University of Phoenix Named to AZ Big 100: 50 Arizona Businesses to Watch in 2024

The University is among esteemed companies noted for shaping the Arizona business community

University of Phoenix is pleased to announce that it has been selected for inclusion in the AZ Big 100 editorial section for the January/February issue of Az Business magazine.

"We are honored to be recognized on AZ Big Media’s AZ Big 100 Arizona Businesses to Watch list, which is a testament to the University of Phoenix's steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence," shares President Chris Lynne. "Standing among distinguished businesses shaping Arizona's future reflects our dedication to providing a quality education to our students and making a positive impact in our community."

This section features the 50 people and 50 companies that will help shape Arizona’s business landscape in 2024. The 2023 edition of AZ Big 100 was one of the most read features of the year — both online and in print.

“There are so many outstanding business leaders and innovative companies accomplishing a number of strategies and initiatives to improve their companies as well as the local business community,” says Amy Lindsey, publisher at AZ Big Media. “We take great pride in showcasing these dynamic people and organizations and helping our readers learn more about them and their plans for 2024.”

Selections for AZ Big 100 are based on a nominations process, which includes submissions by some of Arizona’s most prominent business leaders and former AZ Big 100 recipients.

University of Phoenix is highlighted on the list for its innovation and initiatives to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. The University of Phoenix’s commitment is seen in its efforts to provide accessible, equitable and diverse education through online learning, practitioner faculty, skills mapping, evolving program offerings, tuition guarantee and the Career Services for Life® commitment.

The University is working on initiatives to help diversify academic offerings based on market demands and trends from employers, generate high-impact non-degree programs and increase resources toward better serving students in their pursuit of career-relevant education. One such initiative is the University’s skills-mapped curriculum, developed over the last four years, which culminated in 100% of associate, bachelor and master’s degree programs open for new enrollment now being fully skills-mapped. University of Phoenix has issued 451,176 badges since September 2021, for skills obtained in undergraduate, graduate, and professional development courses.

“I am proud to say that our focus remains on the working adult learner,” Lynne states. “Our students’ average age is 38, and most have dependents while working full-time and juggling school. We continually innovate to help our students succeed and are excited about our work to close the gap between the classroom and the workplace by aligning degrees and courses to skills employers want. Our priority is and will continue to be serving non-traditional, adult students seeking a flexible, supportive environment where they can grow their skill sets and achieve professional and personal goals.”

University of Phoenix established the University of Phoenix Career Institute® to address systemic barriers to career advancement through research-based solutions and impactful partnerships, beginning with the annual Career Optimism Index ® study. The University has deepened this work’s scope by furthering collaboration with external partners like the project building social capital for Black learners and workers with Jobs for the Future’s Center for Racial Economic Equity, and with Motherly on the M.O.M. Report™ detailing the experiences and opportunities to support working mothers.

About AZ Big Media

For more than 35 years, AZ Big Media has been bringing readers the state's most compelling business, real estate and lifestyle news through the print editions of Az Business and AZRE magazines, Ranking Arizona, Az Business Leaders, Experience AZ, People & Projects to Know, Arizona Business Angels and Play Ball, the only official spring training publication of The Cactus League. The company’s news website — azbigmedia.com — serves as a complement to its print publications and incorporates up-to-the-minute breaking news, compelling business stories, C-Level executive editorial profiles and much more. Additionally, AZ Big Media's social media following is interested and engaged, and provides additional opportunities for news to be read, shared and discussed.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.