University focuses on those trying to juggle school with other obligations

Carlos Ramirez recently became the new “poster child” for the University of Phoenix’s latest campaign to reach working adults.

Ramirez’s story illustrates the university’s ongoing effort to broaden its appeal to workers who have to juggle the responsibilities of home life with the demands of earning a degree while working.

Handling multiple priorities is nothing new for the Mexican native, who took odd jobs and finished homework while babysitting his younger brothers and sisters after his family immigrated to the United States.

Years later, Ramirez completed his master’s degree in nursing at the University of Phoenix while working at El Centro Regional Medical Center. The husband and father of three is now executive director of AccentCare, a home health care provider.

“My University of Phoenix education has helped me enhance my nursing skills as well as my leadership and management abilities in health care administration,” he said. “I have the opportunity to change lives in my community on a daily basis.”

The university says Ramirez is the type of student it has catered to over its 40-year history. Three out of four of its students work while pursing degrees, while six in 10 are the first in their families to attend college.

“By offering career-relevant higher education, we help Americans gain needed skills, enhance their career(s) or even start a new business,” said Phoenix President Timothy P. Slottow.