Westcliff University Named 2025 Education Business of the Year by the Corona Chamber of Commerce

CORONA/IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Westcliff University’s Corona, Calif. campus has been named the 2025 Award of Excellence – Business of the Year (Education) by the Corona Chamber of Commerce, honoring the institution’s leadership in career-driven education, workforce development and community engagement. The award was presented at the Chamber’s Feb. 19 awards gala, which celebrates organizations demonstrating excellence, innovation and lasting impact across the region.

“Being recognized by the Corona Chamber of Commerce is an affirmation of the powerful work our faculty, staff and students are doing every day,” said Dr. Anthony Lee, President and CEO of Westcliff University. “From launching programs that address urgent talent gaps and workforce needs, to strengthening hyper-local industry partnerships—this campus reflects our institution’s overarching mission to deliver high-impact, career-relevant education that prepares graduates to lead.”

Since expanding into Corona, the school has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone of healthcare-focused higher education in the region. The Corona campus is home to Westcliff’s College of Nursing, launched in direct response to the growing national shortage of healthcare professionals. The program offers pre-licensure pathways that combine hands-on clinical training, tech-forward exam preparation and robust student support—creating clear, job-ready pathways for aspiring nurses while strengthening regional healthcare systems across Riverside, Los Angeles and Orange County.

Westcliff partners with employers and healthcare providers to prepare graduates who are ready to contribute immediately on day one. Through clinical placements, internships and workforce-aligned programming, Westcliff’s Corona campus serves as a talent pipeline for surrounding organizations.

Beyond academics, Westcliff is deeply invested in the Corona community. The campus actively participates in Chamber initiatives, supports local events and collaborates with nonprofit and civic organizations to address education, healthcare and workforce needs. Faculty and leadership regularly engage in mentorship, outreach and professional development efforts that empower students and families throughout the region.

“Westcliff University’s Corona campus has elevated educational opportunity in our city,” added Dr. Anthony Pirritano, 2024 board chair for the Corona Chamber. “It demonstrates excellence in teaching, a strong commitment to student success and genuine dedication to uplifting the entire community. We are honored to recognize Westcliff with this year’s Award of Excellence in Education.”

To learn more about Westcliff’s Corona campus, visit: https://www.westcliff.edu/nursing/.

About Westcliff University: Westcliff University is an innovative global higher education institution with its finger on the pulse of the international business landscape and the needs of today’s employers. Founded in 1993 and based in Irvine, Calif., it offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees spanning 20+ areas of study including business, education, technology, nursing, law, computer science and engineering. Westcliff is a California Public Benefit Corporation which affirms its dedication to operating in the best interests of its students and the surrounding community. With more than 7,000 enrolled students, its programs focus on both the hard and soft skills needed to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries. The university offers hands-on learning through community and business engagement while delivering innovative and affordable programs online and at campuses around the world, earning continued national recognition, including a ranking on the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges list. Visit www.westcliff.edu to learn more, and follow Westcliff on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.