Clinton Mayor Mark Vulich says the city had no advance notice about the closing of the Ashford campus announced late Thursday. He said the only information he had was what was released the media. ‘Read more’ for further details and information about the Ashford properties, enrollment and staff size impacted by closing
Vulich said he did intend to reach out to Ashford to see what help the city can be to employees and learn more about the situation.
The announcement of the closing of the Clinton campus came in a statement from Bridgepoint Education-the parent company of Ashford. The campus will remain open for one more year-the 2015-2016 school year and close in May 2016. Bridgepoint purchased the college in 2005 and the school became a private for-profit institution.
Vice President of Public Relations for Bridgepont Shari Winet did provide some addition answers to KROS via email.
She said the University will review all options for the campus buildings and other properties. With school open for another year, Winet said the properties will be in use for that time.
Winet said the enrollment at the Clinton campus has fallen well below 500 students. She also provided information that about 150 employees on the Clinton campus will be impacted with the closings.
Officials were not available for immediate interviews, but Winet said they may be available later.
Clinton City Administrator Jessica Kinser confirmed that a Tax Increment Financing rebate agreement reached when Bridgepoint purchased the Clinton campus was paid off in 2012.
She said the city is saddened by the news and for the employees who are losing jobs and the students who are going to have to find another education institution. Kinser added Ashford is a large part of the community and will leave a void.
Chamber Of Commerce Executive Nathan Sondgeroth said it’s sad news..
Sondgeroth says there are more questions than answers He added the Chamber and Clinton Regional Development Corporation will work cooperatively on trying to find some answers and working the company.
The Chamber Executive says the community can start looking at what has happened in other communities.
The announcement said the current in the call center and on-line center and Sondgeroth says they will work to insure those jobs are safeguarded for the long-run and possibly increased.
