Ashford University lands in South Tempe

800 new jobs said to be coming to So. Tempe offices

Cheered by a backdrop of welcoming onlookers, ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held last week for a new educational institution and magnet for veterans coming soon to South Tempe.

Ashford University, in association with Bridgepoint Education, has been hailed as an alternative pathway for individuals in search of college degrees or potentially lasting careers.

With Ashford U. finally established here in the Valley, planners said the move will offer significant advantages, especially for military-affiliated students.

Arizona is said to be home to more than a half-million veterans, for whom the promise of higher education seems well-aimed.

The new location, on Kyrene Road just north of Elliot Road, is intended to house 800 new employees in coming years, part of a contingent that will expand the abilities and resources of the online education platform for all its members.

Inside the doors, students, faculty members and other visitors will find brand-new testing centers, work stations, advising offices and much more.

When discussing the goals of the launch in Tempe, CEO and founder Andrew Clark explained that the group’s intention is to “provide workforce development skills to Phoenix-area companies and employers, as well as nationwide.”

In the long run, officials of Bridgepoint Education and Ashford University say they hope to provide more jobs to the Phoenix area as well.

This new Tempe-headquartered division will act as a hub for the support and retention of college students who are pursuing degrees with the pair of education-focused companies. Students may contact advisers, enrollment counselors and support staff either virtually or face-to-face at the new facility.

Just across the threshold of this establishment stand the flags of this nation and its military, symbolizing Bridgepoint and Ashford’s admiration for those who served or are currently serving this country.

In addition to the demonstrated immense support of their students, the organization also provides a veterans center, which allows all veteran students to receive help from counselors in various fields.

Says Heather Albin, strategy manager for military and veterans services:

“In the veterans center, if a student comes in they can receive face-to-face advising from enrollment services, academic advising, registrar (which takes care of credit evaluations and matters like that), and militaryfinancial-aid assistance.”

Even if a veteran student is not affiliated with Ashford University and Bridgepoint Education, they may still utilize the veterans center, which includes a brand-new testing center and study lounge.

The organization prides itself in hiring individuals with military affiliation, and who emulate their core values in all areas of life. Some of these values include being passionate, trusted and taking ownership for one’s own actions.

“First and foremost,” said Philip Dana, of the Department of Human Resources and a 14-year Navy veteran, “we’re a value-based culture, so for us starting a new site and scaling significantly over the next few years, to me, as a human resources guy, it’s absolutely critical that we maintain a purpose driven, value-based culture.”

Dana emphasized that the 800 people they plan to bring onto the team must prove themselves to have the skills necessary to be a part of the organization that provides outstanding service and support for all their students.

“Naturally, we’re looking for folks who are passionate about education and changing lives.”

Bridgepoint Education and Ashford University provide over 60 online degrees, with 5-to-6-week classes starting 50 times per year for ample flexibility.

For more information regarding enrollment, military advisement and careers visit ashford.edu.