Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a provider of postsecondary education services focused on providing higher access to higher education, has announced the promotion of Ashford University's Provost, Dr. Elizabeth Tice, to the position of university president.

Dr. Tice brings 24 years of teaching and administrative experience in higher education to her new role. She has served as Ashford's provost since 2005.  Dr. Tice has held multiple academic positions throughout her career, demonstrating extensive experience in curriculum, governance, assessment, and accreditation.

"I'd like to congratulate Dr. Tice on her new role as president of Ashford University," stated Bridgepoint Education Chief Executive Officer Andrew Clark. "The commitment and insight she displayed as Provost of the university clearly demonstrates her suitability to now take the lead at Ashford."

Outgoing university president, Dr. Jane McAuliffe, has been serving as Ashford University's president and as Bridgepoint Education's chief academic officer. She will now concentrate her efforts towards both of Bridgepoint's academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – and assume the role of Bridgepoint Education's Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer while Dr. Tice takes the reins as president of Ashford.

"While I will miss being president of Ashford University, Elizabeth Tice is the perfect person to fill the role," said Dr. McAuliffe. "I expect great things from Dr. Tice."

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education's postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in such disciplines as business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education's regionally accredited academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.