The Board of Trustees for University of the Rockies, an academic institution owned by Bridgepoint Education, has appointed Dr. Craig Swenson to the position of interim president. The appointment of Dr. Swenson will help to ease the transition while the Board of Trustees completes the search for a replacement for retiring University of the Rockies president Dr. Charlita Shelton. Dr. Swenson’s interim presidency will begin on April 27.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Swenson has displayed a clear institutional vision and an understanding of academic and technological innovation – characteristics that will serve him well as he leads University of the Rockies,” said Carolyn Baker, University of the Rockies’ board of trustees chair. “I would also like to thank Dr. Shelton for the six years she has spent leading University of the Rockies and growing the institution into a leading graduate school for the social and behavioral sciences.”

Dr. Swenson comes to University of the Rockies with more than 30 years of experience in higher education. Most recently, he was chancellor emeritus and professor of higher education administration at Argosy University. He has previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Western Governors University, and as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Phoenix. Dr. Swenson is also currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Utah, a master’s degree in Organizational Communication from Brigham Young University, and a doctorate in Education, with an emphasis on Adult and Organizational Learning, from Walden University.

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) harnesses the latest technology to reimagine the modern student experience. Bridgepoint’s technologies, including Waypoint Outcomes^®, enhance the way people learn in the digital age. Bridgepoint owns two academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies. Together, these programs, technologies, and resources represent a unique model for advancing education in the 21st century. Bridgepoint stands for greater access, social learning, and exposure to leading minds. For more information, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com, www.facebook.com/BridgepointEducation, or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a leading graduate school of the social and behavioral sciences that offers programs for students seeking their PhD, PsyD, or Master of Arts degree. Students may take classes at a state-of-the-art instructional site in downtown Denver, Colo., or work toward degrees online from anywhere in the country. Whether face-to-face or online, University of the Rockies students enjoy the same access to industry professionals, research, and publishing opportunities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu/, www.facebook.com/UniversityoftheRockies, www.twitter.com/URockies, or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.