SALEM, VA — During a trip to Mongolia in July 2026, American National University President Dr. Frank Longaker, Vice President of Operations Dr. Joel Musgrove, and International Admissions Director Tuul Spencer signed new and renewed partnership agreements with three Mongolian universities and the government of Ömnögovi Province, expanding educational opportunities for Mongolian students while strengthening the university’s global partnerships and commitment to international education. Building on relationships developed over more than 15 years, university leaders traveled to Mongolia at the invitation of a member of the Mongolian Parliament to strengthen existing partnerships, establish new collaborations, and meet with university and government leaders to discuss future educational opportunities. These partnerships with Mongolia are important; American National University currently enrolls 533 international students representing 45 countries, including 79 students from Mongolia, making Mongolia one of the university’s strongest international partnerships.

“The invitation itself speaks to the relationships we’ve built over many years,” Dr. Longaker said. “Our partnerships in Mongolia continue to grow because both sides recognize the value of providing students with access to high-quality education and preparing them for careers in an increasingly global workforce.”

One of the visit’s most significant achievements was the signing of an agreement with Ömnögovi Province, one of Mongolia’s 21 provinces located in the southern region of the country. The province, among the country’s most economically significant regions due to its mining industry, is investing in higher education as part of its long-term workforce development strategy. The agreement marks the first time American National University, or any other US University has partnered directly with a Mongolian provincial government.

Under the agreement, Ömnögovi Province will sponsor up to 15 students pursuing nursing or computer science degrees at American National University.  “This is the first province in Mongolia that we’ve established an agreement with,” said Dr. Longaker. “This partnership is really the culmination of years of work. It reflects both the strong interest among Mongolian students in earning an American education and American National University’s commitment to helping them achieve that goal.”

During the visit, university leaders renewed and expanded articulation agreements with Royal International University and Global Leadership University and established a new partnership with IKH Zasag University. These agreements provide students with streamlined pathways to continue their education at American National University after completing coursework in Mongolia.

Visiting Mongolia also built upon American National University’s first partnership in the country, established more than 15 years ago with Royal International University. Since then, the university has steadily expanded its presence in the country, creating pathways for Mongolian students to continue their education in the United States while strengthening academic collaboration between institutions.

The partnerships also foster collaboration between faculty and institutional leaders while increasing educational opportunities for students interested in pursuing graduate education and career-focused degree programs. “Our international partnerships are about much more than enrollment,” Dr. Longaker said. “They are about creating opportunities for students, sharing knowledge between institutions, and helping prepare graduates to succeed wherever their careers may take them.”

These initiatives are designed to help address workforce needs within Mongolia by preparing graduates with specialized skills before they return home to contribute to their communities. While the partnerships expand educational opportunities for students from Mongolia, Dr. Longaker emphasized that they also enhance the educational experience for students throughout American National University.

“Our students learn from their professors, they learn from their textbooks, and they learn from the classmates sitting beside them,” he said. “Students from Mongolia and other countries bring different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking into the classroom. That exchange of ideas benefits everyone.”

As classrooms become increasingly diverse, students gain firsthand experience working with classmates from different cultures and backgrounds—an important advantage in today’s interconnected workforce.

“We believe it’s incredibly valuable for students to understand other cultures and learn from people with different experiences,” Dr. Longaker said. “Whether our graduates work in the United States or elsewhere in the world, they’ll be working in a global economy. These experiences prepare them to collaborate, communicate, and lead in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.” These partnerships reflect American National University’s long-standing commitment to expanding access to career-focused education while building meaningful international relationships.

The university continues to welcome students from around the world, and school leaders believe partnerships like these create lasting benefits for students, institutions, employers, and communities in both countries. “What we’re building is more than partnerships,” Dr. Longaker said. “We’re building relationships that strengthen the university, create opportunities for students, and prepare graduates to succeed in an increasingly connected world.”

About American National University

Founded in 1886, American National University has been preparing students for meaningful careers through career-focused education for more than 140 years. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across healthcare, business, and technology for in-demand fields. Through flexible online and campus-based learning options, the university serves students throughout the United States and around the world.

American National University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that prepares graduates to succeed in an increasingly interconnected global workforce. The university’s emphasis on practical, workforce-aligned education, personalized support, and strong industry partnerships helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their professional goals while making a positive impact in their communities.

To learn more about American National University and its programs, visit an.edu.

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SALEM, VA – February 2026 – American National University (ANU) proudly announces that both its Paralegal studies certificate and Paralegal associate degree programs have been officially reapproved by the American Bar Association (ABA) for the next seven years. This reaffirms the university’s commitment to excellence in legal education.

The reapproval by the ABA’s House of Delegates, acting on the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Paralegals, reflects the programs’ continued adherence to rigorous national standards in curriculum, instruction, and faculty quality. This milestone ensures that students completing the paralegal program will continue to graduate from a program recognized for meeting the highest professional benchmarks in paralegal education.

“Achieving ABA reapproval is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff, as well as the high-quality experience we provide our students,” says American National University president, Dr. Frank Longaker. “This recognition provides our graduates with a competitive edge as they begin or advance their careers in the legal field.”

The ABA approval makes American National University’s Paralegal programs part of a select group of programs nationwide that meet standards designed to prepare students for success as trained paralegals. Graduates of the program are equipped with practical skills in legal research, ethical practice, and substantive law, enabling them to support attorneys and legal teams effectively across a wide range of settings.

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate the Paralegal Programs’ ABA approval.  This is a milestone that reflects the hard work, commitment, and excellence of our Paralegal Program community,” says Paralegal programs dean, Wendy Notz. “This achievement does not happen by chance. It happens because of people who believe in the mission of this university, who invest their time, passion, and expertise into building programs that change lives. ABA approval is more than recognition—it’s a promise to uphold the highest standards for our students and the profession.”

American National University’s paralegal programs integrate theoretical foundations with real-world applications, preparing students for roles in the legal field. The program’s online and flexible format allows working adults and busy learners to balance education with professional and personal commitments. Our students are trained by professionals that have real-world experience and knowledge about the career. For more information about either paralegal program, or how to apply, visit our website.

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Salem, VA — American National University (ANU), a private institution with multiple campuses and robust online offerings across Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky, has had its institutional accreditation formally renewed by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), effective through January 2030.

At its June 2025 accreditation review, DEAC reaffirmed ANU’s compliance with all accreditation standards based on the school’s comprehensive self‑evaluation, the Commission Chair’s report, ANU’s institutional response, and recent progress updates. DEAC’s review concluded that ANU continues to meet the benchmarks for quality education and federal Title IV eligibility.

“Accreditation is not just a benchmark, it’s a responsibility,” said Dr. Frank Longaker, President of American National University. “It challenges us to keep evolving, to listen to our students, and to lead with purpose. As we look toward 2030, our focus remains on innovation, equity, and preparing graduates who are ready to make a difference from the very beginning.”

Founded in 1886 in Roanoke, Virginia, ANU now provides a broad range of academic programs, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration, cybersecurity, IT, nursing, healthcare management, and more, as well as certificates and diplomas in professional fields. In announcing the milestone, ANU emphasizes that the renewal underscores its commitment to accessible, career‑focused education for students regionally and online.

What this means for students:

• Stability and Confidence: DEAC’s renewal through January 2030 assures current and prospective students that ANU meets nationally recognized standards for institutional quality and integrity.
• Financial Aid Assurance: Maintained accreditation supports ANU’s eligibility to participate in Title IV federal student aid programs.
• Regulatory Recognition: DEAC is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), lending credibility to ANU’s distance education offerings.

This renewed accreditation allows American National University to continue advancing its mission of delivering quality, career-focused education. As the university looks toward the future, it remains dedicated to supporting student success, expanding program offerings, and maintaining the high standards recognized by DEAC.

Salem, VA — August 29, 2025 — American National University proudly celebrates a historic milestone as President Frank Longaker marks his 50th year of service as the leader of the university. Dr. Longaker’s visionary leadership endures to transform ANU from a small business school into a nationally recognized graduate level institution with a strong legacy of career-focused education.

Since becoming Chief Executive in 1975, after serving as professor and administrator at what is now the Kentucky affiliate of ANU, Longaker has overseen, and continues to oversee, decades of innovation and expansion. Under his leadership, ANU has continued to progress in meeting the changing needs of adult learners and working professionals. This goal remains the forefront of his presidency and is implemented through pioneering distant learning and through offering flexible, accredited programs in healthcare, business, and technology. He pioneered the Evolution 2086 vision of ANU, a concept that frees students and educators alike from rote methods of delivering education and outdated programs and instead encourages them to constantly focus on new and efficient delivery of programs to students wherever they are. Evolution 2086 aspires to provide a roadmap to the institution’s 200th anniversary and challenges the University community to be constantly creative and innovative in the educational process. The axiom of American National University, ‘We Bring Our University to You,’ comes to life through President Longaker’s dedication and visionary outlook. The foresight of this vision is evidenced by the fact that over 40 countries are currently represented within the student body.

“Over fifty years ago, I made a commitment to help working adults build better lives through education,” says President Longaker. “What’s mattered most to me over the years hasn’t changed—our mission is to open doors and create opportunities. I’m deeply honored to continue this important work to current and future ANU students, and proud to have been given the opportunity to lead generations of alumni.”

During his tenure, President Longaker continues to lead the university through significant growth, including the launch of multiple campus locations, the development of online degree programs, and an unwavering focus on student outcomes. His leadership is recognized through numerous awards in higher education and business, as well as honors for community engagement and economic development. These include the grassroots student advocacy honor (Association for Private Sector Colleges & Universities TOPS Award), recognition for supporting veterans (Military Friendly School), and a Lifetime Achievement Award (Imagine America Foundation) celebrating American National University President Frank Longaker’s 40 years of service to the career college sector. This is also along with many national recognitions, like Research.com naming ANU’s business programs as the best in America.

American National University extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to President Longaker for a lifetime of dedication, innovation, and service. His leadership not only continues to shape the university’s growth but also leaves a lasting impact on countless students, faculty, and alumni whose lives have been transformed through education.

ANU alumni recalled President Longaker’s dedication to his students during their testimonials. Cynthia Adams, who graduated in 2013 and returned in 2024, tearfully recalled interacting with him, “he said, ‘I don’t have many students like you. And I just want you to know I feel honored to have you in my college.”

Rupali Patel also has kind words for the president, as during her tenure, he gave her wise words to carry in her career: “You need to hang out with the people that fit your future, not your past… I use that saying all the time… when he said that it made me focus on [my] real life experiences.”

President Longaker’s unwavering belief in the power of learning continues to guide the institution through five decades of change and progress, ensuring that ANU will remain a place where ambition meets opportunity. As the university looks toward the future, it stands on the foundation President Longaker tirelessly builds—a legacy of access, excellence, and enduring commitment to student success.