The History of Millennia Atlantic University (MAU)
Founding Vision and Origins
The history of Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) is deeply rooted in the vision and life journey of Dr. Aristides Maza Tirado, a distinguished Venezuelan lawyer, businessman, banker, statesman, and firm believer that education is the true foundation for success.
In the early 1990s, the Universidad Nororiental Privada Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho (UGMA), a respected university based in Barcelona, Venezuela, faced significant economic and licensing challenges. Recognizing the strategic importance of preserving the institution, the government of the State of Anzoátegui reached out to Dr. Aristides Maza Tirado to assemble a group of investors to purchase and rescue UGMA. Responding to this call, Dr. Maza Tirado entered the field of higher education while simultaneously serving as President of Banco Caroní.
Alongside his business leadership, Dr. Maza Tirado maintained a lifelong conviction that education was the key to advancement — a belief shaped by his own childhood experiences. Growing up in Aragua de Maturín, Monagas State, Venezuela, Dr. Maza Tirado faced the reality that his village offered no schooling beyond the fifth grade. Recognizing the importance of education, his parents, Julián Temístocles Maza Mérida and Doña Emilia Maza Tirado, demonstrated profound resilience by sending him away at age 11 to study in Maturín, a two-hour journey by rough roads. Packing his few belongings in a small shoebox, Dr. Maza Tirado lived at a pension under the supervision of a nearby uncle, a defining experience that deeply shaped his character and lifelong commitment to education.
After completing high school, Dr. Maza Tirado briefly attended Universidad de Los Andes (ULA) and later earned a law degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) in Caracas, supported by a scholarship. His early sacrifices and family legacy fueled a commitment to create pathways for future generations.
Dr. Aristides Maza Tirado’s contributions extended beyond education and banking. He served in the House of Representatives of Venezuela under President Jaime Lusinchi and later as a Senator under President Carlos Andrés Pérez. He is the longest-serving President of a bank in Venezuela and the longest-sitting President of the Venezuelan Banking Association. In 1997, he was awarded the Orden del Libertador Simón Bolívar, the highest civilian honor in Venezuela, presented to him by President Rafael Caldera.
The idea of founding Millennia Atlantic University originated with Dr. Aristides Maza Tirado, following an earlier joint effort with educational leader Richard Tucker to acquire a small private college in Norfolk, Virginia. Although that bid was ultimately unsuccessful, it laid the conceptual and strategic groundwork for building a new institution from the ground up.
The Founding and Early Years of Millennia Atlantic University (2005– 2007)
In the summer of 2005, with the encouragement of family members and close collaborators, that vision began to materialize. While individuals such as Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto and Engineer Luis Eduardo Martinez played important roles in the early planning stages, the founding initiative and financial backing stemmed directly from Dr. Aristides Maza Tirado’s longstanding commitment to education and institutional development.
On August 1, 2005, Dr. Octavio Maza Duerto formally established Mariscal Ayacucho University LLC, the legal entity that would become Millennia Atlantic University (MAU). Operations officially began in September 2005 in the Citi Building in Brickell, Miami. Orianna Maza Moss, working with legal counsel Sophia Langley, led the efforts to secure the institution’s first state license, and the first president is named Raul Matos Azocar. Key founding collaborators included Orianna Maza Moss, Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto, Luis Eduardo Martinez, and Teresa Fitzgerald, who joined in 2006 to strengthen academic and administrative operations.
Following internal restructuring and a thorough market analysis, the Board of Directors approved a strategic rebranding initiative to enhance the institution’s competitiveness and market appeal in the United States. As a result, the institution formally adopted the commercial name Millennia Atlantic University (MAU). This decision not only reflected the university’s global aspirations and commitment to excellence but also positioned it to resonate more effectively with a broader, multilingual audience in South Florida and beyond.
Shortly thereafter, the university relocated its operations to temporary offices in the heart of Doral, becoming the first university founded in the newly incorporated City of Doral, Florida. At the time, Doral was in the early stages of its municipal formation and was rapidly emerging as one of the region’s most dynamic and diverse communities. Both the newly formed City of Doral municipal offices and MAU shared space in the same building, located at 8330 NW 53rd Street, in what is today known as Downtown Doral. This symbolic co-location of local government and higher education marked the beginning of MAU’s deep-rooted civic presence in the city—a legacy that continues to this day.
In late 2006, the Board of Directors appointed Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto as President of Millennia Atlantic University. Under his leadership—and with the strategic collaboration and advice of Orianna Moss-Maza, Luis Eduardo Martinez, and Teresa Fitzgerald, alongside legal counsel provided by Sophia Langley, the university finalized its operational framework, developed its first academic programs, and laid the critical groundwork for institutional accreditation.
This founding team worked diligently to translate a bold vision into a functional academic institution. Their combined efforts shaped the university’s initial governance structure, academic policies, and student services—all of which were essential in positioning MAU for long-term success.
On January 9, 2007, the university proudly hosted its first official class session, welcoming an inaugural cohort of three pioneering students. This historic milestone not only marked the beginning of academic instruction at MAU but also represented the culmination of years of visionary planning, regulatory navigation, and steadfast institutional commitment.
By September 2007, MAU had outgrown its temporary location and moved into its first permanent campus, located at 10395 NW 41st Street in Doral. The facility provided a dedicated academic environment with classrooms, administrative offices, and student support services. This transition marked the university’s first major physical investment in infrastructure and set the stage for the continued expansion that would follow in the years ahead.
Brickell Beginnings: Incorporation and the First Offices
On 8 August 2005, the founding papers for Mariscal Ayacucho University LLC were signed by Orianna Maza Moss, working side-by-side with Dr. Octavio Maza Duerto and long-time family accountant Juan Figueroa. The fledgling institution rented its first room at 1428 Brickell Avenue; when a hurricane damaged that suite, the team moved to the 28th floor of 201 South Biscayne Boulevard.
During these start-up months, Orianna managed day-to-day operations while attorney Sophia Langley, a specialist in higher-education compliance, drafted the corporate charter (filed June 2006) and the policies that still underpin MAU’s governance. Veteran educator Jim Patch (former President of Jones College and long-time adviser to Florida’s Commission on Independent Education) co-designed the first curriculum until his passing in 2013.
In May 2006, Teresa Fitzgerald became MAU’s first official employee, assuming admissions, registrar, treasury, and student-services duties. Additional guidance came from higher-education executive Luis Raúl Matos Azócar, who, although declining the presidency, counselled the founders on academic and administrative structure.
From Paperwork to the First Pioneers
This compact but seasoned team secured every state licence, zoning permit, and program approval required for a Florida post-secondary institution. By December 2006, they were already recruiting: the University’s first enrollee, David Díaz, was met at a Venezuela Business Club event in Doral and was soon joined by classmates Lina Mejía and Danny Navarro. Their classes began in January 2007, initially in the shared conference room of MAU’s temporary Doral office, before moving that spring to the purpose-built campus that would anchor the University’s next phase of growth.
Following internal restructuring and a thorough market analysis, the Board of
Directors approved a strategic rebranding initiative to enhance the institution’s competitiveness and market appeal in the United States. As a result, the institution formally adopted the commercial name Millennia Atlantic University (MAU). This decision not only reflected the university’s global aspirations and commitment to excellence but also positioned it to resonate more effectively with a broader, multilingual audience in South Florida and beyond.
Shortly thereafter, the university relocated its operations to temporary offices in the heart of Doral, becoming the first university founded in the newly incorporated City of Doral, Florida. At the time, Doral was in the early stages of its municipal formation and was rapidly emerging as one of the region’s most dynamic and diverse communities. Both the newly formed City of Doral municipal offices and MAU shared space in the same building, located at 8330 NW 53rd Street, in what is today known as Downtown Doral. This symbolic co-location of local government and higher education marked the beginning of MAU’s deep-rooted civic presence in the city, a legacy that continues to this day.
Initial Growth and Accreditation (2008–2012)
By Fall 2008, MAU enrolled 33 students, supported by five faculty members and five full-time staff members. From 2008 to 2010, the team worked hard to provide all the information and requirements necessary for the accreditation of the university. That major milestone came in 2010 when MAU achieved initial accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), authorizing the university to offer associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in accounting, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Health Information Management, and Paralegal Studies.
That same year, MAU was approved to offer federal financial aid and issue I-20 forms for international students under the SEVP program.
In 2011, MAU expanded academic programs, created a Continuing Education Division, and launched its first online MBA program, with the first cohort graduating in December 2012.
In 2011, the university acquired a new location to expand and contracted Moss Architecture & Design Group, led by Architect Brett Moss, to design and remodel the new campus located at 3801 NW 97th Avenue, Doral, Florida. In June 2012, MAU relocated its current LEED-certified campus, a 13,000-square-foot facility featuring smart classrooms, a library, computer labs, lounges, an extra floor for future expansion, and energy-efficient design. The new campus was officially inaugurated on July 27, 2012, and dedicated to Julián Temístocles Maza Mérida, honoring the family’s patriarch and the men who invested in the education of future generations.
Expansion and Community Engagement (2013–2015)
Between 2013 and 2015, Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) entered a dynamic phase of growth, marked by notable increases in student enrollment, the strengthening of academic programs, and the expansion of international partnerships. These three years were crucial in transforming MAU from a small, emerging institution into a globally minded university with expanding regional and international influence.
Enrollment numbers grew steadily, reflecting both increased brand recognition and the growing trust placed in the university’s educational model. From 159 students in 2013, the university welcomed 210 students in 2014, and by Spring 2015, enrollment had reached 252 students—a 58% increase over two years. This growth was supported by an expanding academic staff, a dedicated administrative team, and a deepened commitment to student success and engagement.
A major milestone in 2014 was MAU’s formal partnership with Open Hearts Language Academy (OHLA), one of the most respected English-language training institutions in South Florida. This partnership brought CEA-accredited English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to MAU’s campus, offering international students a seamless transition from language instruction to academic coursework. The collaboration also contributed to a more vibrant, multicultural learning environment, reinforcing the university’s identity as an institution that embraces linguistic and cultural diversity.
In July 2015, the university celebrated its largest commencement ceremony to date, awarding degrees to 47 graduates from various academic disciplines, including business administration, human resources, health information management, and accounting. The event not only marked an academic milestone, but it also served as a powerful symbol of MAU’s maturation as an institution, one capable of preparing students for leadership roles in global industries. Families, faculty, and community partners gathered to honor the graduates’ achievements, and the ceremony became a defining moment of institutional pride and unity.
This period also saw important changes and strengthening within the university’s leadership structure. In 2015, Jenice Maza Duerto officially joined the administrative team, becoming part of the university’s executive leadership and a board member. Her entry into the leadership circle signified the continued evolution of the institution’s governance model and brought renewed energy and strategic focus to university operations. Jenice joined a committed core team that included Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto (President), Orianna Moss-Maza (then overseeing key operational and financial roles), Luis Eduardo Martinez, and Teresa Fitzgerald, who oversaw the academic department. This executive team worked collaboratively to refine MAU’s strategic plan, enhance student services, and reinforce a shared vision of academic excellence rooted in access, opportunity, and resilience.
By the end of 2015, MAU had firmly established itself as a forward-looking institution with strong community ties, a growing international presence, and a leadership team dedicated to guiding the university through its next chapter of growth and innovation.
Institutional Growth and Academic Diversification (2016–2021)
Between 2016 and 2021, MAU entered a period of significant academic and institutional expansion. In response to evolving global workforce demands, particularly at the graduate level, the university diversified its academic portfolio by introducing several specialized master’s programs, including: Master of Business Administration (MBA) (On-Campus and Online), Master of Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration (On-Campus and Online), Master of Science in Global Finance, Master of Science in International Business Management (On-Campus and Online), Master of Science in International Logistics Management (On-Campus and Online).
These program additions reflected MAU’s commitment to providing students with globally relevant expertise and market-driven skills.
In 2018, the university received recognition as an accredited institution from The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and throughout this period, MAU remained accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE).
In 2019, MAU expanded its community footprint through a pioneering public-private partnership with the City of Doral to create MAU Park, a 0.68-acre passive green space adjacent to the university’s main campus at 3719 NW 97th Avenue, near the Doral Police Training and Community Center. The University contracted Moss Architecture & Design Group, led by Architect Brett Moss, to design the park and the community area. This initiative marked the first of its kind in Doral and now serves as a model for other collaborative agreements between municipal governments and private institutions. MAU fully funded the park’s capital development, while operational and maintenance responsibilities are shared with the City of Doral, underscoring a mutual commitment to long-term community enrichment.
MAU Park is designed to promote wellness, connection, and environmental awareness. Its tranquil setting provides students and local residents with a welcoming space for reflection, relaxation, studying, and informal gatherings. Beyond its physical attributes, MAU Park reflects the university’s mission to serve not only as a center for academic excellence but also as a community-oriented institution deeply invested in civic engagement and public benefit.
During 2020, for the first time since its opening, the university moved operations 100% online to cope with COVID-19, and we learned that synchronous education was only possible and achievable.
Entrepreneurial Innovation, Infrastructure, and Community Expansion (2022–Present)
During this period, Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto continued in his role as President, while several leadership positions evolved: Orianna Maza Moss formally assumed the role of CFO and Vice President of Administration and Financial Affairs. Dr. Octavio Maza Duerto became Director of Academic Programs in 2018. Jenice Maza Duerto transitioned to Vice President of Operations and Student Services in 2024.
In 2022, MAU launched the TBB Bank School of Entrepreneurship, reinforcing its commitment to cultivating innovation and practical business education among its students and adding to undergraduate programs: a Bachelor’s in Global Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor’s in Retail and E-Business Entrepreneurship.
That same year, MAU held its inaugural Golden Gala, a landmark event honoring distinguished alumni and raising funds for the MAU Alumni Scholarship Fund—a reflection of the institution’s growing alumni network and its mission to reinvest in student success.
MAU also strengthened its English-language programming. Its earlier partnership with Open Hearts Language Academy (OHLA) evolved into a new collaboration with Face-to-Face Language School, which now delivers on-campus ESL programs aligned with MAU’s commitment to serving international students.
In 2023, Millennia Atlantic University took a significant step forward by launching its official athletic program, a milestone that reflected the university’s ongoing commitment to holistic student development and community engagement. The introduction of organized athletics created a dynamic new pathway for students to pursue their academic goals while also participating in competitive intercollegiate sports.
The university established men’s teams in basketball, baseball, rugby, soccer, tennis, and volleyball, and women’s teams in basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. These offerings were carefully selected to align with student interest, regional popularity, and opportunities for institutional representation at athletic conferences and tournaments.
Beyond enhancing campus life and school spirit, the athletic program was designed to foster leadership, discipline, resilience, and teamwork among student-athletes. It also contributed to the university’s visibility and appeal, both nationally and internationally, by offering talented athletes from diverse backgrounds the chance to study and compete at the collegiate level.
The athletics launch also laid the groundwork for future investments in partnerships with UFC Doral, Doral sports facilities, coaching staff, scholarships, and community outreach programs. As MAU continues to evolve, its athletics program is expected to become a pillar of student engagement, institutional pride, and regional impact.
In 2024, Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) became an official member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to regulatory compliance, national reach, and student-centered online education. SARA membership allows MAU to offer distance education across 49 member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands under a single unified agreement, eliminating the need for costly, state-by-state authorization processes. This not only reduces legal and administrative expenses but also ensures MAU remains compliant with cross-state education laws, protected from enforcement actions, and well-positioned for accreditation reviews.
SARA membership enhances institutional credibility by demonstrating adherence to nationally accepted standards, consumer protection policies, and transparent student complaint procedures. It also enables MAU to strategically expand its online programs, scale enrollment, and attract students in key domestic and international markets. Ultimately, SARA is not just a compliance tool—it is a strategic asset that supports MAU’s growth, operational efficiency, and reputation as a forward-thinking, student-centered institution.
The university’s Board of Directors has also evolved. Originally composed of Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto, Orianna Maza Moss, Octavio Maza Duerto, Jenice Maza Duerto, and Luis Eduardo Martinez, the board welcomed Juliana Maza San Vicente and Arabella Maza San Vicente to join the Board, ensuring that MAU’s leadership reflects both continuity and a renewed generational commitment to its mission.
In its commitment to internationalization, the university appointed Juliana Maza San Vicente as Assistant Director of International Admissions in 2025.
From an infrastructure standpoint, MAU has begun planning for the addition of 6,000 square feet of new space, which will include a cafeteria, a large student lounge, new classrooms, and expanded communal areas. These improvements are part of a broader master plan to enhance the surrounding campus environment and improve student life and campus integration in the heart of Doral.
From a dream born of sacrifice and a shoebox journey to Maturín, to an accredited, thriving institution serving a diverse global student body, Millennia Atlantic University continues to honor its founding principles of education, opportunity, and perseverance.
The journey continues… come, write it with us!