Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university in Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire, in the United States. It is recognized and approved by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Some of its programs, like hospitality, health, education, and business, have special approval too.

SNHU is known for growing very quickly. About 170,000 students study online, and around 3,000 attend classes on campus. This makes it one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, offering many opportunities for students to learn and succeed.

History

The university started in 1932 as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science. Harry A. B. Shapiro and his wife, Gertrude, founded it with just 25 students. Over time, it grew and changed its name several times. By 1963, it could grant degrees, and in 1966, it awarded its first bachelor's degrees.

In the 1970s, the college moved to a larger campus and added new programs. By the 1990s, it began offering courses online. In 2001, it became Southern New Hampshire University. Since then, the university has kept growing, adding new buildings, programs, and students. It now has many online students and some students on campus.

Campus

The Southern New Hampshire University campus is in two places: South Hooksett and Manchester. It covers more than 300 acres near the Merrimack River. The campus has buildings for learning, places for students to live, sports areas, and offices. Most students study online, so the campus mainly serves students who live there.

Academics

Southern New Hampshire University is easy to get into, with most students being accepted.

The university offers many programs, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs. These programs are offered through several colleges and schools, such as the College for America, School of Engineering, Technology & Aeronautics, College of Online & Continuing Education, School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, and School of International Engagement.

SNHU also has regional centers, including its main campus and satellite campuses in places like Salem, New Hampshire, and Brunswick, Maine. The university has grown quickly, especially in its online programs.

Accreditation and memberships

Southern New Hampshire University has been approved by the New England Commission of Higher Education since 1973. The New Hampshire Department of Education also supports it. Some programs, like sport management and hospitality, have special approval from groups that focus on those areas.

The university belongs to many important groups in the United States and New Hampshire. These groups work together to help improve education.

Recognitions and awards

Southern New Hampshire University has won many awards for its programs and work. In 2007, its community economic development program got a special award named after Robert J. McKenna, a former state senator.

The university is known for being innovative and a good place to work. In 2012, it was named one of the most innovative organizations in the world. In 2019, it was ranked the most innovative school in its group by U.S. News & World Report. Its business programs have also won awards for being among the best.

Student activities

Southern New Hampshire University has many student organizations. These include Radio SNHU, the campus radio station, and The Penmen Press, the student newspaper. The university also publishes The Penmen Review, an online creative writing journal.

Students can also join fraternities and sororities on campus.

Athletics

Main article: SNHU Penmen

Southern New Hampshire University has sports teams that compete in NCAA Division II. The university is part of the Eastern College Athletic Conference and the Northeast-10 Conference. The teams are called the Penmen, a name that comes from the university's history in accounting. Their mascot is named "Petey Penmen".

The university has won awards for having high graduation rates among its student athletes. It also won an award from the Northeast 10 Conference after the 2001–02 school year.

Notable alumni

Southern New Hampshire University has many successful graduates. Some of them include:

• Rebecca Adamson, a business leader and advocate for the Cherokee people
• Felix G. Arroyo, a former city council member in Boston
• Jeremy Bonomo, a head coach for a soccer team
• Preston Burpo, a former player and coach for a soccer team, the New York Red Bulls
• Chuck Collins, an author and researcher
• Ed Davis, a former leader of the Boston Police Department
• Elaine Duke, a former high-ranking official in the U.S. government
• Jack Flanagan, a former state lawmaker in New Hampshire
• Ron Fortier, a writer of comic books
• Peter Holland, a professional hockey player
• Marjoie Kilkelly, a former state senator and representative in Maine
• Marjorie Herrera Lewis, an author
• Stephen D. Lovejoy, a former state representative in Maine
• Paul Mark, a current state senator in Massachusetts
• Garrett Mason, a former state senator in Maine
• Peggy Morgan, a professional mixed martial artist
• Marc R. Pacheco, a current state senator in Massachusetts
• Pam Patenaude, a former high-ranking official in the U.S. government
• Rob Paternostro, a former professional basketball player and coach
• Deonna Purrazzo, a professional wrestler
• Benjamin Ramos, a former state representative in Pennsylvania
• Annette Robinson, a former state lawmaker in New York
• Abuhena Saifulislam, a chaplain in the U.S. Navy who served with troops
• Mohd Sidek Hassan, a leader in Malaysia
• Samia Suluhu, the current president of Tanzania, the first woman to hold this position
• Chris Tsonis, a professional soccer player
• Tate Westbrook, an officer in the U.S. Navy
• Corey Wilson, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and former state representative in Maine