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VWU Boasts of "Blue Ocean" Strategies as Part of NACU Innovation Collaborative
New model of collaboration is defining the future of American higher education
University News | July 30, 2024
Virginia Wesleyan University has earned widespread recognition over the past decade as one of the most innovative universities in America. Under the leadership of Dr. Scott D. Miller, a 34-year college CEO and one of the longest-serving college leaders in the nation, VWU has demonstrated remarkable creativity and growth despite negative regional and demographic trends. 
“The FAFSA fiasco and impending enrollment cliff — critical issues of national impact for everyone — have been minimized at VWU because of our forward-thinking leadership team,” said Dr. Miller, recognized as one of the most innovative and creative leaders in the book, “The Entrepreneurial College President”. “We focus each week on ‘blue ocean’ strategies that are our response to nationwide challenges.”
According to Dr. Miller, Blue Ocean Strategy emphasizes creating new market spaces rather than competing in existing ones. The term originates from a book of the same name published by Kim W. Chan and Renée Mauborgne at Harvard University in 2004.
VWU is among 27 colleges and universities nationwide recognized as members of the elite New American Colleges and Universities (NACU), a creative collaborative of non-competitive institutions exploring innovation together.
“New American Colleges and Universities are futuristic, creative institutions challenging the status quo,” said Dr. Miller. “This new model of collaboration is defining the future of American higher education, and we’re pleased to take a leadership role in this effort.”
“NACU serves as an innovation center, fostering an environment in which institutions share research and strategy that strengthens their institutions,” said Sean Creighton, President of NACU. “Moreover, these comprehensive institutions are committed to excellence and collaborate today to build a foundation that will last for tomorrow.”
In addition to frequent “think tank” discussions with peer groups, each NACU institution provides three to five unique shared “value addeds” for other members. VWU, for example, offers opportunities ranging from its collaborative campus in Tokyo, Japan, to its marine science research facilities, and its world-class environmental sciences campus.
The NACU collaborative includes research and data sharing, with presidents and provosts meeting regularly to discuss strategies unique to their institutions. Another significant “value added” is that NACU owns the Washington Internship Institute. Located within walking distance from the White House, with residence hall space just a couple of train stops from inner-city Washington, DC, NACU members have created a cost-effective way for all their students to benefit from diverse educational experiences and internships in the nation’s capital.
VWU enrolls 1,500 students in its traditional undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences and over 3,000 non-traditional learners in VWU Global Campus.
To learn more about VWU: [www.vwu.edu](http://www.vwu.
To learn more about NACU: [www.nacu.edu](http://www.