Our History | American National University

ANU Kentucky Heritage at a Glance

For more than eight decades, American National University of Kentucky has served the Commonwealth through career-focused education rooted in access, relevance, and opportunity. Founded in 1941 to meet the workforce needs of Kentucky communities, the institution has continually evolved—expanding programs, embracing new delivery models, and strengthening academic quality—while remaining grounded in its Kentucky identity.

From its early role in preparing business professionals to its current offerings in healthcare, technology, and graduate education, the Kentucky institution reflects a long-standing commitment to applied learning and student success. Strategic collaboration with national partners has expanded resources and reach, but the mission, governance, and heritage of American National University of Kentucky remain distinctly its own. Today, the university proudly serves students locally, nationally, and globally—carrying forward a Kentucky legacy built on innovation, adaptability, and service.

Timeline of Key Milestones – American National University of Kentucky

Founded as Crump Commerce College, established to prepare students for practical careers in business and commerce.

1941

Institution renamed Kentucky Business College, reflecting expanded academic offerings and a growing student population.

1952

Achieved accreditation as a business College, marking a significant step in academic recognition.

1970

Awarded full accreditation as a Junior College of Business by the Association of Independent Colleges and Schools.

1977

Renamed Kentucky Junior College of Business to reflect junior college accreditation status. Late 1970s – Expanded to multiple Kentucky and regional campuses, including Lexington, Danville, Erlanger, Pikeville, and Richmond.

1979

Period of modernization, facility upgrades, and expansion to better serve students across the Commonwealth.

1990s

Adopted the name National Business College, reflecting a strategic collaboration with Virginia-based National Business College, a long-established regional and national institution, while remaining an independent Kentucky institution.

1999

Fugazzi College, founded in 1915 to support women entering the business workforce, joined the broader institutional family, strengthening central Kentucky presence.

Early 2000s

Institution renamed American National University of Kentucky to reflect graduate-level offerings, academic diversification, and expanded online and international education.

2013

American National University of Kentucky continues its strategic collaboration with American National University and serves students through hybrid and distance education models, offering associate, bachelor’s, and graduate programs to learners across Kentucky, the United States, and around the world.

Today