The Slow-Motion Collapse of America’s Largest University
dahnshaulis@gmail.com [While most of my higher education analysis has been statistical in nature, it’s important to look at qualitative and historical aspects of higher education. The collapse of University of Phoenix is one of those important stories.] From 1976 to the early 2000s, the University of Phoenix established itself as a leader in educational innovation for working adults. Hundreds of the school’s campuses and learning sites dotted the American landscape, conveniently located near interstate off ramps. Phoenix turned hotel meeting rooms and retail spaces into learning centers for busy strivers. For those who could not attend those schools, University of Phoenix created an online presence that was unsurpassed, with small class sizes and working professionals with real world experience as instructors. Phoenix’s founder John Sperling was considered a genius for bringing education to adult professionals and other nontraditional students. A former universi...