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.

Analysis: What we know about the Phoenix sweepstakes, despite the U of I’s silence

The University of Idaho wasn’t the only bidder for the University of Phoenix, a for-profit online giant. That is clear. The rest of the story is more complicated.

NewU vs. NewU: The anatomy of a U of I branding dispute

The University of Idaho dropped the brand after a lawyer for Washington, D.C.-based NewU University began demanding money.

Analysis: Labrador-State Board legal fight transcends closed meetings

The lawsuit is a juicy political showdown between Attorney General Raúl Labrador and the State Board of Education — and by extension, Gov. Brad Little. Here’s why this case matters.

Labrador lawsuit challenges closed-door, U of I-Phoenix purchase discussions

“The people of Idaho deserve to know about a transaction of this magnitude before it happens, not to have it presented to them as a fait accompli,” the attorney general’s office said in a lawsuit, filed Tuesday.

Lawmakers grill Green on U of I-Phoenix purchase

Legislative budget-writers raised serious questions about the U of I’s closed-door negotiations with the University of Phoenix — and the potential financial risks from the $685 million megadeal.

The details of the U of I-University of Phoenix deal — and C. Scott Green’s case for the move

How will the U of I-Phoenix megadeal work? And why does President C. Scott Green believe it’s time to make a deal? Listen here.

President Green: U of Phoenix purchase is vital to U of I’s long-term viability

If the U of I doesn’t expand, it will be left to compete in a shrinking market, for a limited number of college-bound 18- to 22-year-olds. “Frankly, in my opinion, not all institutions in this country will survive,” Green said in an Idaho Education News podcast interview.

Analysis: A high-stakes, high-risk deal that will make or break a legacy

The University of Idaho stands to gain or lose millions from the proposed University of Phoenix purchase. For better or worse, President C. Scott Green’s tenure at his alma mater will be measured against this balance sheet.

State Board greenlights U of I’s $550 million University of Phoenix purchase

U of I officials say the acquisition promises a cash infusion of $10 million or more a year. Meanwhile, the U of I would guarantee up to $10 million a year to backstop bond payments on the purchase.