Ottawa University announces new campus in Phoenix’s West Valley
Feb 17, 2017, 10:26 AM | Updated: 11:21 am
An artist's rendering of Ottawa University's planned expansion in Surprise, a suburb in Phoenix's West Valley. (Ottawa University Photo)
(Ottawa University Photo)
PHOENIX — Residents in Phoenix’s West Valley will soon have a new option to continue their education as Ottawa University unveiled Friday plans to open in Surprise.
“Ottawa University has expanded strategically during the last 151 years and we are poised for significant growth and exceptional student outcomes here in Surprise,” Ottawa University President Kevin C. Eichner said in a release.
The school, which will be located inside the Surprise City Center near Greenway and Litchfield roads, is scheduled to open in the fall. It is hoping to open with an enrollment of 250 students that will expand to 3,000 within the decade.
“Surprise is a college town! Our graduating high school seniors now have the option to pursue a college degree in their hometown,” Surprise Mayor Sharon Wolcott said in the release.
Ottawa University will first hold classes in available space inside the Civic Center, but plans to add residential housing, an indoor activity center, dining and conference space and a stadium though later expansions.
“We are proud to be bringing a full-fledged residential university experience to Surprise and to our future students,” Eichner said in the release.
The Christian-based school will offer four- and eight-week classes in addition to traditional semester-length courses. Lessons are not taught on Wednesdays to allow students to attend chapel, development conferences or partake in other activities.
“We are a steadfastly Christian, positively open and inclusive university empowering students from around the world and every background to become ‘whole’ people, to develop their passions and abilities,” Eichner said.
