Geographically, it's a 9-mile northwest move. Developmentally, it's a move in a different direction.

Eastern Mennonite University at Lancaster (EMU at Lancaster) is on the move. In two months, the private liberal arts university based in Harrisonburg, Va., will officially relocate its Lancaster campus from East Lampeter Township to Warwick Township.

"It will provide more modern space for our students," said Christine Sharp, EMU at Lancaster's executive director. "The common space is large and open. We'll be closer to the (Lancaster) airport."

Located within the Greenfield Corporate Center at 1846 Charter Lane, Suite 212, Lancaster, for the last 30 years, EMU at Lancaster is moving its four classrooms to the Listrak building at 100 W. Millport Road, Lititz, in time for summer classes to begin July 1. The move will provide EMU at Lancaster with an additional 5,000 square feet for classrooms, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) training laboratory, student advisory areas, a cafeteria and coffee bar, ample parking and outdoor space.

EMU at Lancaster executed a multi-year lease and plans to perform some minor upgrades to the property's infrastructure, information technology and communications.

"We take pride in our sense of community and serving our community, whether it's through credited or non-credited courses," said Sharp. "Our mission in Lancaster is to provide programs that aren't available in other sectors. Our vision is to serve our students with high-quality education. Our goal is to have a building that's welcoming to students and instructors. We're moving to a state-of-the-art building."

"Like many commercial landlords, we have re-evaluated our physical properties and have determined that we do not need the entire 93,000 square feet of our headquarters building," said Ross Kramer, Listrak's CEO. "As strong supporters of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), we felt that EMU at Lancaster would be a great fit and believe the new space will provide a learning environment conducive to students' academic and professional growth."

EMU at Lancaster's current enrollment is over 400 students, but many attend through online courses. When the university opens its Warwick Township location, nearly 100 students are expected to attend weekly.

"The needs of today's workforce are constantly changing," said Sharp. "EMU at Lancaster is committed to providing postsecondary education and professional development training that offers students a competitive advantage. Our mission is to ensure that those who complete our programs are well prepared to make valuable contributions to the workforce and communities."

Eastern Mennonite University first established its local campus at a temporary location in Lancaster in 1996 before moving to Greenfield Corporate Center in 2002.

In addition to its CNA program, EMU at Lancaster offers a bachelor's degree in leadership and organizational management, with an aviation concentration. The university plans to add a drone technology education program this fall.

"We want to graduate students who are forward-thinking and life citizens," said Sharp. "We want our students to have a global understanding. Our goal is to raise strong leaders with compassion, not only in their lives but also their professional lives. We're here to provide a pathway to students who may not have thought of education before."

For additional information about EMU at Lancaster, go to http://www.emu.edu/lancaster.