FDU: A Commitment to a Public Mission Through Education
In a world defined by economic upheaval and rapid technological change, visionary leadership and a strong commitment to public purpose have never been more essential. At Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), a not-for-profit, comprehensive university with campuses in the United States and Canada, that mission is at the heart of everything the institution does. Guided by President Michael Avaltroni, FDU is redefining what it means to be a global university, one that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and supports industry growth across borders.
President Avaltroni’s own story reflects the transformative power of FDU’s approach. “My journey from student to president and even a parent at FDU reflects our long-held belief that education lifts individuals, families, and whole communities,” he says. “We are committed to not only delivering outstanding academic programs but also forging pathways that connect learning to real-world impact and opportunity.”
A Not-for-Profit University With Public Purpose
As a not-for-profit institution, FDU reinvests all resources into academic excellence, student support, and strategic initiatives designed to advance the public good. This philosophy is evident in every initiative grounded in the mission, from affordable access to lifelong learning to career prep oriented toward educating graduates to take leadership roles in industry. “Students are at the center of everything we do,” President Avaltroni affirms. “Our mission drives decisions that enhance access, elevate quality, and expand opportunities.”
Whether in New Jersey or internationally, FDU’s focus remains on personalized education with global reach, small classes, experiential learning, and deep engagement with industry partners who shape future careers.
FDU HealthPath Forward: Leading Healthcare Education Into the Future
One of FDU’s most ambitious initiatives under President Avaltroni’s leadership is FDU HealthPath Forward, a comprehensive strategy to transform health and health-adjacent education, leveraging strengths in nursing, public health, pharmacy, and allied health sciences. Designed to address workforce shortages and evolving industry needs, HealthPath Forward integrates interdisciplinary programming with partnerships that align academic preparation with real-world demands.
“Healthcare is rapidly changing, and education must evolve with it,” President Avaltroni explains. “Through HealthPath Forward, we are equipping students not only with essential skills but with the capacity to innovate, lead, and respond to our communities’ most pressing needs.”
FDU Vancouver: A Hub for Global Learning in a Vibrant Community
Nowhere is FDU’s mission more evident than at FDU’s Vancouver campus, where the university blends its American academic roots with a Canadian opportunity to create a uniquely global learning environment. Established in 2007, the Vancouver campus has offered industry-aligned undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health, hospitality and tourism, humanities and information technology, preparing students to thrive in a global economy.
In the fall of 2026, FDU Vancouver will open its brand-new campus at Oakridge Park, a vibrant, mixed-use community in one of Vancouver’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. This move represents more than a change of address; it is a strategic investment in students, industry collaboration, and economic opportunity in British Columbia.
Situated within the larger Oakridge Park redevelopment, part of a multi-million-square-foot transformation that will include retail, residential, cultural, and public spaces, the new campus is designed as a modern learning environment with state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and student support facilities. It offers unparalleled access to transit, connectivity to industry partners, and immersive opportunities for collaboration and career development.
“Expanding to Oakridge Park is a defining moment for FDU Vancouver,” President Avaltroni states. “This campus will deepen our engagement with local BC industries, expand experiential learning opportunities, and create a space where innovation, culture, and academic excellence converge for the benefit of students and the broader community.”
The new location is planned to support an expanding student population and deepen FDU’s contribution to workforce development in British Columbia — particularly in sectors marked by high demand for skilled talent. The integration of academic spaces within a thriving mixed-use community reinforces the university’s belief that education should be both global in vision and local in impact.
A Vision for the Future
Under President Avaltroni’s leadership, FDU continues to exemplify how a not-for-profit university can proactively serve society — through visionary strategy, global perspective, and deep commitment to student success. From New Jersey to Vancouver and beyond, FDU is preparing graduates to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and innovate for the future.
“We see a future where our students don’t just enter industries, they transform them,” President Avaltroni concludes. “At FDU, we don’t just educate; we empower.”
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About Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Vancouver Campus
Since 2007, FDU Vancouver has shaped professionals in British Columbia through personal, global and transformational education. As a comprehensive not-for-profit university, FDU Vancouver delivers industry-aligned undergraduate and graduate education in business, health, hospitality and tourism, humanities and information tech. Learn more about the Master of Health Administration at fdu.edu/vancouver-mha
Media Contact
Lester de Guzman
Marketing and Communications, Director
vancouver.communications@fdu.edu