Averett University, located in Danville, Virginia, was first chartered in 1859 under the name of Union Female College; the college was renamed Averett in 1917. Averett received its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) (1866 Southern Lane Decatur, GA 30033-4097 404-679-4501) in 1928. In 1969, Averett moved from its initial mission as a Junior College to a four year co-educational institution offering a baccalaureate degree program. Our first master's degree program was introduced in 1978 with the full approval of the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia. In 1992, Averett became a member of ACBSP (Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs).

For over 142 years of continuous operation, Averett's history has been marked by sound principles and practices, success and progress. Now the University has entered a new era of its life, conscious of its past and confident about its future.

Averett's Graduate and Professional Studies Program is an outgrowth of this consciousness. Our programs are adult-oriented based on an educational model designed to enable students to learn and retain knowledge as efficiently as possible. The program is a responsive and creative approach to fulfilling Averett's commitment to provide adults with the skills and credentials critical to success in today's competitive environment.

Our first classes were introduced at the Tyson's Corner campus and in Southern Virginia in the fall of 1988. In July of 1992, the Richmond campus opened. The first classes held in the Tidewater region were at the Virginia Beach campus in 1996. Entering our sixteenth year, the Averett adult programs have helped more than 18,000 adults pursue their career goals through higher education.

Averett works directly with employers to provide the relevant academic course work employees need and companies require. Students develop case studies based on solving problems related to their work place.

Since its inception, the Averett University Graduate and Professional Studies have responded to the needs of adult students. Throughout our history, Averett's mission has been to provide quality post-secondary education for adult learners using innovative delivery formats.