In a recent EdSurge op-ed, Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University, explored how the university’s new co-learning hub, known as The Nest represents a bold step forward in the evolution of distance learning. Designed as a physical home for online students, The Nest provides flexible spaces where learners can access advising, mental health resources, child care, and career support, all under one roof. Rather than signaling a shift away from online education, the initiative reimagines how institutions can better meet the needs of students whose lives don’t fit traditional college models.
Dr. Milliron noted that today’s learners, many of whom are working adults, parents, and caregivers, need education designed for their realities. National University calls these students ANDers™, reflecting their dual roles as students and professionals, parents, or service members. By embedding flexibility, accessibility, and wraparound support into every part of the student experience, NU aims to create a learning environment that fosters belonging and success. As Milliron wrote, the future of higher education “will be defined not by where learning happens, but by how well it aligns with the realities of students’ lives.”
Read the full article by Dr. Mark D. Milliron on EdSurge. Learn more about National University’s mission to serve working adults, service members, and lifelong learners at nu.edu.
