Keep Up the Good Work University of Phoenix

On behalf of someone who represents traditional/brick and mortar institutions (47 publicly-supported black colleges and universities), I applaud your efforts to provide a high-quality education for a long-neglected population of degree-seekers, working adults.

Those who attack your efforts fail to acknowledge it was their unwillingness to offer educational options for this population that led to the creation of the University of Phoenix. Moreover, they seem unwilling to appreciate one of the true hallmarks of the American higher education system: CHOICE. From the 18-year-old who graduates from high school and enrolls in a traditional 4-year residential college to learn and grow academically and socially to the 40-something who needs to earn that coveted college degree while balancing demanding familial and work obligations, the American higher education system provides choices to ensure anyone who wants to improve their lot in life through the pursuit of a college degree can do so. The University of Phoenix has worked hard to fill that void for the non-traditional student.

Must the University of Phoenix improve in some key areas? Yes. But truth be told all of us need to do better. I, for one, would prefer support your efforts to make the necessary adjustments than pray for (and, in many instances, lobby for) your demise -- and leave tens of thousands of working adults with fewer choices and options to achieve their dreams.

There are many of us who want to see you and your management team be successful; too many hard-working Americans and their families are counting on you.

Yours in this work,

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (www.TMCF.org)