Bridgepoint Education (BPE) is an independent, for-profit higher education company offering post secondary education to adults. Both of BPE’s high-quality academic institutions, Ashford University and University of the Rockies are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org).

The mission of Bridgepoint Education is to provide high quality, innovative education services to enrich the lives and communities the company serves.  

HISTORY

BPE launched in January 2004 and stands firm on the principle that education improves lives. BPE started with a small staff and is now a team of more than 4,000 employees residing in California, Arizona, Iowa and Colorado. 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Andrew Clark joined Bridgepoint Education in December 2003. Prior to becoming CEO of Bridgepoint Education, Mr. Clark worked and consulted with several private equity firms examining the post-secondary sector. He has served in various management roles for the University of Phoenix, culminated in his position as Regional Vice President for the Mid-West region. Mr. Clark earned his M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. from Pacific Lutheran University. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrew Clark, CEO and President
Ryan Craig, President, Healthy Living Academies
Robert Hartman, former Chairman and CEO, Universal Technical Institute
Ardash Sarma, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus
Dale Crandall, President, Piedmont Corporate Advisors, Inc.
Patrick Hackett, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus

ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS

ASHFORD UNIVERSITY (AU)- Founded in 1918, AU is a private academic institution, purchased by Bridgepoint Education in 2005, that provides a variety of on-campus and online associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs ranging from an Associate of Arts in Business to a Master of Business Administration. The AU campus is located in Clinton, Iowa, along the Mississippi River, and its corporate headquarters are based in San Diego, California.

UNIVERSITY OF THE ROCKIES (UoR) - UoR was founded in 1998 as the Colorado School of Professional Psychology located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and was later purchased in September 2007 by Bridgepoint Education. UoR provides a professional graduate education in psychology to individuals who seek licensure as psychologists or practice in other arenas of the profession. UoR offers both on-campus and online graduate degree programs in the Master of Arts in Psychology and the Doctor of Psychology. 

As of September 30, 2009, total student enrollment (ground/campus and online, including both Ashford University and University of the Rockies) is 54,894.

CORPORATE CULTURE

BPE has built its corporate culture around its core values: ethics, integrity, service and accountability. Ethics is a central part of employee training and is reinforced on a daily basis. Integrity in the way we treat both internal and external constituents is paramount to Bridgepoint

Education’s success. Service at the highest level is expected and recognized. Last, accountability toward one’s co-workers, students and role within the organization has allowed Bridgepoint Education to cultivate a high-quality management team. 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

BPE is dedicated to supporting the lives and communities the company serves. The company plays an active role in community giving and pays much respect to those in the education field, particularly, those who are teachers. BPE sponsors a Teacher Scholarship Program and Teacher Appreciation Night, as well as the Salute to Teacher program that recognizes our country’s finest educators. The company has also given back to the community through donations to organizations such as Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Make-a-Wish Foundation and Junior Achievement to name a few.

Web Address: www.bridgepointeducation.com
Address: 13500 Evening Creek Drive North, Suite 600, San Diego, California 92128-8104
Toll Free: 866-475-0317
Local: 858-668.2586
Fax: 858-391-5726
Media Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858-668.2580

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          08.12.09