Preston University, one of the first private universities in
Pakistan, has a number of campuses in cities such as Karachi, Islamabad,
Lahore, Ajman and Faisalabad. The university was established as a school of
Business and commerce with the objective of promoting excellence in the field
of academics. Along with many campuses in Pakistan, it has various campuses in
other countries of Asia and Africa. It started off with operations in Wyoming,
but later moved to Alabama in the year 2008. In 2012, the website of the
university states its location of headquarters in Los Angeles, California.
Since the move of its operations to Alabama, the university has faced several
allegations regarding its accreditation process by American regional
institutions.
In 2008, an English newspaper reported that Preston
University was providing fake degrees to Singaporean businessmen for large fees
without any requirements for class attendance, projects and specific electives.
Along with this, it was stated that the University had moved its operations
from a higher regulated location of Wyoming to more lenient state of Alabama.
The United States of America requires all its universities to gain accreditation's from a number of recognized bodies such as the Middle states and
New England associations of schools and colleges and other such affiliated
commissions. However, Preston University was accused of not being able to get
any accreditation's from these rec
ognized institutions. There have been
questions regarding the provision of accreditation for Preston University in
Pakistan as well. However, the accreditation of Preston University does not
have any such relevance for accreditation in Pakistan. The ministry of
education and higher education commission has approved and accredited Preston
University. Therefore, the recognition of Preston University by such a
competent higher authority in Pakistan refutes any such allegations on the
university.
According to the chancellor of Preston University, Mr. Jerry
P. Haenisch, there are a total of 8000 students enrolled in the university,
with most of the students based in Pakistani campuses. There have been claims of
fraud regarding the non-acceptance of degrees from Preston Universities for
some jobs in the market. This has further given a boost to the fraud claims of
fake degrees against the university. However, several students of the
university have responded to these fraud allegations and claimed the help and
support they have received from the university and have praised the teaching
methodology, faculty as well as the environment provided by Preston University.
