A Legacy of Opportunity
A Path to Success Since 1900
One hundred twenty-five years ago, we opened our doors in St. Paul, Minnesota, to meet the needs of a world facing dramatic transformation—and awesome possibility.
Much has changed since then. Our purpose hasn’t. We believe a person-centered, career-focused education is one of the most powerful ways to transform lives, lift families and strengthen communities.
We’ve helped create a path to success for generations of students and provided unwavering support along the way—especially to those underrepresented, underserved and underestimated by traditional higher education.
With every challenge they overcome and every milestone they reach, each of our students is building a legacy. A legacy of opportunity that reminds them how far they’ve come and shows future generations how far they can go.
From 1900 to now and beyond, their legacy is, and will always be, our legacy.
A Legacy of Opportunity
1900–1944: Answering the Call
On September 1, 1900, the Rasmussen Practical School of Business opened in St. Paul, Minnesota, to meet the needs of a booming “commercial age.”
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1900–1944: Answering the Call
”A Grand Opportunity”
On September 1, 1900, the Rasmussen Practical School of Business opened in St. Paul, Minnesota, to meet the needs of a booming “commercial age.” Early promotional material invited students to participate in “A Grand Opportunity” as they prepared for a business career. These opportunities would become critical as the nation recovered from World War I and the Great Depression.
Founder Walter Rasmussen was known as “the father of Gregg Shorthand in the West,” which played a significant role in the institution’s establishment. Coursework included subjects such as shorthand, dictation, typewriting and bookkeeping.
Walter’s brother, Julius Rasmussen, opened an extension of the Rasmussen Practical Business School in Stillwater, Minnesota, which remained open from 1901 until the early 1920s.
The Rasmussen Practical School of Business was a pioneer in providing educational opportunities for all students, including many new Americans and veterans returning from war. By the time the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote, women had already been learning alongside men since the school’s inception.
An early location of the Rasmussen Practical Business School, in St. Paul, MN.
A promotional card highlighting the “grand opportunity” that is Rasmussen’s legacy.
Walter Rasmussen, Founder and Principal, 1900–1945
Photograph of an “educational trip” to Minnesota’s state legislature.
“Typewriting is given special attention in the school,” according to an early Prospectus of Rasmussen Practical Business School.
Photograph of World War I vets found in Rasmussen’s archives.
Photograph of Rasmussen’s Stillwater extension location circa 1903.
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1945–1960: Opening Doors for the Post-War Generation
The motto "Open the door to new opportunities" became a guiding principle for the Rasmussen Practical Business School after instructor Walter Nemitz was appointed as Walter Rasmussen’s successor in 1945.
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1945–1960: Opening Doors for the Post-War Generation
New Leadership During Dramatic Change
The motto "Open the door to new opportunities" became a guiding principle for the Rasmussen Practical Business School after instructor Walter Nemitz was appointed as Walter Rasmussen’s successor in 1945. Under Nemitz's steady leadership, the school adapted to the country's evolving economic and social landscape, as he regularly engaged with business and community leaders to identify the skills and competencies that were in demand.
Following a second world war, hundreds of veterans benefited significantly from the practical training offered at Rasmussen. The curriculum evolved to address the needs of the post-war economy, incorporating courses in banking, sales and specialized training for civil service examinations.
The school's long-standing commitment to educational technology was demonstrated through substantial investments in electric typewriters and advanced business equipment.
Walter Nemitz, Owner and Principal from 1945–1961.
A brochure from this time highlighted the “new opportunities” Rasmussen has always sought to provide for its students.
A view of Rasmussen’s Office Training and Banking Department. “Thousands of dollars of college currency pass through these banks every day,” according to a prospectus from this time.
During this era, Rasmussen had one of the largest collections of educational electric typewriters in the country.
Rasmussen 50th Anniversary Program and the final page within it.
A passage from Rasmussen’s 50th Anniversary program highlighting veterans who sought practical training from Rasmussen.
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1961–1989: Giving Direction to a Society on the Move
As U.S. families left cities for the suburbs, Walter Nemitz’s sons, Wilbur and Robert, assumed leadership and expanded opportunities for career education in outstate communities across Minnesota.
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1961–1989: Giving Direction to a Society on the Move
Becoming a College in a Period of Intrastate Expansion
As U.S. families left cities for the suburbs, Walter Nemitz’s sons, Wilbur and Robert, assumed leadership and expanded opportunities for career education in outstate communities across Minnesota. In the 1970s, Rasmussen acquired the St. Cloud Business College and the Northern Technical School of Business in Minnetonka, Minnesota. A new campus was opened in Mankato, Minnesota, in 1983, and the original St. Paul campus relocated to Eagan, Minnesota, in 1989.
Rasmussen's course offerings evolved to meet the increasing demand for legal secretaries, court reporters and machine operators. “Rasmussen Graduates go places FAST!,” said promotional material. Graduates worked in numerous local businesses, Fortune 500 companies, and even the White House.
The institution began offering its first Associate's degree, which led to a name change to Rasmussen Business College. In 1986, Rasmussen Business College became Minnesota's first proprietary two-year college authorized to award Associate in Applied Science degrees.
Robert (Bob) Nemitz teaches a student how to use an IMB Key Punch machine.
An early 1970s brochure for the Rasmussen School of Business.
Pictures of Rasmussen graduates from the 1970s, holding positions as tax examiners, accountants and secretaries.
The St. Cloud Business College and Northern Technical School were acquired in the 1970s, which broadened Rasmussen’s offerings in court reporting and stenography.
Court reporter Karen Hinnekamp working in the White House, as featured in a Recent Graduates guide for Rasmussen’s affiliated schools.
Façade of the original Mankato Campus from 1983–1994.
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1990–2001: Embracing Transformation
With the rise of the internet and breakthroughs in digital technology, Rasmussen swiftly integrated computers into the learning environment.
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1990–2001: Embracing Transformation
A Path to Technological Evolution, Accreditation and One Institution
With the rise of the internet and breakthroughs in digital technology, Rasmussen swiftly integrated computers into the learning environment. This included providing laptops to students during this period.
Course catalogs emphasized the “Opportunities” in store for graduates. Programs featured Business, Court Reporting, Travel and Hospitality. In 1994, to reflect the broadening scope of its academic programs, the institution officially changed its name from Rasmussen Business College to Rasmussen College.
Kristi Waite, daughter of Robert Nemitz, took over as President of Rasmussen College in 1997, carrying on her family’s legacy. With her leadership, Rasmussen continued to grow and transform to meet the needs of career-focused students.
In 2001, Rasmussen College was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, recognizing its high standards and academic quality. This process unified Rasmussen’s various affiliated campuses into one institution with a common catalog and a standardized curriculum.
Kristi Waite, daughter of Robert Nemitz, became Rasmussen’s President in 1997.
Computers replaced typewriters as the technology revolution transformed learning spaces.
Rasmussen’s commitment to preparing students for cutting-edge technology included providing students with laptops in the mid-1990s.
“Opportunities” once again takes center stage as the theme for Rasmussen’s catalogs in the 1990s.
Eagan, Mankato, St. Cloud, and Minnetonka campuses circa 2000 (clockwise starting in the upper left).
The Official mark of HLC accreditation was shared proudly after a decade-long commitment to obtaining regional accreditation 2021.
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2002–2013: Expanding Our Reach to Change Lives
As America was reshaped by global events and economic changes, Rasmussen College established new campuses and expanded educational opportunities across six states.
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As America was reshaped by global events and economic changes, Rasmussen College established new campuses and expanded educational opportunities across six states. This expansion included mergers with Aaker's College of North Dakota (founded in 1902) and Webster College of Florida (founded in West Virginia in 1922 before expanding to Florida in the 1980s). Both institutions shared Rasmussen's mission of "Changing Lives" by preparing graduates for better-paying jobs in business and industry.
During this decade, two wars and the evolution of the internet (Web 2.0) were significant events, and Rasmussen’s curriculum responded by adding specializations such as Homeland Security and Web Media Production.
Furthermore, Rasmussen broadened its offerings by launching online learning in 2002 and nursing education in 2003. The first Bachelor's degree programs were introduced in 2006. By the mid-2000s, Rasmussen reaffirmed its core values with the acronym CHIPS, which stands for Community, History, Integrity, Placement and Service.
For much of this decade, Rasmussen’s core values would be known internally as CHIPS: Community, History, Integrity, Placement and Service.
By 2013, Rasmussen College had campuses in Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
Catalogs from Aaker’s Business College and Webster College. After the merger in 2007, there would be a singular Rasmussen College catalog for all campuses.
In addition to courses held at physical campus locations, Rasmussen launched online courses and programs during this era.
Rasmussen’s longstanding commitment to relevant degree offerings included Homeland Security Studies following 9/11.
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2014–2020: Innovating to Make Career Success Accessible
Rasmussen addressed shifts in U.S. student demographics and rising college debt by focusing on affordability, flexibility and accelerated learning.
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2014-2020: Innovating to Make Career Success Accessible
Supporting Students’ Unique Journeys
During this period, Rasmussen addressed shifts in U.S. student demographics and rising college debt by focusing on affordability, flexibility and accelerated learning. When President Waite retired in 2015, Dr. Trenda Boyum became her successor. President Boyum built on her predecessor's efforts by expanding access to high-quality education through innovation.
While many institutions increased tuition, Rasmussen reduced costs for several programs and introduced Competency-Based Education (CBE) through our Flex Choice® learning options, positioning us as a national leader in this approach. We also launched Rasmussen Ready, a free resource designed to enhance college readiness and reduce remediation rates for incoming students.
Technology use flourished, with advancements like nursing simulations and telepresence platforms that allowed instructors and students to connect virtually.
In 2016, we introduced our first graduate programs, and in 2020, Rasmussen College transitioned to Rasmussen University, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to student empowerment and advanced education.
Dr. Trenda Boyum became Rasmussen’s President in 2015. Her commitment to innovation would help reshape Rasmussen as a thought leader in higher education.
View transcript (Scroll to see full transcript) Speaker 1:
One of the main innovations happening in higher education in the United States right now is something called competency-based education. Brooks, what is CBE, especially for somebody who's never heard of it before?
Speaker 2:
Yeah, competency-based education is a new model of learning that's quickly growing in American higher education and in K-twelve, and basically what it does is, it prioritizes student learning and the demonstration of learning over time and deadlines. Think of yourself as a new student walking into class on the first day, the professor walks to the podium and says, welcome to class everyone, great to have you. On your desk is a thick packet, and in that packet are all your readings, all your assessments, even your final is in there. Show what you know as soon as you know. It really gives learners control over their time to submit their work.
Speaker 1:
Rasmussen College has been part of a broader group of colleges and universities who are really advocating for competency-based education. That group is called the Competency-Based Education Network. Brooks, you have been really involved with the Competency-Based Education Network, tell us a little bit about it.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, Trenda, the Competency-Based Education Network is the nation's largest and leading competency-based education advocacy group, and they are really focused on a few different areas right now. One, building understanding about competency-based education. What exactly is it? Why should learners care about this? How is it effective and how is it good for schools and employers as well? I've talked to a lot of our students and we have some great success stories out there. We are starting to see, having done this for about 18, 19 months now, our first rush of graduates. Kareem Richards is a great success story. She's a student here in the Twin Cities. She came to Rasmussen College the first quarter we offered competency-based education programs, just graduated this summer, and it's leading to great doors opening in her career.
Speaker 1:
Brooks, really exciting and really good work. Thank you for all of that.
Speaker 2:
Thank you.
Speaker 1:
I hear you're presenting at the CBE Exchange, which is part of the Competency-Based Education Network's National Conference. This is really an exciting time to be in higher education and at the forefront of competency-based education, and that's what's trending.
What’s Trenda’ing explored timely topics in higher education. This episode highlighted Rasmussen’s leadership position in Competency-Based Education.
View transcript (Scroll to see full transcript) Kareem Richards:
My name is Kareem Richards. I'm 26 years old, originally from Jamaica.
I'm actually the first grown child in my family to complete a degree, and I wanted to complete my degree simply because of that. I wanted to know that it's something that can be done for my younger siblings, so that's why I wanted to do it.
I took on another job, so I needed to have that flexibility to where I could do it on my own time.
Adam Samuelson:
The way that I would describe it is I would say that all the deadlines have been removed from the course, and there's just that one course and deadline. Students can move through it their own pace. They can go in any order that they want. They don't have to worry about doing this specific assignment every week to get credit, they can do it at their own pace.
Kareem Richards:
I would describe competency-based education as something that is fulfilling, something that makes you know that you're actually learning. You have all these resources available to you that would make you feel like, "Okay. Someone didn't just actually give me a paper and I recited it, I actually know this information." If I was to get asked this five, 10 years down the road, I could tell you what this actually means because I did the work myself.
Adam Samuelson:
I think gets lost sometimes in education is this idea that, if you're good at one thing, you should be good at everything. The reality is that you can be good at some things and not so good at other things. Some of the stuff will come easy to you, and some of the stuff might take a little bit longer.
In a traditional course, you have a week. You have a week, you better get it in a week, and if you don't get it in a week, week two's coming fast. The next week's coming fast, so you got to figure out how to work around that. But, in a CBE course, if something's a little bit of a struggle, you can slow down, make sure that you actually know it, and that you can actually utilize that information in the real world.
Kareem Richards:
It allows you to know that, with CBE learning, you're not just a student, you're more of a businessperson. It makes you feel more in tune with what it is that you're going to do in school, or in real life.
Realistically, I want to open a restaurant. With my business management degree, now I know how to treat employees. I know how to market my business because of CBE courses. That to me is amazing.
I appreciated the fact that CBE allowed you to live your life and still go to school, so you didn't feel like you were burdened or overwhelmed. It was an amazing experience, and I wouldn't change it.
Kareem shares how competency-based education paved the way for her success at Rasmussen.
During this era, Rasmussen launched Campus Connect, allowing students across multiple campuses to learn simultaneously through enhanced telepresence.
Rasmussen’s focus on innovation included utilizing gamification and interactive learning in online courses.
With the evolution into graduate education, Rasmussen College became Rasmussen University in October 2020.
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2021–Present: Writing the Next Chapter in Our Legacy Story
Rasmussen enters a new era. What was once a practical business school is now a university with more than half our students enrolled in Nursing and Healthcare programs throughout our network of campuses.
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2021–Present: Writing the Next Chapter in Our Legacy Story
New Opportunities for Difference Makers
Rasmussen enters a new era. What was once a practical business school has now transformed into a university, with more than half of our students enrolled in nursing and healthcare programs across our network of campuses. Additionally, we offer convenient and accessible online degree programs in business, design, education, human services, justice studies and technology.
In 2021, Rasmussen University became part of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI), a network of schools dedicated to educating and training military service members, veterans, nurses and other ambitious professionals.
In 2023, Paula Singer became Rasmussen’s President during a period of transformation, bringing extensive experience and a vision for helping the institution continue to grow and adapt as we reimagine the university.
While we write our next chapter, we remain committed to our legacy of supporting "difference makers" who serve our communities, a purpose that is more critical than ever as the demand for nurses and healthcare workers continues to grow.
During a period of transformation, Rasmussen University appointed Paula Singer as President on May 9, 2023. She brought with her decades of experience leading higher education organizations.
In the early 1900s, Rasmussen provided students with typewriting labs and a banking department. Today, our commitment to experiential learning includes state-of-the-art nursing simulation.
Our legacy of serving communities through education is embodied in students like Thuba, an Early Childhood Education graduate and children's book author.
View transcript (Scroll to see full transcript) Speaker 1:
My name is Carlos Salas. I was a salesperson for 22 years; I sold cars, electronic components, and I did loans, mortgages and HELOCs for a financial institution. The reason why I chose to become an RN is because my mother, she spent 30 days in an induced coma to try to fight Covid. Um, unfortunately, she lost the fight to it and passed away. During that time, the staff became part of my support system. Sometimes they would hug me when she was having tough days, and that meant a lot. They didn't know how important it is to have somebody there emotionally to support you.
Speaker 2:
Nursing is a career where you can find meaning and purpose for your life. It's a calling, it's a passion to care for another human being.
Speaker 1:
Rasmussen University has very inclusive and support environment, both the students and the staff. They will ask you what do you need help with? What can I help you with? Every ounce of support that you can get, either from the staff, the faculty or the students is extremely valuable.
Speaker 3:
Our commitment is to those who do go on scene or the ones who feel that they're invisible. We're committed to letting them see or hoping that we can open the door so that they can see that they are too destined for greatness.
Speaker 1:
If you are like me, with a lot of previous experience in a different field, what I can tell you is that it can be done. I have zero nursing experience prior to this, and here we are. I'm four months from graduating. My hope is to work at the ICU department, which is where my mom passed away way. If my mother was alive to see this, to see me become an RN, she would be—sorry.
If my mother was alive to see me become an RN, she would be extremely proud that I was able to accomplish this.
Are you ready to face an extremely challenging and rewarding program?
Speaker 4:
Are you ready for the most amazing career?
Speaker 2:
Are you ready to be a nurse?
Empowering students like Carlos to find their calling remains our legacy story.
Since our beginnings, Rasmussen has been a place for difference-makers who strengthen communities. This includes Rasmussen's dedicated faculty and staff who support our career-focused students.
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Upcoming Anniversary Events
125th Anniversary Documentary Premier
August 15, 2025
Join us for the premiere of A Legacy of Opportunity, Rasmussen University’s 125th-anniversary documentary, at the iconic Minnesota Orchestra Hall. Help us celebrate 125 years of guiding the path toward a career-focused education that strengthens communities. Check back to learn more about this special event and share your interest in attending!
125th Anniversary Campus Celebrations
Dates Coming Soon
We are excited to celebrate Rasmussen University’s 125th anniversary across our 20 campus communities, which have been a vital part of our history and legacy. Check back often for the exact date of an event near you—we can’t wait to celebrate together!
"Prior to me enrolling in Rasmussen, I spent 16 years in the military, 12 in Special Forces as an Army Green Beret… I don't have too many fears in life, but I do fear being forgotten. And I know that if you can do something to make an impact in other people's lives, you know, you leave a legacy."
Arnold
Army Veteran, Cancer Survivor and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student
Legacy Stories
"As a faculty at Rasmussen for 44 years, it has been an incredible journey filled with meaningful relationships with students and colleagues. It has been deeply rewarding to inspire and guide students, helping them reach their goals and succeed in society. The sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from contributing to their growth and achievements is immeasurable. It has been an honor to be part of such a transformative and impactful environment for so many years."
Virginia Knox
Assistant Professor
"For 125 years, students have turned to Rasmussen to earn degrees that enhance their lives, creating opportunities for personal growth and success. Our legacy lies in helping students build their legacy, and it extends to our efforts to improve our communities and the lives of those around us through the practical education we provide."
Dr. Matt Segaard
Assistant Vice President Institutional Research & Assessment
"I’m proud to work for Rasmussen and continue its legacy. For 125 years, it has provided students with an opportunity to create a better life for themselves. Long ago, Rasmussen recognized types of students who could benefit from a different approach to education, as well as, offering programs and skills needed in the workforce. As a result, it has changed the lives of many for the better."
Diane Nemitz
Senior Compliance Officer, Granddaughter of Walter Nemitz and daughter of Wilbur Nemitz