HISTORY
History of Jose Maria Vargas University
Jose Maria Vargas University was founded in 2002 by a family of professional educators with vast experience in owning and operating educational institutions in both the United States and Venezuela.
Jose Maria Vargas University was incorporated in February 2002, and was granted its first license by the Florida Commission for Independent Education in May 2002. This Temporary License provided JMVU the approval to begin planning the University.
In April 2003, JMVU was granted its Provisional License by the Commission, and the University was approved to hire faculty members, finalize its curriculum and enroll students. In the fall of 2003, JMVU opened its doors to its first students who selected from programs in Graphic Design, Business Administration, and Education. Based upon its successful institutional administration, JMVU received its first full Annual License from the Commission in May 2005, and has remained fully licensed by the Commission since that time.
During 2005, JMVU added the CDA Equivalency Program (now called the Florida Child Care Professional Credential). This diploma program form the foundation for an educational and career ladder in pre-school education at JMVU that begins with the training of a very new child care employee and continues through the Master’s degree.
In 2009, following a year-long self-study process, JMVU was granted full institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) - the largest national accrediting organization of degree-granting institutions. Once accreditation was received, in 2010 the university applied and was approved for both the United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) and for the Veteran's Training by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, in 2010 the University applied to the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Title IV Federal Student Aid programs and was granted approval to provide federal aid to their students in 2011.
Jose Maria Vargas has continued to flourish. It has established itself as an integral part of the Pembroke Pines community – providing community outreach and workshops of interest at no charge. It has expanded its degree programs to include foundational programs such as the A.A. in Pre-School Education, and the professional programs such as the Master’s degree in Pre-School Education. It has integrated its offerings with the needs of the Broward and Palm Beach Workforce Boards through the development of an A.S. in Accounting program – one of the occupations in very high demand in Florida. It has opened an art gallery that provides an opportunity for local artists, students and University professors to display their work.
In June of 2014 the University started two new programs a A.S and B.A in the area of Mental Health and Human Services. In July of 2015 the University started to offer a Masters of Business Administration in Finance. In October of 2014 the university started to offer diploma programs in the areas of Phlebotomist and EKG Aide. In June of 2016 the University started to offer a diploma in program Home Health Aide. In June 2016 the University started offering an English as a Second Language diploma program. In August of 2016 the University started to offer a Master of Science in Fashion Management. The university has submitted a new program application that has been approved by ACICS for Medical Assistant Technician to the Florida Commission for Independent Education and is awaiting response from the Commission to start the program.
The University expects to continue to grow in a manner that meets the needs of the vibrant and diverse South Florida community in which it is located. Since its beginning, JMVU offered a unique educational experience for students through classes are taught by instructors who are mostly Spanish and English. Thus, students may receive instruction in English or Spanish – greatly facilitating the learning of students, and improving the second language skills of most students. JMVU has also offered evening and weekend classes for the convenience of working students. These unique attributes of the University will continue to differentiate it from any other postsecondary institution in South Florida.
Future plans for the University include continued expansion – and additional degree programs based on necessities of the South Florida Community.