You may have seen Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) in the news recently when First Lady Melania Trump was presented with PBA’s “Woman of Distinction” award on February 19, 2020.
The private Christian university, which is located in West Palm Beach, Florida, about three miles north of the Trumps’ Mar-a-Lago resort and residence, usually honors two women per year who “cherish community and family and want to preserve these ideals for others.” This year, Melania Trump was the sole recipient.
ABCNews.com reported that PBA President William Fleming praised Mrs. Trump for her “compassion and kindness.” The First Lady is known for her “Be Best” campaign which includes anti-cyber bullying and anti-drug abuse initiatives. As the mother of a teenage son, she has also spoken on the dangers of vaping.
The PBA “Women of Distinction” award dates back to 1991. Past recipients include Gruss Foundation president Audrey Gruss, media entrepreneur Laurie S. Silvers, philanthropist Candy Carson (Dr. Ben Carson’s wife), fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau, and Helen DeVos, whose husband Rich co-founded Amway. Most of the honorees are local Florida residents.
Christian Liberal Arts
Founded in 1968, Palm Beach Atlantic University grew out of the First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach. In 2019, its undergraduate enrollment was approximately 2,800. Ranked among the best universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, PBA offers excellent academics and small class sizes with a focus on Christian values.
A Christian liberal arts education provides a biblical framework to which students can compare all knowledge acquired in the future. PBA offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs through nine colleges that focus on the liberal arts with a select collection of professional studies:
- Rinker School of Business
- School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Communication and Media
- School of Education and Behavioral Studies
- MacArthur School of Leadership
- School of Ministry
- School of Music and Fine Arts
- School of Nursing
- Gregory School of Pharmacy
Physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness are key components of the Palm Beach Atlantic learning environment. As a PBA student, you will learn to recognize and manage your personal strengths and weaknesses to allow you to develop into a better person, friend, employee, or leader. You’ll explore academic programs that link theory to experience, learn with Christian professors who will be lifelong guides, and engage in a caring and compassionate campus community. You’ll find unique opportunities to learn how business works at major companies, forge career connections in the growing biotech field, or conduct research at the Scripps Research Institute.
Through PBA’s unique “Workship” program, students can discern their vocation and develop a lifelong habit of servant leadership while participating in service projects that have an impact on the community. You’ll be able to make a difference in people’s lives down the street, around South Florida, or in countries across the globe. For example, you can tutor and mentor youngsters in after school programs, help build homes for those in need, assist with natural disaster recovery efforts, or pack meals for families living in underserved communities.
Location, Location, Location
With sunny skies, tropical climate, and a resort-style setting, PBA has a location unlike any other college or university in America. Living and learning in West Palm Beach brings boundless extracurricular opportunities to students. The waterfront campus is within walking distance of shops, culture, and entertainment. Take in a concert at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, immerse yourself in West Palm Beach’s eclectic art scene, take a walk thorough the Mango Promenade Historic District, enjoy the food at Rosemary Square, and attend services at one of the nearly 20 churches of various denominations located just minutes from campus.
Health and fitness is a big part of the PBA culture. You’re in sunny South Florida, after all! If you’re into the outdoors, there’s nothing like going for a swim in the ocean just minutes from campus, gathering with friends on the nearby 50 miles of pristine beaches, or paddling along the Intracoastal Waterway. PBA rents kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel gear at a low cost to students. Explore the Everglades, Lake Trail, or MacArthur Beach State Park. You can even play a round of golf at any of the area’s more than 160 golf courses.
Two-thirds of all students participate in intramural sports such as basketball, flag football, indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, floor hockey, ping pong, racquetball, and more. You can also choose club sports, exercise classes, and personal training. Or simply root for your school’s athletes – “the Sailfish” – as they compete against other NCAA Division II sports teams in the Sunshine State Conference. You can even catch the pro sports action of the NFL Dolphins, NBA Heat, MLB Marlins and NHL Panthers.
March Open House
PBA’s Open House is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the campus experience. Attend a class, tour the grounds, meet PBA faculty, hang out with current PBA students at a campus event, and then stay overnight in a residence hall. Parents can learn about financial aid, the application process, and more. The last day to register is March 17, 2020. Spaces are limited so sign up today! Or if you’re part of a group of at least ten homeschoolers, you can design a customized visit experience that will allow you to share all of the things PBA has to offer with your peers, classmates and friends.
Homeschool Admissions
Palm Beach Atlantic University is an ideal fit for homeschoolers, as it’s a place where they can obtain a Christ-centered education and thrive in a safe, family-like community. PBA understands that homeschool students may have differing high school graduation requirements by state, so they will be personally guided by a dedicated homeschool admission counselor. For information about high school coursework recommendations, creating homeschool transcripts, and applying to PBA, see: https://www.pba.edu/admissions/undergraduate/homeschooled-students.html
Is the university allowing to enroll the new comers students thru online?