Minority Access, Inc. honors University of Phoenix for its efforts to promote diversity and close gaps in higher education attainment.
University of Phoenix announced that it received the Colleges and Universities Committed to Diversity Award from Minority Access, Inc. In October of 2017, the award was presented at Minority Access’s 18th annual National Role Models Conference in Washington D.C. *
This marked the third year we received this award, which recognizes our commitment to diversity as well as our efforts to: increase higher education opportunities for minority scholars; promote diversity; and close gaps in educational attainment.
“We are pleased to recognize University of Phoenix as a leader in helping underserved populations reach their educational goals,” said Mason Monroe, Director, Minority Access, Inc. “This not only helps enhance the students’ professional opportunities, but it also impacts those around them for generations to come.”
University of Phoenix has a 40-year-long tradition of serving the education needs of underserved and minority populations. Today, our student body exceeds both the national averages and institutional averages of minority demographics at colleges and universities.
Our student body and our instructors’ demographics are reflective of the multicultural fabric of America, with roughly 55 percent of our students and 29 percent of our teachers being ethnic minorities.
The majority of our students are working adults over 30 years old and first-generation college students comprised more than half of the student body in 2017. Additionally, 73 percent of the institution’s student body holds jobs while going to school, 66 percent are women, and 67 percent have dependents.
These statistics further emphasize the demand by working students to enhance their career opportunities through flexible academic programs.
“University of Phoenix continues to promote a culture where all students, faculty and staff feel included and valued,” said Angie Williams, Ed.D., University of Phoenix Dean of Multicultural Affairs & Diversity. “It is important that all who are seeking to further their education have the opportunity and feel welcomed.”
* Source: “University of Phoenix Recognized Nationally as an Institution Committed to Making Higher Education Accessible to Learners of Diverse Backgrounds”, Businesswire.com, October 2017
