Posted on
Honoring a decade of growth, innovation, and lifelong learning.
This year, Northwestern College celebrates a major milestone, the 10-year anniversary of its Graduate and Professional Studies division. What began as a vision to expand access to high-quality, Christ-centered education for working professionals has become a thriving division serving learners across the country through flexible, relevant, and mission-driven programs.
Laying the Foundation for Online Learning
Northwestern’s commitment to lifelong learning took a significant step forward in 2011 with the hiring of the College’s first director of online learning. This marked the beginning of an intentional effort to bring Northwestern’s distinctive education to students beyond the traditional classroom.
In 2013, the College launched its first fully online program, an RN to BSN program, designed to empower registered nurses to advance their education and careers while continuing to serve their communities.
A New Era: Graduate Studies Begin
Momentum continued to build, and in 2015, Northwestern received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer fully online master’s degrees. This opened the door for the launch of the Master of Education programs, officially establishing the Graduate School and
Adult Learning division. This moment marked the start of a new chapter in Northwestern’s history, one that expanded its reach, deepened its academic offerings, and reaffirmed its mission to equip students to serve God and others in their professions.
Expanding Programs and Impact
Over the past decade, the division has grown to include a variety of graduate and professional programs designed for students seeking advancement, career change, or deeper purpose in their work. Today, the division, now know as Graduate and Professional Studies, offers:
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Graduate level endorsement programs
- Graduate level certificate programs
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Arts in School Counseling
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Education programs in several specializations
- And Northwestern’s first on-campus master’s program, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program
Each of these programs reflects the College’s commitment to combining academic excellence with faith integration and real-world relevance, preparing students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and professions.
Looking Ahead
As Northwestern celebrates 10 years of graduate and professional education, the College remains dedicated to the same mission that inspired its beginning: to make Christ-centered education accessible, practical, and transformative for lifelong learners.
The story of Graduate and Professional Studies at Northwestern is one of faithfully stewarding God’s provision, leading to innovation, growth, and confidence in the power of education to change lives. And as the next decade begins, that mission continues, entrusted with the opportunities to serve others.
To learn more about the programs offered through Northwestern’s Graduate and Professional Studies division, click here.
Posted on
What to Expect
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Northwestern College’s Graduate & Professional Studies Division is proud to host the annual Leadership in Education Conference, themed Rooted in Culture, Rising in Success. This full-day professional development event (8:20 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.) brings together K–12 leaders, administrators, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders for a day of inspiration, strategy, and networking.
Why This Conference Matters Now
The educational landscape is changing quickly. From the growing importance of school culture to the rise of AI, data use, inclusive practices, and crisis leadership, leaders need more than theory, they need practical strategies grounded in real challenges. This conference is designed to bridge that gap.
By focusing on culture, behavior systems, AI and data, and leadership in adversity, the conference offers a well-rounded set of sessions that help you lead in today’s context while equipping you for tomorrow.
Featured Speakers & Sessions
Keynote: The Power of a Positive Culture — Dr. Jared Smith
Dr. Smith, Superintendent of Waterloo Community Schools, will open with a dynamic talk about how a strong culture underpins successful organizations. You’ll leave with concrete ideas for reinforcing a positive climate in your school or district.
He also leads two breakout sessions:
- Culture-Building for Leaders: strategies for administrators to model and sustain culture
- Culture-Building for All: how every staff member can contribute to a culture of respect and collaboration
More breakout sessions you won’t want to miss:
- Positive Approach to Student Success (PASS): Terry Hemann & Jackie Christensen present a behavior support model that integrates individualized instruction and data-driven coaching.
- Reaching All Students: Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Dr. Heather Hayes and Ashley Stanislav focus on inclusive strategies that meet the full range of learners.
- Administrative Uses of AI–Maximizing the Power of Data: Sandy Groom-Meeks will dive into how AI tools can support decision making, pattern recognition, and freeing leaders from data overload.
- Shared Instructional Leadership: Lessons from Experience: Jill Hulshoff and Chelsey Kurtzleben will share stories and mindsets behind distributed leadership in schools
- Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom–The Next Chapter: Practical use of AI in instruction, assessments, student support, and ethical considerations.
- Leadership Lessons Learned in a Trying Year: District leaders from Rock Valley (Matt Van Voorst, Noah DeYager, Nicole Roder) will reflect on crisis leadership following severe flooding and what it taught them about resilience, adaptability, and community.
- Closing Session: Creating a Culture of Excellence: Matt McCarty (Northwestern’s head football coach) will tie together themes of leadership, culture, and sustainable success.
What You’ll Walk Away With
- Actionable strategies you can apply immediately in your school or district
- Stronger understanding of how to harness culture as a lever for improvement
- Fresh perspectives on AI, data, and inclusive practices
- Insight into leading under pressure and in uncertain times
- Networking with fellow leaders, sharing challenges, ideas, and encouragement
Who Should Attend
This conference is ideal for:
- Building-level administrators (principals, assistant principals)
- District leaders and curriculum directors
- Instructional coaches or leaders responsible for culture or professional learning
- Aspiring administrators or teacher leaders looking to expand their leadership capacity
Logistics & Registration Reminder
Don’t forget: Registration closes October 15. Be sure to explore add-on credit options (license renewal, graduate credit, or micro-credential) when you register.
If you have questions, you can reach out to the Graduate & Professional Studies office at gpsevents@nwciowa.edu or 712-707-7388.
