Boston University Launches Division of Extended Education, Underscores Central Role of Lifelong Learning

Boston University announced the launch of its newest division, the Division of Extended Education (EXTED). The new venture is among the most comprehensive educational outreach programs in the country today.

The Division of Extended Education powerfully demonstrates the University’s commitment to meeting the lifelong learning needs of the many diverse communities it serves, from K-12 to part-time college students, and from career-changing professionals to retirees.

The Division of Extended Education is being led by Associate Provost and Dean John F. Ebersole, who previously served as Dean of BU’s Metropolitan College. Metropolitan College, founded in 1965, offers degree programs, supported by full-time faculty and flexible schedules to serve the varied needs of working professionals. Metropolitan College is one of 10 EXTED units. Ebersole joined Boston University in 2000 from Colorado State University, where he served as Associate Provost and Professor of Management.

“Education is changing right before our eyes,” said Dean Ebersole. “Never before have people at all ages and stages of life demanded so much from education, both to advance their careers and fulfill their lives. BU takes this challenge very seriously, and we are engaging the community in powerful new ways that will make education more accessible to more people without compromising quality,” he said.

In addition to Metropolitan College, which also offers specialized military programs, prison programs and overseas programs, the Division of Extended Education encompasses these educational outreach initiatives:

• Summer Term–offering academic, experiential and honors programs for high school students

• School Technology Program–a joint venture enabling students and teachers to use computers to enhance learning in non-technology subjects

• Sargent Center for Outdoor Education–offering environmental education, adventure camps and executive team building

• School of Hospitality Administration–offering both an undergraduate degree and an executive education program

• Office of Distance Education–offering BU Satellite Network and BU Online education services

• BU Global–offering diploma programs, seminars abroad and distance education distribution

• Center for Professional Education–offering programs in Real Estate, Financial Planning, Biotechnology, Paralegal and other industry programs

• Corporate Education Center–New England’s largest provider of Information Technology (IT) and Management training

• Lifelong Learning–offering the Wine Institute, the Evergreen Program for participants over 60 and arts and lifestyle educational programs

“BU has long been an educational leader,” Ebersole added. “We were the first to open up an entire University to women, and the first to initiate an international exchange program. Metropolitan College was itself a revolution in education, in that it provided high-quality part-time instruction from a dedicated full-time faculty, starting in the mid-`60s. We’re now building on this proud BU legacy with a breadth of outreach initiatives that is difficult to find elsewhere,” he said.

About Boston University’s Division of Extended Education

Founded in 2001, the Division of Extended Education offers opportunities for life-long education, training and enrichment to learners at all ages and stages of life. Encompassing the University’s Metropolitan College (founded in 1965), Corporate Education Center, Center for Professional Education, BU Global and the Distance Education Center, among others, the Division of Extended Education is positioned as one of the most progressive and inclusive educational outreach initiatives in the country. For more information, go to www.bu.edu or call 617-353-3010.