Where Connections Power Your Future

At Affinity University, we believe education is more than knowledge acquisition—it's about building the relationships that will shape your future. Since our founding, we've been dedicated to creating an educational environment where meaningful connections flourish alongside academic excellence.

Our Vision

Affinity University stands at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and human-centered education. We're committed to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world by fostering the skills, relationships, and innovative mindset needed to thrive in the digital age while maintaining the human connections that give work meaning.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Dr. Miriam Castellanos
President, Affinity University

Dr. Miriam Castellanos has served as President of Affinity University since 2019, leading the institution through a period of significant enrollment growth and digital transformation. Under her leadership, Affinity University launched its Student Success Initiative, expanded online degree offerings to over 40 programs, and increased first-generation student enrollment by 35%.

Prior to Affinity, Dr. Castellanos spent eight years as Provost at Redwood State University, where she oversaw academic affairs across twelve colleges and spearheaded a campus-wide shift toward competency-based learning models. Before entering academic administration, she was a tenured professor of Public Policy at Lakeshore University, where her research focused on higher education access and affordability.

Dr. Castellanos holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan, an M.P.A. from Syracuse University's Maxwell School, and a B.A. in Sociology from Bryn Mawr College. She serves on the boards of the American Council on Education and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

Known for a data-driven yet student-centered leadership style, Dr. Castellanos has been a vocal advocate for using technology — including AI-powered student engagement tools — to close equity gaps in higher education. She and her husband, Daniel, live near campus with their two children.

University Culture & Values

Motto: "Connections that Last, Futures that Thrive"

Our culture is built on four core values that guide everything we do:

• Relationship Building: We prioritize meaningful, long-term relationships between students, faculty, staff, and alumni, creating a network that supports you throughout your career.

• Innovation: We pioneer new approaches to education powered by cutting-edge AI, data, and technology, ensuring our graduates lead rather than follow.

• Support: We provide personalized support to each individual, ensuring your academic, social, and professional success through mentorship, resources, and guidance.

• Collaboration: We foster a community where students, faculty, and alumni collaborate to solve real-world problems, creating solutions that matter.

Our Campus

Affinity University's campus was designed with connection and innovation in mind:

• The Affinity Center: Our innovation hub where students, faculty, and alumni collaborate on projects using the latest AI tools and tech resources for interdisciplinary research, business startups, and creative ventures.

• The Connected Commons: An intelligent open space for socializing and studying, with smart AI features that personalize the environment to your preferences.

• Gratitude Hall: Our multi-functional auditorium hosting lectures, speaker events, and community-building activities that bring together current students and our extensive alumni network.

• The Empowerment Lab: A high-tech, hands-on space for experimenting with AI, robotics, and business technologies, where students develop projects aimed at enhancing human connections.

Academic Excellence

Our curriculum balances technological expertise with human-centered approaches across four key focus areas:

1. AI & Relationship Science: Exploring how AI can enhance human relationships in customer engagement, educational support, and organizational growth while addressing ethical implications.

2. Data Science & Analytics: Training students to leverage data in building stronger relationships across customer relations, health care, and business operations.

3. Human-Centered Communications & Technology: Preparing students to create user-friendly interfaces, virtual assistants, and communication strategies that enhance human connection.

4. Business Technology & Digital Transformation: Combining business strategy with AI and technology to prepare leaders who understand how to use emerging technologies to build better customer relationships.

Student Life

At Affinity University, learning extends beyond the classroom. Our vibrant campus community includes:

• Diverse Student Organizations: From tech clubs and innovation labs to data science societies, business and entrepreneurship groups, sustainability teams, and cultural organizations.

• Real-World Experience: Internships, co-ops, and research opportunities with our industry partners give students practical experience before graduation.

• Global Perspective: Study abroad programs and international partnerships that expand your worldview and professional network.

Our Community

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, our professors know you by name and are invested in your success. Our diverse student body represents all 50 states and over 70 countries, creating a rich cultural environment that prepares you for the global workplace.

Join Us

Experience an education where relationships matter as much as research, where innovation serves human connection, and where your future is built on meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.

Affinity University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and committed to equal opportunity in education and employment.