Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI), a leading provider of postsecondary education services, has announced the appointment of Sheryl Wright to the position of vice president of government affairs.  Reporting to Diane Thompson, senior vice president and general counsel, Wright is responsible for managing the relationships between Bridgepoint Education and local, state and federal government entities. 

“Sheryl’s experience, knowledge and leadership skills made her an excellent candidate for this position,” Thompson said.  “I value her integrity and insight, and I look forward to working with her in this capacity.  I speak on behalf of the rest of the executive team when I say she is a welcome addition to Bridgepoint.” 

A leader with more than 20 years of corporate government affairs experience, Wright comes to Bridgepoint Education from Sprint Nextel, Inc. located in Overland Park, Kansas, where she most recently served as vice president of government affairs.  During her tenure at Sprint she held numerous managerial positions in government affairs, regulatory affairs and public policy, during which time she received numerous recognitions including the Sprint Key Performer Award seven times and the 2005 Sprint Executive Leadership Award.  Prior to working at Sprint, Wright spent five years regulating public utilities on the staff of the Kansas Corporation Commission in Topeka, Kansas.  

Wright earned her master’s degree in business administration from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, and her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.  Wright’s professional affiliations include her work as a Public Affairs Council board member, a Women’s Network executive board member and alliance chairperson with the National Conference of State Legislatures, and a task force member with both the American Legislative Exchange Council and Council of State Governments.  

“Education is at the forefront of every elected official’s agenda; it is a cornerstone of our U.S. economic recovery,” Wright said.  “Bridgepoint is uniquely situated to offer quality affordable education and I’m excited to showcase this throughout the halls of state capitols and Congress.  I look forward to working with state and federal officials to forge positive public policy.”  

About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education’s postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in the disciplines of business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences.  Bridgepoint Education’s regionally accredited academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, respectively.