PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The New Year brings new opportunities for University of Phoenix to serve American working adults around the world who are determined to accomplish their higher education goals and pursue careers in their chosen field of interest. Today, the University celebrates its students and alumni by showcasing one alumnus in the University’s next brand campaign launching this week, who has demonstrated the dedication and perseverance it takes as a working adult, parent and caretaker to achieve successful education and career outcomes – Carlos Ramirez.

“Working adults are the backbone of this country, and at University of Phoenix we understand that when we help them succeed as students, we help the country succeed at large,” said Timothy P. Slottow, president of University of Phoenix. “By offering career-relevant higher education, we help Americans gain needed skills, enhance their career or even start a new business. When they earn their degree, they not only change their prospects in life, but change the life of the family they support and the children who look up to them as role models. Carlos Ramirez’s story truly represents the same spirit you see in the thousands of students we serve. His accomplishments are a testament to his unyielding drive. It’s the same drive that so many of our students show as they strive to advance themselves, their families and their communities. It’s the drive that powers the American dream.”

Ramirez was born in Mexicali, Mexico. At age 15, his family of six moved to the United States, seeking a better life. As the oldest child, Ramirez was often left in charge of his three siblings while his parents worked long hours. Far from being daunted or discouraged, he rose to the challenge, caring for his younger siblings and learning compassion and the power of leadership. Ramirez also helped his family by working odd jobs, including working in local fields and at fast food restaurants, developing a strong work ethic. As he quickly assimilated to his new environment, he further developed his charisma and built strong relationships.

Within two years of finishing high school, Ramirez was studying nursing at his local community college and was hired at El Centro Regional Medical Center as an emergency department aide while finishing his nursing degree. As his career progressed, he realized he needed to go back to school to sharpen and enhance his nursing skills. He enrolled at University of Phoenix, completed his Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing degrees and is a student today, pursuing a doctoral degree in healthcare administration.

“My University of Phoenix education has helped me enhance my nursing skills as well as my leadership and management abilities in healthcare administration,” said Ramirez, executive director of AccentCare, a national leader in post-acute home healthcare services, providing comprehensive care, guidance and support for a wide variety of needs. “And my achievements in life go far beyond my education and career. Being one of four siblings, a husband and father of three, I have successfully encouraged family members to pursue their education and career goals. Plus, as a healthcare provider and educator in a local area that has a high demand for professionals with similar backgrounds, I have the opportunity to change lives in my community on a daily basis by helping guide future healthcare providers in their careers and providing care to those who need it most.”

University of Phoenix has specialized in serving a diverse group of students including working adults and parents since its founding more than 40 years ago. Through its ongoing work to provide resources tailored to these students, and courses aligned with the industry skills and competencies modern employers are looking for, the University has continued to evolve with the needs of its students. Recently released data about University of Phoenix students from the 2015 Academic Annual Report, shows that 76 percent work while earning degrees, 67 percent have dependents at home, 45 percent are underrepresented minorities and 60 percent are first-generation college students.

For more information about University of Phoenix programs, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the program and other important information, please visit phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.

About University of Phoenix®

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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