The American College of Greece (ACG), in collaboration with Roger Williams University (RWU), is advancing a strategic partnership that will support the launch of Deree, The American University of Greece- ULE, marking a significant milestone for higher education in Greece.
The collaboration underpins ACG’s application for the establishment of a University Legal Entity (ULE), enabling Deree to operate within Greece’s recognized university sector while further strengthening its American educational model. As ACG President Ed Wingenbach, PhD, has noted, this development represents “a recognition of what most people in Greece and around the world already know”—the quality and impact of Deree’s education, research, and contribution to society.
Building on a relationship between the two institutions, the partnership reflects a shared vision: to expand access to flexible, interdisciplinary, American-style education. As RWU President Ioannis N. Miaoulis, PhD, stated in a recent discussion with President Wingenbach at the ACG Events Hall, moderated by Mary Cardaras, PhD, Director of the Demos Center, the collaboration brings together “a very similar, very compatible school, very high-quality school,” creating new opportunities to expand global reach and enrich the student experience.
Through the launch of Deree, The American University of Greece – ULE, we are expanding our academic offerings, introducing new programs and aligning curricula with the flexibility of the American model. Students will benefit from increased choice, the ability to combine disciplines, and enhanced opportunities for international mobility, including study abroad pathways with RWU.
In addition, the collaboration brings the benefit of AACSB accreditation to our business programs, further strengthening the international profile of business education across the institution. This is especially significant for Alba Graduate Business School and the School of Business and Economics, whose students will benefit from the added global recognition, academic quality standards, and professional value associated with one of the world’s leading business education accreditations.
At its core, the initiative reinforces an educational approach designed for a rapidly evolving world—one that emphasizes adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. As President Wingenbach emphasized in the discussion, “what employers are looking for is curiosity, the ability to learn, and the capacity to solve problems in new and changing environments.”
The launch of Deree, The American University of Greece -ULE, is also expected to further strengthen Greece’s position as an international education destination. By combining a globally recognized degree with an American-style learning experience, the collaboration creates new opportunities for both Greek and international students to study in Athens while gaining credentials with global relevance.
Watch the full discussion below to learn more about this collaboration: