Bridgepoint Education, recognized in August 2008 as the fastest growing private education company in the nation by Inc. magazine, has announced the appointment of Diane Thompson to the position of Senior Vice President/General Counsel. Thompson will report directly to Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Clark.
Prior to joining the Bridgepoint team, Thompson spent 11 years with the Apollo Group, a multi-billion dollar for-profit education company. Most recently, she held the title of Chief Human Resources Officer. In this position, Thompson managed the overall strategic direction of the Human Resources function for Apollo and its subsidiaries; including compliance, benefits and compensation, legal issues management, payroll , employment law and diversity initiatives.
“Over the years, I’ve taken on a number of roles in law, education and human resources management,” said Thompson. “I’m very excited to start this new chapter of my professional life as Bridgepoint Education’s Senior Vice President/General Counsel.”
During her career, Thompson also served as Director of Operations for Animal Foundation International in Phoenix, AZ; as Deputy County Attorney for the Pima County Attorney’s Office; and as Director of Special Education for the Indian Oasis School District in Sells, AZ.
“Thompson’s extensive background in law and human resources management is impressive,” said Clark. “She is an expert in her field, and a welcome addition to the Bridgepoint executive management team.”
Thompson holds a J.D. from the University of Arizona, College of Law, in Tucson, AZ. She earned her master’s degree in Women’s Studies from Antioch University in San Francisco, CA, and her bachelor’s degree in Special Education from St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, MN. Thompson has been a member of the Arizona State Bar since 1992.
About Bridgepoint Education
Based in San Diego, Bridgepoint Education was founded on the principle that anyone who is academically prepared deserves access to higher education without sacrificing quality, transferability of credits, accessibility, academic standards, or credentials. As an independent, private higher education company, Bridgepoint is committed to serving the millions of adults seeking an affordable alternative to high priced higher education. Bridgepoint Education subsidiaries provide both traditional and online education offerings, in addition to recruiting and admissions services. Our comprehensive education services have helped thousands of students improve their lives and careers through higher education. In August 2008, for the second year in a row, Bridgepoint Education was named by Inc. magazine as the fastest growing private education company in the United States. For more information, please contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513 or visit www.bridgepointeducation.com.