Dr. Yianni Vassiliou, Chancellor of the Miami campus, shares how the institute strengthens its role as a leader in education and innovation with affordable degrees and groundbreaking psychology programs
For more than sixty years, Albizu University has been defining the educational and mental health scene of South Florida. Founded by Dr. Carlos Albizu-Miranda, the institution started with a clear mission to educate and train Hispanics in psychology and related fields.
Now, under the leadership of Dr. Yianni Vassiliou, Chancellor of the Miami campus, Albizu continues to grow while staying true to its founder’s purpose of service and community uplift.
The Goodman Center
One of the university’s most impactful community contributions is the Goodman Psychological Services Center, also known as the Albizu Clinic. It provides affordable psychological assessments and speech-language services to residents of Miami-Dade County, especially those without insurance or financial means.
More than 15,000 people have received care at the clinic, which also acts as a hands-on training site for Albizu students. Dr. Vassiliou explained that even during the pandemic, the Goodman Center continued its work by introducing telehealth services, which allowed clients to receive counseling and therapy remotely.
Due to increasing demand, the clinic will expand operations to six days a week.
Preparing students for the future
Albizu University’s programs are designed to connect classroom learning with real-world needs. The institution’s academic philosophy prepares students for future workforce demands rather than offering traditional degrees without direction.
Recently, the university introduced new degrees in sports psychology, technology & performance optimization, business administration in behavioral business and innovation technologies, behavioral intelligence and analytics, language and behavioral disorders, and cyberpsychology. Albizu’s new bachelor’s programs combine behavioral science, sports psychology, data intelligence, human communication, and emerging technologies, blending clinical insight, performance optimization, business innovation, and public safety strategy to prepare culturally aware professionals for high-impact careers across health, technology, athletics, human services, global enterprise criminal justice, and even national security.
Albizu University invites prospective students to explore its innovative new 2026 undergraduate programs along with all current bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree offerings at its Miami Campus Open House on Saturday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2173 NW 99th Avenue, where attendees will have the opportunity to meet faculty and current students, learn about scholarships, athletics, and student services, tour the campus, receive admissions guidance, and even begin their application — RSVP now to secure your spot and take the first step toward your future at Albizu University. To RSVP online, please visit https://tinyurl.com/AlbizuOpenHouse.
“AI plays a central role across all our degree programs,” said Dr. Vassiliou. “Students learn to use cyber tools and technology to enhance mental health, athletic performance, and professional well-being.”
Making higher education affordable and accessible
Affordability has always been one of Albizu University’s core values. To make education accessible, the university maintains its tuition rates at a flat rate for all programs, regardless of whether students are local, out-of-state, or international.
Dr. Vassiliou explained that this model has been especially beneficial for students who have recently lost access to in-state tuition at public universities. Albizu’s tuition is lower than that of many state institutions, while still maintaining the highest academic standards.
“Student surveys have consistently highlighted four main priorities,” he said. “Financial support, quality education, a vibrant campus life, and career readiness. Our affordability plan supports all four because we don’t want any student to have to sacrifice quality for cost.”
10-year APA reaccreditation
A recent highlight for Albizu University was the 10-year reaccreditation of its Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology program by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Only a few institutions nationwide receive a full decade of accreditation. Dr. Vassiliou credited the success to Dr. Gilda Rodriguez, who leads the PsyD program, as well as to the university’s dedication to high academic and clinical standards.
“This reaccreditation validates our program,” said Dr. Vassiliou, “but more importantly, it positions the Miami Campus as a center for mental health education and professional development.”
The 2030 vision
For the future, Albizu University is implementing its Growth with Intention 2030 plan, which focuses on making Albizu the first choice for students pursuing strategic pathways that blend science, technology, and cultural intelligence, preparing them for emerging careers. Miami Campus programs are human-centered, science-based, and forward-looking — an evolution of Albizu’s legacy and a reflection of where the workforce is heading.
The strategy includes expanding partnerships with K–12 schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations in South Florida. Albizu is working closely with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, private academies, and charter schools to create academic bridges that facilitate easier transitions for students from high school to university programs.
Dr. Vassiliou believes that exposure plays a significant role in inspiring young learners. “When students visit our labs and meet our faculty, it changes how they see their future,” he said. “They go home and tell their families about it, and that’s how we inspire the next generation.”
Community partnerships
Albizu University is also building new collaborations with hospitals and healthcare facilities in the region, which have dual purposes: to expand the reach of the Goodman Psychological Services Center (especially into rural and underserved areas) and to provide internships and practicums for students.
It is a beneficial approach for everyone involved. Communities gain greater access to psychological services, hospitals receive trained support, and students acquire practical experience that strengthens their employability.
Empowering students to change lives
Albizu operates across three locations: Miami, San Juan, and Mayagüez. It continues to expand partnerships throughout Latin America and Europe. With bilingual degree programs, such as the Bachelor’s in Psychology offered in both English and Spanish, the university serves as a model for multicultural education and community engagement.
“At Albizu, we educate students to empower them to transform lives,” Dr. Vassiliou said. “We live in the communities we serve, and our goal is to ensure those communities grow stronger, more educated, and better prepared for what’s ahead.”
As the year 2030 draws closer, Albizu University’s mission remains unchanged: to prepare future professionals who understand the importance of empathy, science, and cultural awareness.
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