A long-held vision has become reality, marking the beginning of a new era for The American College of Greece and higher education in Greece!

With great pride and a profound sense of responsibility, The American College of Greece announces that Deree, The American University of Greece, was granted a license to establish and operate as a Legal Entity of University Education on July 24, 2026. The license was granted under Law 5094/2024 and supports the University’s collaboration with Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, USA. 

This decision represents one of the most significant milestones in the history of The American College of Greece. It formally incorporates Deree’s American academic model into Greece’s state-regulated framework for university education. It also creates new opportunities for students to pursue a university education in Greece that combines an international outlook with official recognition by the Greek state.

Edward C. Wingenbach, PhD, President of The American College of Greece, stated: 
“The licensing of Deree, The American University of Greece as a Legal Entity of University Education marks a historic milestone for The American College of Greece and represents the culmination of a 151-year journey—one defined by a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and expanded access to education. This new chapter further strengthens our mission: to empower young people to thrive in a dynamic, diverse, and internationally oriented learning environment, while further enhancing Greece’s position as a global education destination.” 

Brian Williams, PhD, Interim President of Roger Williams University, stated: 
“Our partnership with The American College of Greece is founded on shared values, including academic excellence, innovation, and the preparation of students for an ever-changing world. 
The licensing of Deree – The American University of Greece marks an important new chapter in our collaboration. We look forward to providing an innovative American university education in Greece—one that combines a global outlook with meaningful impact for students and society.” 

Roger Williams University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Its Mario J. Gabelli School of Business is also accredited by the internationally recognized Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to study in Greece and earn degrees awarded by a U.S. university under the country’s new regulatory framework for non-state higher education. 

During its initial phase of operation, Deree University U.L.E. comprise three Schools: 

• School of Business and Economics 
• School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences 
• School of Science and Technology 

The Schools will offer 24 undergraduate programs and one graduate program in fields including business, economics, communication, social sciences, technology, computing, the arts, and the humanities.

The establishment of the new University fully safeguards the continuity of Deree’s existing academic activities. Students currently enrolled at Deree will complete their studies in the programs in which they are already registered. All existing academic programs will continue without interruption or modification. 

The granting of the license to establish and operate is not only a landmark achievement for The American College of Greece. It also represents a renewed commitment to the students, families, educators, and wider community it serves. 

Deree University U.L.E. will expand the range of university study options available in Greece, strengthen the country’s ties with the international academic community, and create new pathways for students seeking a rigorous, globally oriented, and transformative educational experience!

If you would like to learn more about Deree University U.L.E., please visit the website here.