A Legacy of Learning: DeVry University Marks 95 Years of Educational Impact

DeVry is fulfilling its mission to prepare learners to succeed in a workforce shaped by continuous technological change

LISLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, DeVry University marks its 95th anniversary, reflecting nearly a century of career-focused education built to prepare students for industries continuously reshaped by technological innovation.

DeVry University was founded in 1931 by Dr. Herman DeVry, a pioneer in educational technology and inventor of the portable silent motion picture projector, alongside Dr. Lee DeForest. Their purpose was simple: prepare learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous change. Today, more than 310,000 graduates are part of DeVry University’s proud legacy.

“In 1931, amid significant economic and technological disruption, DeVry was founded with a commitment to workforce preparation,” said Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry University. “From the outset, the expectation has been that a DeVry education must connect directly to economic opportunity, a principle that has defined our mission and guided decision-making for nearly a century. As we celebrate this anniversary, we reaffirm our responsibility to remain closely aligned with the expectations and demands our learners will encounter in their professional lives. This is reflected in the collective efforts of our students, alumni, faculty and colleagues who have upheld these standards across generations.”

For 95 years, DeVry has expanded access to career-focused education grounded in real-world relevance and innovation. Over that time, the university has accelerated efforts to integrate technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), into every facet of its learner journey — from curriculum development and faculty training to student support and industry-aligned credentials.

For Kal Gajraj, PhD., a DeVry and Keller graduate and recipient of the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award, this milestone represents both a significant achievement and a meaningful moment of personal reflection.

“As a first-generation Guyanese American, this milestone is an important reminder that education is more than a piece of paper — it’s a launching point for leadership, innovation and meaningful contribution,” he said. “Now, as the senior vice president and chief marketing officer of CAN Community Health, I’m using what I learned at DeVry to support initiatives that help fight epidemics. I’m proud to be part of nearly a century of graduates representing a powerful network of professionals influencing industries and communities across the country.”

DeVry Through the Years

From its early days teaching electronics and technology to today offering more than 130 programs and specializations across business, healthcare and technology, DeVry has long been one of the early adopters of tech-enabled learning.

• 1931 – DeForest Training School, now known as DeVry University, is founded.
• 1940s – DeForest Training School is selected by the United States to educate Army Air Corps instructors on electronic devices and becomes one of the first schools to be approved under the G.I. Bill®.
• 1950s – DeForest Training School becomes DeVry Technical Institute and offers its first associate’s degree program in Electronics Engineering Technology.
• 1960s – DeVry Technical Institute becomes DeVry Institute of Technology and offers its first bachelor’s degree program in Electronics Engineering Technology.
• 1970s – Computer Science for Business becomes DeVry’s second bachelor’s degree program (now called Computer Information Systems).
• 1973 – CBA Institute is founded by Dennis Keller and Ron Taylor. The Chicago-based institution became the Keller Graduate School of Management in 1976.
• 1980s – DeVry expands its degree programs to Accounting, Business Administration and Network and Communications Management, and earns accreditation from the North Central Association, known today as The Higher Learning Commission.
• 1990s – DeVry begins offering online programs.
• 2000s – DeVry Institute of Technology becomes DeVry University and receives accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
  • In response to increased demand for tech professionals with skills in health-related fields, DeVry begins offering undergraduate degree programs in Health Information Technology.
  • Business Administration becomes DeVry’s first bachelor’s degree program offered online.
• 2018 – Adaptive Learning Platform, powered by AI, is launched at DeVry to improve math course outcomes.
• 2020 – DeVry University begins preparing for the rise of artificial intelligence, integrating AI and machine learning technologies into its courses and programs.
• 2022 – Future Cyber Defenders Scholars Program is launched to close the skills gap for aspiring and current professionals within the field of cybersecurity.
• 2023 – DeVry launches its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, designed to bridge the gap between emerging technology and workforce readiness.
• 2024 – DeVry introduces the cyber range platform, powered by Cloud Range, offering realistic, immersive simulations that mimic real-world cyber threats.
• 2024 – 1871 and DeVry University partner to accelerate AI innovation and entrepreneurship, including DeVry’s sponsorship of 1871’s AI Innovation Lab.
• 2025 – DeVry University launches DeVryPro, delivering on-demand upskilling and reskilling opportunities for individuals and organizations. Every DeVryPro course features an embedded AI Learning Assistant that provides real-time, conversational support to enhance the learning experience.
• 2026 – DeVry University embeds AI fluency into 100% of courses offered.

Branndon Kelley, senior vice president of strategy and innovation and chief strategy officer at American Municipal Power, is a two-time graduate, 2022 Alumni Legacy Award recipient and president of the board of directors for the DeVry Scholarship Fund. He credits his education with helping shape his professional success and leadership approach.

“I’m most proud of what my experience at DeVry represents — almost a century of proven impact that built critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills I use every day,” Kelley said. “My education gave me the opportunity, environment and flexibility that allowed me to become the first in my family to not only attend college, but to graduate from college. I’m part of a community rooted in hard work, resilience and results, and that is something I carry with pride throughout my career.”

To commemorate this milestone, DeVry is directing its focus outward by working alongside alumni and members of our broader community to support the DeVry Scholarship Fund¹, which expands access and affordability for the next generation of learners.

As DeVry marks 95 years, the university stands on a legacy of innovation and a commitment to supporting learners at every stage of their journey. Approaching a century of impact, the institution continues to reinforce the connection between education and the professions it serves, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet evolving standards and skill demands now and into the future.

Learn more about DeVry’s legacy at devry.edu/about.

About DeVry University

DeVry University strives to close society’s opportunity gap and address emerging talent needs by preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change. Founded in 1931, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs onsite and online in Business, Healthcare and Technology. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC, www.hlcommission.org/). The university’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. To learn more, visit devry.edu

¹ The DeVry Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works in partnership with but separate from DeVry University. Working independently from DeVry, the Fund supports the student journey by providing financial support in the form of scholarships to qualifying students.