William Pepicello, Ph.D. President, University of Phoenix
Dr. Bill Pepicello was born and raised in Erie, PA, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Classics from Gannon University. He holds both master’s and doctorate degrees in Linguistics from Brown University and has held faculty positions at the University of Delaware, Temple University, and University of the Pacific. He has conducted research and published in the areas of classical languages, linguistics, psychology, anthropology, folklore, and humor studies.
Bill has held a number of administrative positions, including Department Chair for Classics at Temple University and Regional Dean for Southern California for National University. Bill came to University of Phoenix in 1995 where he served as the first Dean of the College of General and Professional Studies. He subsequently held the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs until 2000. At that time, he assumed the position of President of the University of Sarasota; he helped transform that institution into what is today known as Argosy University.
Bill returned to University of Phoenix in 2002 as the founding Dean of the School of Advanced Studies—housing the University’s doctoral programs. In November of 2003 he became Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and was promoted to Provost for the University in January of 2006.
In June 2006, Bill was made Acting President of University of Phoenix. In September 2006, after a national search, he was appointed President.
As the sixth president of the University of Phoenix, Dr. Pepicello is responsible for the leadership of the largest private university in the United States.
Bill is frequently requested as a guest and keynote speaker and has addressed audiences across the country regarding for-profit higher education, non-traditional education, and the changing landscape of American higher education.
Serving nationally as a consultant-evaluator, Bill sits on the Accreditation Review Council of the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits degree-granting higher education organizations.
Bill serves on the Commission for Postsecondary Education, under the Office of the Governor for the State of Arizona; sits on the Advisory Board of the Greater Phoenix Boys and Girls Clubs; is the Chairman of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council Board of Directors; and serves on the Boards of Directors of United Way as well as the Heard Museum.