Walden University Purpose.

Walden was established in 1970 by two New York teachers, Bernie and Rita Turner, who created a program for working adults to pursue doctoral degrees. In the summer of 1971, the first classes took place in Naples, Florida  focusing primarily on school administrators. These initial classes were to allow the students to form dissertation  topics with their faculty partners before returning home to work at their respective schools while also working on their dissertations. In 1972, Walden conferred its first degrees: 46 PhDs  and 24 Ed,D at its first commencement in Naples, Florida.

In 1979, the Minnesota. Higher Education Coordinating Board licensed Walden to grant Ph.D.s and Ed.D.s in the state and in 1982 the school moved its headquarters to Minneapolis. In 1990, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredited the University. In 1995, the school expanded its offering with the nation's first fully online  master's program in education, offering a Master's in Educational Change and Technology Innovation.

Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. purchased 41 percent of Walden University in 2001, gaining a controlling interest in 2002. In 2004, Sylvan Learning Systems became Laureate Education, Inc. Former President Bill Clinton , founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States, is an Honorary Chancellor of Laureate International Universities. President Clinton was the keynote speaker at Walden University’s commencement on July 30, 2011.