SAN DIEGO (July 1, 2008) - Shari Rodriguez, a communications professional with more than 20 years of experience, has been appointed director of public relations for Bridgepoint Education.

In this position, Rodriguez is responsible for developing the infrastructure, day-to-day operations and management of Bridgepoint Education's corporate public relations department. She is also responsible for public relations on behalf of its subsidiaries, Ashford University and University of the Rockies.

"In addition to her outstanding public relations and communications successes, Shari truly believes in our higher access to higher education philosophy," Diane Salucci, vice president of corporate communications, said. "It is a pleasure to have her on our team."

Prior to joining Bridgepoint Education, Rodriguez owned and operated Lemon Drop Productions, a San Diego-based communications and event planning public relations firm. During her career, she served in such roles as director of public relations for Mazzarella Caldarelli, a law firm; as interim director of community and public relations for the San Diego State University Research Foundation; and as assistant director of public relations for the San Diego Opera.

Before embarking on her public relations career, she was a television journalist on both coasts, serving as a news reporter and news anchor among other roles.

Rodriguez is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, the International Association of Business Communicators, the International Special Events Society, and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

To date, she has earned three PRSA Mark of Excellence awards, two Georgia Hospital Association Broadcast Media Recognition awards, and an Associated Press award for Excellence in Television reporting.

A second generation San Diego native, Rodriguez earned her bachelor's of arts degree in journalism from San Diego State University. She also holds Professional Certification in Meeting and Event Planning from the University.

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 education. Bridgepoint Education subsidiaries provide both traditional and online education offerings, in addition to recruiting and admissions services. Bridgepoint's comprehensive education services have helped thousands of students improve their lives and careers through higher education. For the second year, Bridgepoint Education was named by Inc. magazine as the fastest growing private education company in the United States. More information about Bridgepoint can be found at www.bridgepointeducation.com.