Media Center
In the News...
University of Phoenix leaders and initiatives on AI, higher ed, the changing workforce, how employers can meet the moment and more.
Welcome to our media relations newsroom
Welcome to the University of Phoenix online newsroom — a resource hub designed to support accurate, timely reporting and informed coverage. Here you’ll find University announcements, earned media highlights, research and thought leadership, and an experts guide to help connect you with knowledgeable voices on topics related to workforce trends, adult learning and higher education innovation.
In addition to institutional information, the newsroom includes approved boilerplate language, downloadable logos and photos, and media contacts to support efficient requests and fact-checking.
If you're a reporter and would like to contact us, please call our media hotline or email media@phoenix.edu. Please include your name, publication, the nature of your story and deadline date.
Experts
University of Phoenix’s experts and thought leaders are available to provide perspective and commentary across timely topics including:
- Leadership experience and expertise
- Workforce trends and career mobility
- Technology and innovation
- Education and online learning
- Health and wellness
- Business and leadership
Need an expert? Have a question? Contact us.
Andrea Smiley
Vice President, Public Relations
andrea.smiley@phoenix.edu
Sharla Hooper
Senior Director, External Communications & Media Relations
sharla.hooper@phoenix.edu
Michele Mitchum
Manager, External Communications
michele.mitchum@phoenix.edu
Thought leadership
This area of the newsroom features original research, white papers, expert commentary and data-informed perspectives designed to support journalists covering higher education, workforce trends, and the evolving needs of working adult learners. Content is grounded in academic rigor and intended to add context and practical insight to stories shaping the future of work and education.
Media Center information
Public Relations
Andrea Smiley
Vice President, Public Relations
M. 480-560-9214
Andrea.Smiley@phoenix.edu
Media Relations
Sharla Hooper
Director, External Communications & Media Relations
T. 602-254-0086
sharla.hooper@phoenix.edu
Government Affairs
Conwey Casillas
Vice President, Federal Relations & Public Affairs
M. 202-365-6775
Conwey.Casillas@phoenix.edu
We ask that reporters provide questions and the precise subject matter and nature of their story when calling for an interview or to obtain information about the University.
Reporters wishing to interview University leaders, staff, faculty, students or alumni can contact a representative of University of Phoenix through the media hotline at 602.254.0086 or by sending an email to media@phoenix.edu.
We realize that story deadlines are often tight and we will do our best to accommodate these deadlines. For urgent requests, voicemails left at 602.254.0086 can help expedite response time.
Members of the media may not photograph, record or interview faculty, employees, alumni or students at a University of Phoenix Campus or learning center without the advanced permission and assistance of the University. To request on-campus filming at least 48 hours in advance, please contact the media hotline at 602-254-0086 or email media@phoenix.edu.
Images, logos, videos, expert bios and University data are available to help media share news and information about the University. To request additional information, please contact the media hotline at 602-254-0086 or email media@phoenix.edu.
Each year, the University produces its Academic Annual Report (AAR) to provide highlights of educational quality and academic success. In the AAR, you'll find faculty demographics, graduation and retention rates, student outcomes and much more. View and download the current report at Academic Annual Report.
Legally permitted requests for information about the University, including, but not limited to, campus safety information, transcripts, police reports and other records requests are available to the public. To file a request, please contact the media hotline at 602-254-0086 or email media@phoenix.edu.
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.
We recently experienced a cybersecurity incident involving the Oracle E-Business Suite software platform (“Oracle EBS”). Upon detecting the incident on November 21, 2025, we promptly took steps to investigate and respond with the assistance of leading third-party cybersecurity firms. We determined that, like many other organizations, including other colleges and universities, an unauthorized third-party exploited a previously unknown software vulnerability in Oracle EBS to exfiltrate certain data within the University’s Oracle EBS environment. We promptly installed Oracle EBS software patches to remediate the vulnerability following their release in October 2025. We believe that the unauthorized third-party obtained certain personal information, including names and contact information, dates of birth, social security numbers, and bank account and routing numbers with respect to numerous current and former students, employees, faculty and suppliers was accessed without authorization. We continue to review the impacted data and will provide the required notifications to affected individuals and regulatory entities. Affected individuals will soon receive a letter via US Mail outlining the details of the incident and next steps to take.
We have notified law enforcement of the incident and will continue to assist them in their investigation. We are also offering affected individuals complimentary identity protection services through IDX, a leader in consumer identity protection. These services include credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, a $1 million identity fraud loss reimbursement policy, and fully managed identity theft recovery services. The details of how to enroll will be outlined in the letter impacted individuals will soon receive.
If you have questions, please contact us at info@phoenix.edu.
After two years exploring an affiliation and engaging with stakeholders in the State of Idaho, University of Phoenix made the decision to end our exploration of the affiliation with University of Idaho and end our agreement with Four Three Education, a non-profit affiliated with University of Idaho, for the acquisition of University of Phoenix.