From the first day in 1933 that the Jerome family opened the doors to the institution now known as Monroe University, we have been helping students and their families achieve their educational goals and begin their journey to career success.
Our Story Begins
The Monroe story began in 1933 when a pioneering woman named Mildred King opened the Monroe Secretarial School in the West Farms section of the Bronx. Named for U.S. President James Monroe, the school boasted just four small classrooms and had an initial class of seven students, all women. Nine decades later, we are proud to continue to call the Bronx "home" and to be led by Mildred King's descendants.
Creating Monroe’s Mission
1936
Harry Jerome joined the school with his own robust commitment to education. The student roster was well over 100 people at the time.
1945
After World War II, Monroe welcomes veterans and others who need the skills to begin new jobs in emerging fields like data processing.
1967
The Fordham campus opened as the era of the personal computer began, changing technology and creating new academic programs.
In 1978, Stephen Jerome becomes president with a clear vision into the 21st century.
Expanding Beyond the Bronx
Monroe celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1983 as the New Rochelle campus opened in the heart of Westchester County. This growth led to expansions at both the Bronx and New Rochelle campuses, home to more than 8,000 students from the U.S. and 93 foreign countries.
Continuing Innovation in Education
In 1998, Monroe Online is at the forefront of internet learning, bringing the school’s resources to people across the country and around the world with 20 degree programs now fully online.
In 2007, the University established a campus on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia in response to a need for four-year programming in the field of Criminal Justice. Once established, enrollment quickly grew and curriculum expanded to include Business and Accounting, Information Technology, Allied Health, and Hospitality Management. The St. Lucia campus also meets the needs of local communities by offering short-term workforce training with basic hospitality, culinary, and media certifications.
2017
Marc Jerome is elevated to Monroe’s fourth president with a vision to improve college access, affordability, and attainment for local students and their families.
2018
Our International Hospitality Training Institute opened its doors in Saint Lucia, offering certificate programs in the hospitality and tourism sectors for local residents seeking entry-level jobs on cruise ships and neighboring hotels and resorts.
2019
Two Master of Arts in Teaching - childhood urban education and early childhood urban education - are launched, enabling dual certification in general and special education.
Championing Student Athletes
In 2017, the Monroe University Express, a Division III athletic program for student-athletes taking classes at our Bronx campus, fielded teams in six sports, expanding the athletics program that started with the Mustangs in New Rochelle.
Maintaining Our Mission
As we move into the next decade, we continue to evolve with programs to increase college access and academic achievement.
Looking Into the Future
Just as we’ve done for nearly eight decades, Monroe is ready to show you the path to a student-focused, career-oriented, and affordable quality education built around your needs. Are you ready to take the next step with us?
