changed its name to Lakeland University in order to reflect the broad array of programming it provides. However, its core identity as an independent, private, liberal arts university related to the United Church of Christ remains. The university’s undergraduate and graduate programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The ambition of Lakeland University is less to be large than to be effective; its aim is not to rank first in size, but to rank first in helping students realize their potential for intellectual growth. Valuing excellence above all else, Lakeland’s commitment is to enhance student access to educational resources, student closeness to faculty and staff mentors, and student success in both classrooms and careers.
The John Esch Library
The John Esch Library is located at the center of campus and is open to all Lakeland University students. The library’s collection includes more than 71,000 books. The university also subscribes to over 200 academic journals, newspapers, and magazines. The library contains a computer lab, group study rooms, and individual study space. As a member of the Monarch Catalog of the Monarch Library System, the university has local access to over 1,400,000 additional items. Lakeland students also have access to the following academic databases: BadgerLink, Credo Reference, EBSCOhost, JSTOR, Morningstar, Naxos Music Library, Nexis Uni, Opposing Viewpoints, the Oxford English Dictionary, ProQuest, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Psychotherapy.net, Sage, and Value Line.
Academic Programs
Lakeland offers students the opportunity to pursue graduate and undergraduate degrees in several locations and through several modalities:
Lakeland’s Main Campus
Students may take any of Lakeland’s degree programs at the main campus. Over 30 majors and three bachelor’s degrees (B.A., B.F.A., and B.S.) are available at Lakeland’s 240-acre main campus, which is located 12 miles northwest of Sheboygan in rural, eastern Wisconsin. The university is 60 miles north of Milwaukee, 120 miles northeast of Madison, and 60 miles south of Green Bay. The campus is in close proximity to Lake Michigan and the picturesque Kettle Moraine State Forest. Lakeland’s bachelor’s degrees require the completion of 120 semester hours with a minimum grade-point-average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. During the admissions process, qualified students may apply for a special program allowing them to complete a B.A. and M.B.A. or M.S. in Leadership and Organizational Development in five years, all at the main campus.
Students at the main campus may also complete an Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) or an Associate of Science degree (A.S.). Each program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework with a minimum grade-point-average of 2.0. The specific course requirements include but are not limited to those listed as the Interdisciplinary Studies course requirements of the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees at the freshman and sophomore levels (100- and 200-level courses).
The William R. Kellett School of Adult Education
In addition to its on-campus programs, Lakeland offers working adults and other non-traditional students the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N. Completion Program) degree or a in a variety of majors through the William R. Kellett School of Adult Education. Utilizing several delivery modalities, students taking courses through the Kellett School may participate in online, on-ground or BlendEd® classes through one or more of the off-campus centers: Chippewa Valley, Fox Cities, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Rapids, Kohler Company, and at other corporate locations throughout the state. The Kellett School offers 12-week online and BlendEd® courses in the fall, spring, and summer and 7-week online courses throughout the year. Such courses link faculty and students from many different locations into interactive learning groups via academic software and computer networks. Online courses require all students to have predictable access to an outside Internet provider for research, class projects and connection to download/upload class notes.
While students in the William R. Kellett School do not enjoy all of the benefits available to traditional undergraduate students (for example, participation in athletics, student government, and access to on-campus facilities), they do have access to the university’s online library resources, and receive a challenging, academically rigorous program of study.
The William R. Kellett School of Adult Education also provides students the opportunity to complete graduate degrees through online and BlendEd® courses. Students may pursue one of four degrees: the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling, the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), the Master of Education (M.Ed.), and the Master of Science (M.S.) in Leadership and Organizational Development.
The Lakeland Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Counseling provides a broad-based education in counseling for professionals in the field and for interested educators. Students accepted into this program can pursue an emphasis in one of three areas: Early Childhood through Adolescence School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs.
The Lakeland Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree program, especially designed for working adults, provides a broad-based professional education consisting of post-graduate courses to integrate research, case studies, computer technology, and other instructional processes. The objectives of the program include an understanding of business and economic problems and the development and refinement of managerial skills to address these problems in the context of the global workplace. Students interested in furthering their professional goals in accounting, finance, healthcare management, hospitality management, human resource management, nonprofit leadership, project management, sport leadership and supply chain management may pursue emphases in these areas. Students may also work with the program director to build an emphasis specific to their interests.
The Lakeland Master of Education degree in Teaching and Professional Development (M.Ed.) offers classroom teachers and department heads who seek opportunities for intellectual and professional growth within the context of a liberal arts education.
The Lakeland Master of Science (M.S.) in Leadership and Organizational Development degree program equips students with the essential skills for successful careers in leadership and management positions. This graduate program provides returning adult students relevant knowledge for employability, professional advancement and enhancing career opportunities for seeking initial employment, employment change, career progression, and personal development. Courses will prepare students to navigate an ever changing and competitive work environment, become an effective leader, and develop skills, knowledge and ability in many facets of today’s complex organizations, including the growing need for competent leaders who can effectively guide change and strategic management. Students may take elective courses in traditional business areas such as accounting, finance or marketing or pursue a concentration area of their choice.
Lakeland University Japan (LUJ)
Lakeland maintains an accredited branch campus in Tokyo, Japan. The Tokyo branch campus offers Japanese students an intensive English language program and an accredited Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree program. All classes at Lakeland University Japan are in the English language, except those offerings of foreign language instruction.
American students from Lakeland University and from other accredited colleges and universities in the United States may also study at Lakeland University Japan as part of their undergraduate program. The Study Abroad at LUJ program provides the opportunity to study Japanese language and culture while continuing a student’s undergraduate education. No prior Japanese language proficiency is required.
Special Academic Programs
Five-Year Pathway: B.A. to M.B.A. or M.S. in Leadership and Organizational Development
The 5-year pathway leading to completion of both the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) in Leadership and Organizational Development degrees is available to high-achieving, goal-oriented students who are committed to completing an M.B.A. or M.S. in Leadership and Organizational Development as part of their professional education. Students admitted to this program will complete the requirements for and graduate with the B.A. in four years of study, and complete the M.B.A. or M.S. in Leadership and Organizational Development degree by the end of the fifth year. Students must achieve a satisfactory level of academic performance to be eligible for expedited M.B.A. or M.S. in Leadership and Organizational Development admission and must adhere to the prescribed schedule for program completion to achieve both degrees in five years.
Pre-Nursing Pathway
Lakeland University in partnership with Columbia College of Nursing (CCON) in Milwaukee offers students a pathway to earn their Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (B.S.N.).
- Students may earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree completing their general education and pre-nursing pre-requisite course sequence at Lakeland University over two years.
- Students may apply for direct admission to CCON with initial application to Lakeland or at a later point.
- Lakeland courses transfer to CCON and student completes final nursing courses to earn their B.S.N. degree from CCON.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N. Completion Program)
Lakeland University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N. Completion Program) option through the William R. Kellett School of Adult Education.
- Licensed Registered Nurses who hold an Associate Degree in Nursing from an approved accredited community, technical, or private college may seek admission to the program.
- Additional admission requirements apply.
- Students complete interdisciplinary studies requirements, core nursing coursework and an area of emphasis to earn their B.S.N. degree.
Pre-Pharmacy
Lakeland University is in partnership with Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) School of Pharmacy (SOP) in Mequon to offer students an opportunity to complete preparatory coursework to qualify and apply for admission for the Doctorate of Pharmacy degree at CUWSOP while earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Lakeland University. Lakeland students complete their general education and the designated emphasis in the Biochemistry curriculum in order to meet prerequisite/admission course requirements at CUWSOP. Students will receive a guarantee of an interview with CUWSOP if they:
- Earn a cumulative 2.75 GPA.
- Earn a C or better in all pre-pharmacy courses.
- Achieve a composite score of 35 on the PCAT (scheduled no later than July prior to the student’s third year).
- Notify their academic advisor of entry into the program in order to be connected with a CUWSOP admissions counselor.
- Submit a PharmCAS application by March 1 of their third year (CUWSOP Early Decision process requires earlier submission)
Admitted students will start a CUWSOP in the student’s fourth year. Upon successful completion of the student’s fourth year coursework, taken at CUWSOP, the student will receive a B.S. in Biochemistry from Lakeland University.
Programs Abroad
Pursuant to the university’s mission to prepare students for life in a diverse, global society. With intent to make the campus both a port of entry to the world for American students and a port of entry to American higher education for other students from around the world, Lakeland offers a variety of short and long term study abroad opportunities, and encourages students to participate in one of these exciting opportunities. For more information on any of these programs, please contact the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs.
In addition to the Lakeland study abroad programs listed below, other programs are available on a case-by-case basis. Students may also participate in a wide array of programs around the world, available through Lakeland’s membership in the Wisconsin Association of Colleges and Universities (WAICU).
Foreign Study Semester in Germany
The university offers guest semesters in Germany to all students with knowledge of German, regardless of major. Students are eligible to study for one or two semesters at Universität Kassel or Universität Marburg. The semesters in Germany include intensive German language practice, study trips, foreign student orientation and assistance in selecting classes for the regular semester. A one-month long summer seminar in Germany may also be available.
Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture
This escorted course is conducted at Lakeland’s sister school, Shanghai Finance University (SFU) in Pudong, metropolitan Shanghai. Reduced costs to students minimized through Lakeland’s collaborative arrangement with SFU. No prior Chinese language proficiency is required.
Lakeland in London
Lakeland students have the opportunity to study with Foundation for International Education (FIE) in London. As part of their Lakeland academic experience abroad, students have the option to enroll in Study or Study and Internship programs in London in the fall and spring semesters or over the summer. Students can study a variety of academic subjects while with FIE London including Art, Business, Communications, History, Literature, Politics, and Theater. Courses taken at FIE come back as Lakeland credit, keeping students on track for graduation. FIE supports students not only academically, but also with their dedicated Student Life, Residence Life, and Administration teams who provide guidance and assistance on day-to-day matters while abroad.
London Theatre Trip
The university offers on a regular basis an eleven-day study tour in England where students see and analyze five productions performed by some of the most prestigious theatrical companies in the West. The course focuses on productions in Stratford-upon-Avon and London. Past groups have seen Taming of the Shrew, Cats, Billy Elliot, Volpone, Phantom of the Opera, Tales from Ovid, Winter’s Tale, and a variety of others. Also included in the trip is a full-day tour to Bath and Stonehenge, and a London Underground pass. Students have also gone on walking tours to Anne Hathaway’s cottage, locales around London frequented by the Beatles, and the British Museum, the Tower of London, and Warwick Castle.
Spanish Language Programs
Lakeland University has a sister school relationship with the Universidad Reformada in Barranquilla, Colombia. Opportunities during summer term for Spanish language study are also available in Spain and Latin America. Spanish department personnel coordinate these programs in cooperation with other Lakeland University departments and/or outside agencies.
Tama University in Japan
Lakeland maintains an exchange program with Tama University in Japan. Students pursuing majors or minors through the J. Garland Schilcutt School of Business and Entrepreneurship are eligible to participate in this program. All classes in Tama University’s School of Global Studies are in the English language. No prior Japanese language proficiency is required.
Tropical Biology Program
The Lakeland University Biology Program offers an intensive study abroad program in Belize every two years. This program is open to junior and senior biology majors and explores tropical terrestrial and aquatic ecology as well as exposing students to past and present Central American cultures.
University of Luxembourg
Lakeland University students are eligible to spend a semester studying at the University of Luxembourg. Located in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg is a small country located between France, Belgium, and Germany. The University of Luxembourg offers many programs in English, including courses in business, economics, biology, chemistry, computer science, and education to name a few. More information about the University of Luxembourg and their programs available at http://wwwen.uni.lu/.
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