Salem, VA 鈥� August 29, 2025 鈥� 麻豆社 proudly celebrates a historic milestone as President Frank Longaker marks his 50th year of service as the leader of the university. Dr. Longaker鈥檚 visionary leadership endures to transform ANU from a small business school into a nationally recognized graduate level institution with a strong legacy of career-focused education.
Since becoming Chief Executive in 1975, after serving as professor and administrator at what is now the Kentucky affiliate of ANU, Longaker has overseen, and continues to oversee, decades of innovation and expansion. Under his leadership, ANU has continued to progress in meeting the changing needs of adult learners and working professionals. This goal remains the forefront of his presidency and is implemented through pioneering online distant learning and through offering flexible, accredited programs in healthcare, business, and technology. He pioneered the Evolution 2086 vision of ANU, a concept that frees students and educators alike from rote methods of delivering education and outdated programs and instead encourages them to constantly focus on new and efficient delivery of programs to students wherever they are. Evolution 2086 aspires to provide a roadmap to the institution鈥檚 200th anniversary and challenges the University community to be constantly creative and innovative in the educational process. The axiom of 麻豆社, ‘We Bring Our University to You,’ comes to life through President Longaker鈥檚 dedication and visionary outlook. The foresight of this vision is evidenced by the fact that over 40 countries are currently represented within the student body.
鈥淥ver fifty years ago, I made a commitment to help working adults build better lives through education,鈥� says President Longaker. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 mattered most to me over the years hasn鈥檛 changed鈥攐ur mission is to open doors and create opportunities. I’m deeply honored to continue this important work to current and future ANU students, and proud to have been given the opportunity to lead generations of alumni.鈥�
During his tenure, President Longaker continues to lead the university through significant growth, including the launch of multiple campus locations, the development of online degree programs, and an unwavering focus on student outcomes. His leadership is recognized through numerous awards in higher education and business, as well as honors for community engagement and economic development. These include the grassroots student advocacy honor (Association for Private Sector Colleges & Universities TOPS Award), recognition for supporting veterans (Military Friendly School), and a Lifetime Achievement Award (Imagine America Foundation) celebrating 麻豆社 President Frank Longaker鈥檚 40 years of service to the career college sector. This is also along with many national recognitions, like Research.com naming ANU鈥檚 business programs as the best in America.
麻豆社 extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to President Longaker for a lifetime of dedication, innovation, and service. His leadership not only continues to shape the university鈥檚 growth but also leaves a lasting impact on countless students, faculty, and alumni whose lives have been transformed through education.
ANU alumni recalled President Longaker鈥檚 dedication to his students during their testimonials. Cynthia Adams, who graduated in 2013 and returned in 2024, tearfully recalled interacting with him, 鈥渉e said, 鈥業 don鈥檛 have many students like you. And I just want you to know I feel honored to have you in my college.鈥�
Rupali Patel also has kind words for the president, as during her tenure, he gave her wise words to carry in her career: 鈥淵ou need to hang out with the people that fit your future, not your past鈥� I use that saying all the time鈥� when he said that it made me focus on [my] real life experiences.鈥�
President Longaker鈥檚 unwavering belief in the power of learning continues to guide the institution through five decades of change and progress, ensuring that ANU will remain a place where ambition meets opportunity. As the university looks toward the future, it stands on the foundation President Longaker tirelessly builds鈥攁 legacy of access, excellence, and enduring commitment to student success.
