SAN DIEGO, CA (October 14, 2008) – Bridgepoint Education, recognized by Inc. magazine in its September 2008 issue as the fastest growing private education company in the United States, today announced the appointment of Dr. Charlita L. Shelton as president of its University of the Rockies in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Dr. Shelton comes to University of the Rockies with nearly 18 years of higher education experience. She began her career at San Diego’s Kelsey-Jenney College where she served as a proctor, an assistant dean, director of career services, and director of community outreach and student/alumni relations. In 1997, Dr. Shelton joined the University of Phoenix where she began as an academic counselor and later became the director of academic affairs for the university’s San Diego campus.  In 1999, Dr. Shelton was promoted to the University of Phoenix’s Detroit campus where she served as the regional executive director of academic affairs.  Two years later, in 2001, she returned to Phoenix to become the university’s associate vice president for campus academic affairs and organizational diversity. Since 2006, Dr. Shelton has served as the organizational diversity officer for Apollo Group, Inc., also in Phoenix, Arizona.

"As we searched for our next leader of the University of the Rockies, Dr. Shelton’s experience in academics and student services, along with her passion and expertise in diversity, stood out," said Andrew Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Bridgepoint Education. "We are extremely pleased that Dr. Shelton will be leading our team in Colorado Springs as we continue to build upon the mission of this fine University."

Most recently, Dr. Shelton was named a 2007 “Diversity Champion” by the Arizona Society for Human Resource Management Diversity Leadership Alliance.  She was one of several nominees for the award, and one of only two finalists.  She also served in the United States Marine Corp in the 1980s, is a published author, is a member of many professional associations, and has served on the board for many community organizations including The Shanti Group which provides housing, education, and direct client services to individuals and families of those infected with HIV/AIDS.

“Dr. Shelton’s commitment to diversity is just one of the many reasons we wanted 
her to lead the University of the Rockies,” said Don Bird, Chairman of the Board 
for the University of the Rockies.  “It became quite evident early on in the 
interview process that she embraced the mission of the University and she was
able to connect with the team.  She clearly demonstrated that she values diverse 
groups of individuals who are pursuing a quality graduate education.”

“We feel confident and proud to put Dr. Charlita Shelton at the helm of our 
University of the Rockies,” added Clark.  “We look forward to having 
her on our team.

Dr. Shelton has a bachelor's degree in communications from Western Michigan University; a master’s degree in educational administration from National University in San Diego, California; a master’s degree in human development, with an emphasis in cultural diversity, from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California; and a Ph.D. in human development, with an emphasis in cultural diversity, also from Fielding Graduate University.

About Bridgepoint Education
Based in San Diego, California, 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. The organization’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. For more information, please visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About University of the Rockies

Colorado Springs-based University of the Rockies offers highly specialized psychology programs at the masters and doctorate levels. University of the Rockies is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It also operates the University of the Rockies Foundation, which offers free and low cost psychological services to the underprivileged through its Switzer Center. Formerly the Colorado School of Professional Psychology, the University of Rockies is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bridgepoint Education. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858-513-9240 x2513.