University of Arizona officially launches online global campus

PHOENIX — The University of Arizona’s Global Campus has officially opened to nearly 35,000 students, the school announced in a press release Tuesday.

The campus operates completely online and aims to serve nontraditional and underrepresented students around the world with a high-quality, affordable education.

The school also announced the appointments of Nivine Megahed as chair of the Global Campus board of directors and Paul Pastorek as interim CEO.

To form the online institution, UArizona purchased the assets of Ashford University in August from Zovio Inc., a Chandler-based education technology services company.

The transition was finalized this week after the school was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission in early November.

“We have a tremendous opportunity here to build upon an established program and build an educational ecosystem that works for working students,” Pastorek said in the release.

The online university offers more than 60 degree programs, with classes offered in continuous five or six week terms. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees.

Craig Swenson was appointed Global Campus president. He had served as Ashford’s president since 2016.

“Our first priority is to ensure a smooth transition for Ashford University students to The University of Arizona Global Campus,” Swenson said. “Beyond that, our new affiliation with the University of Arizona will provide additional resources and opportunities to foster student learning and achievement.”

Follow @KTAR923