NDNU's Triple Win: A Vote of Confidence Amidst Strategic Overhaul

BELMONT, CA – June 17, 2026 – Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) has once again been named the top institution for continuing education in the San Mateo area, a distinction it has now held for three consecutive years. The recognition, part of the 2026 Best of San Mateo Area Awards, comes not from an academic panel, but from a groundswell of public support, with over 40,000 votes cast by community members across the region. For an institution currently celebrating its 175th year of educational ministry while navigating one of the most significant transformations in its history, this award is more than an honor—it's a powerful market signal and a crucial vote of confidence in its new strategic direction.

A Community Mandate for Adult Education

The Best of San Mateo Area Awards, presented by the local Chamber of Commerce, have quickly become a significant regional benchmark for organizational excellence. The program’s credibility stems directly from its public-facing methodology, where residents nominate and vote for their preferred organizations across 120 categories. NDNU’s consistent success in this arena speaks volumes about its deep-rooted connection to the community it serves.

"This award is very special, as it’s voted on by our community," said Kurt Allen, Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing & Communications. "To be recognized as the best institution for continuing education for three consecutive years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the strength of our academic programs."

This community mandate is no accident. It is the direct result of a finely tuned focus on the needs of adult learners and working professionals in the Bay Area. In a hyper-competitive educational landscape, NDNU has carved out a defensible niche by prioritizing flexibility and relevance. The university’s offerings—including master’s degrees in business, education, and psychology, as well as undergraduate degree completion programs—are delivered through accessible online and hybrid formats. This structure is explicitly designed to accommodate the complex schedules of students juggling careers and family responsibilities, a key factor driving its popularity among the voting public. The curriculum itself is geared toward practical application, preparing graduates for immediate impact and advancement in their respective fields.

Resilience and Reinvention: 175 Years in the Making

This third consecutive win arrives at a uniquely pivotal moment for the university. As NDNU commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur establishing their learning community in California, the award highlights a legacy of adaptation. Founded in 1851, it is the third-oldest college in the state and the first to be authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees to women, cementing its place as a pioneering force in educational access.

"This award reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff, the achievements of our students and alumni, and the trust that our community continues to place in NDNU," said President Lizbeth "Beth" Martin, Ph.D. "As we celebrate 175 years of educational ministry in California, this recognition affirms our enduring commitment to transforming lives through accessible, values-based education."

That commitment has been tested significantly in recent years. In 2021, the university announced a strategic pivot to operate primarily as a graduate and adult degree-completion institution, a move that involved suspending admissions to its traditional undergraduate programs and making deep operational cuts. This reinvention has been accompanied by financial headwinds, leading its accreditor, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), to place the institution on a "Notice of Concern" due to ongoing financial challenges. Further uncertainty arose when a planned sale of its historic Belmont campus to Stanford University fell through in 2025, though the campus was subsequently acquired by the University of California's investment arm. Against this backdrop of profound change and financial scrutiny, the consistent, public endorsement of its core educational product is a powerful testament to the perceived value and quality of its programs.

Charting a Course for the Future of Work

The award is far more than a commemorative plaque; it is a strategic asset for NDNU's future. It serves as powerful external validation of its new, more focused business model at a time when proof of concept is critical. In the dynamic Bay Area economy, the demand for continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling is constant. By excelling in this space, NDNU positions itself not just as a historical institution, but as a vital partner in regional workforce development.

The university's success demonstrates an astute understanding of market dynamics. While larger institutions may offer a broader array of programs, NDNU’s focused approach allows it to deliver specialized, high-touch education that clearly resonates with its target demographic. This public acclaim provides a solid foundation as the university enters a new chapter of leadership. On July 1, 2026, Leamor Kahanov, EdD, will become NDNU's 20th president, tasked with guiding the institution through its ongoing "revitalization" and solidifying its renewed mission.

As NDNU leverages this community endorsement, it will be better positioned to expand partnerships with employers, school districts, and industry leaders who seek a trusted educational provider. For an institution that has weathered immense change, this sustained recognition from the community it was founded to serve provides a crucial tailwind, affirming that its 175-year-old mission to provide purposeful, values-based education remains as relevant as ever.