On February 26, 2026, The American College of Greece (ACG) formally submitted its application under Law 5094/2024 to establish Deree, The American University of Greece University Legal Entity (U.L.E.), in academic collaboration with Roger Williams University (RWU) in the United States.
The submission marks a significant institutional milestone, formally aligning ACG’s long-established American-accredited academic model with Greece’s regulated university framework. Through the establishment of Deree, The American University of Greece U.L.E., ACG advances this model within the national system, strengthening its presence as a university while preserving the international orientation and academic standards that have defined the institution for decades. In line with its longstanding nonprofit mission, Deree University will offer scholarships and financial assistance to support students in need and recognize academic merit.
At the heart of this next chapter is ACG’s academic collaboration with RWU, a New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredited institution licensed by the State of Rhode Island. Deree, The American University of Greece University Legal Entity, is expected to comprise three Schools: Business and Economics; Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; and Science and Technology. In its first phase, it will offer 24 undergraduate and one graduate program. All degrees will be awarded by Roger Williams University, ensuring alignment with U.S. academic standards. Moreover, because the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business at Roger Williams University is accredited by the internationally recognized Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), business degrees offered through the new University Legal Entity will also carry AACSB accreditation — a globally respected benchmark of quality in business education.
ACG President Edward C. Wingenbach, PhD, underscored the significance of this milestone, stating:
This collaboration makes it possible for students in Greece to earn a degree grounded in U.S. academic standards without leaving the country, while expanding the range of internationally recognized university pathways available within Greece’s regulated higher education system. The distinctive strength of the American system is its combination of breadth and depth, pairing strong disciplinary preparation with interdisciplinary learning that equips students to address complex global challenges. Embedding that model within Greece’s university framework demonstrates that innovation and regulation can advance together. This step strengthens our institution, expands opportunity for students, and positions Greece more confidently within the international academic landscape.
Highlighting the strength of the collaboration, Ioannis N. Miaoulis, PhD, President of Roger Williams University, noted:
Together, we are creating new pathways for students to engage in interdisciplinary learning, civic responsibility, and professional preparation within Greece’s regulated higher education framework. By aligning our shared institutional vision, values, and academic standards, we are strengthening international opportunity and preparing graduates to lead and innovate in an increasingly interconnected world.
Through this submission, ACG advances a long-established academic model within Greece’s regulated university framework, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, transparency, and responsible stewardship while broadening access to internationally recognized university studies.