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.

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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.

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