University of Phoenix
On May 17, the University of Idaho abruptly announced its plan to acquire the University of Phoenix, sending shockwaves through the state’s education and political circles.
At $685 million, it could be the largest and most polarizing transaction in Idaho higher education history. The U of I insists the deal will be a moneymaker. But Phoenix, a for-profit online giant with an enrollment of 85,000 students, is saddled with a checkered history and a tarnished reputation. Idaho Education News’ Kevin Richert has closely followed this story for months, breaking news and fighting for the public’s right to know.
UPDATED: Supreme Court sides with Labrador on Phoenix lawsuit
The ruling throws yet another wrench into the University of Idaho’s $685 million bid to acquire the University of Phoenix.
Analysis: The U of I-Phoenix talks, and where things stand
It’s been 139 days since the proposed University of Idaho-University of Phoenix megadeal was last in the public eye. All of that will probably change in January, when the Legislature returns.
What we learned from the U of I’s bills — and what it cost us to find out
For the second time this year, Idaho Education News spent its own money to see how the University of Idaho is spending public money.
In depth: U of I’s Phoenix-related bills reach $14.2 million, and counting
The University of Idaho has run up $3.9 million in Phoenix-related costs so far this year — as legislative opposition to the purchase has galvanized.
Phoenix says it is ‘committed’ to Idaho, and negotiating with lawmakers
“This extension provides time for important collaboration with important stakeholders and leaders in Idaho, including the Idaho Legislature,” the University of Phoenix said in a statement to Idaho Education News Tuesday.
‘We hope to keep them interested:’ U of I gets more time to negotiate a Phoenix deal
The extension could give a skeptical Legislature the last word on the controversial purchase.
New revelations, new wrinkles in Supreme Court hearing on Phoenix sale
The state’s highest court took up the year-old open meetings case Thursday, but issued no ruling. Here’s what we learned and what we heard.
Analysis: Win or lose, Labrador’s lawsuit has already jeopardized the Phoenix sale
It’s been almost a year since Idaho’s attorney general filed a lawsuit over the proposed University of Phoenix acquisition. The slow-walking case is one big reason the $685 million purchase totters on shaky ground.
‘Phoenix or bust:’ As a plan to rework the purchase flamed out, frustrations flared
Idaho Education News reviewed hundreds of pages of internal emails, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Statehouse debate over the proposed University of Phoenix megadeal.
UPDATED: With U of I deal in limbo, Phoenix seeks to talk to other buyers
According to State Board of Education emails, Phoenix’s owners want to negotiate with other would-be buyers — and the University of Idaho could receive “breakup fees” if its offer doesn’t come to fruition.