Classes begin at university named for Hispanic educator

BY JACK WOLFE

Classes recently began in Miami at the newly renamed Carlos Albizu University, the first university in the U.S. renamed in honor of a Hispanic educator.

Pictured are Dr. Salvador Santiago-Negron, president of Carlos Albizu University, (right) and Teresa Albizu-Rodriguez, vice president.

The new university -- named after Dr. Carlos Albizu-Miranda, the first president of the National Hispanic Psychological Association -- includes the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies at two campus locations; the Miami Institute of Psychology, in Miami, and the Puerto Rico Institute of Psychology, in San Juan.

Founded in 1966, the university was the first to offer an advanced educational curriculum and advanced degree program dedicated to creating sociocultural sensitivity with special emphasis on Hispanic and other minorities.

Carlos Albizu University's mission, initially conceived by its founder, Dr. Albizu-Miranda, is to broaden the base of advanced degree programs especially designed to promote culturally sensitive advanced education and training for mental health professionals capable of serving the multicultural and multilingual needs of minority populations in the United States. In its new Miami campus facilities, the University will broad

en its curriculum beyond its psychology emphasis, into business and education programs.

"At a time when Latin Americans are speaking up to be heard and counted, Carlos Albizu University and this beautiful new campus offers a unique advanced educational opportunity for all minorities," said Dr. Salvador Santiago-Negrón, Carlos Albizu University president.

The private, non-profit University offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral degrees. It is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and licensed by the Florida State Department of Education's Board of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Puerto Rico Council of Higher Education. The American Psychological Association accredits its doctoral program in clinical psychology.

The Miami campus of the Carlos Albizu University encompasses 18 acres and is located west of Miami International Airport at 2173 NW 99 Ave.

The University's four main buildings, which include classrooms, faculty offices and a clinic, were constructed at a cost of $14 million. The four buildings are capable of serving 2,200 students.