Former student body president: Urgent plea to preserve University of Idaho integrity | Opinion

As a concerned alumnus and dedicated member of the university community, I feel compelled to address a recent decision that is deeply troubling.

Having served as an executive leader in universities across the United States and Canada, and having direct experience building substantial online educational operations, I am genuinely concerned about the future of our beloved institution following the University of Idaho’s announced intention to acquire the beleaguered University of Phoenix.

The University of Idaho has long been revered for its hard-earned reputation as Idaho’s premier institution, instilling pride and loyalty among its alumni, faculty, donors, students, and staff.

However, this decision to associate with and acquire the University of Phoenix has not only compromised the esteemed reputation of our university but also degraded the trust placed in the administration by students, parents, taxpayers and thousands of alumni.

Without a doubt, it is a sound strategic decision to broaden the university’s reach and cater to the educational needs of both traditional students and adult learners with advanced online accessibility, albeit a few years overdue.

However, seeking to catch up with peers and competitors by acquiring a tarnished company and brand will only invite the tumultuous environment of the University of Phoenix into our midst, rather than resolving the underlying issue at hand.

The potential consequences of this ill-fated decision are far-reaching and could cause irreparable damage to the academic reputation and future success of the University of Idaho.

The University of Phoenix is widely regarded as one of the worst brands in post-secondary education, with a history marred by controversy, poor student outcomes, and questionable practices, as evidenced by its loss of student enrollment measured in the hundreds of thousands.

Aligning the esteemed name of the University of Idaho with such an entity undermines our institution’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and diminishes the hard work and accomplishments of our dedicated faculty, staff and students as well as violates the trust of parents and donors.

As a former executive in post-secondary education, I have personally witnessed the importance of safeguarding an institution’s reputation. It requires thoughtful decision-making, a commitment to quality and a profound understanding of the impact such decisions have on students, alumni and the broader community. The acquisition of the University of Phoenix, a brand associated with widespread skepticism and criticism, raises significant concerns about the future direction of the University of Idaho.

Years after graduating from the University of Idaho as student body president, filled with immense pride and wonderful memories, I have passionately promoted and supported our university. I have been an unwavering champion of Vandal athletics and have always felt a great sense of pride in my alma mater.

However, today, I must confess that this is the first time I feel a profound sense of discouragement as an alumnus of the University of Idaho.

It is truly disheartening to consider the potential harm inflicted upon our university’s academic reputation and the erosion of the cherished values that have established the University of Idaho as a symbol of excellence. The affiliation with the University of Phoenix not only jeopardizes our university’s legacy and undermines the aspirations of our students, but it also diminishes the value of the degrees and diplomas earned by thousands of alumni.

I earnestly urge President Scott Green, the administration of the University of Idaho, and the Idaho State Board of Education to reconsider the proposed acquisition of the University of Phoenix.

I implore the leadership to actively explore far more favorable alternatives for the university to embrace in its pursuit of expanding its online presence and to abandon this detrimental “shortcut” that undermines the true essence of building a thriving online university community.

It is my earnest hope that the University of Idaho will reject this proposed acquisition, recognizing the potential long-term consequences and the profound impact on its stakeholders.

The University of Idaho deserves a future that upholds the principles of academic excellence, integrity and an unwavering dedication to student success.

This story was originally published May 25, 2023 at 4:00 AM.