The University of Phoenix, which recently dethroned FAMU as the top producer of blacks with baccalaureates, is stepping up its efforts to compete with FAMU and other Florida universities.Last week, Phoenix announced a partnership with the Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund to provide access to nursing education and help ensure the future of quality healthcare. Through this partnership, two full-tuition scholarships will be offered to nurses pursuing advanced degrees in the state of Florida.
Odessa Chambliss was the mother of Lucille O'Neal and grandmother of Shaquille O'Neal and Ayesha Harrison - both University of Phoenix graduates. The Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund was established in 1998, after her death, to honor her commitment to the nursing profession for over 16 years.
Phoenix has offered nursing programs for 25 years. It established a ground presence in Florida more than a decade ago. Since the opening of the first campus in Orlando, the University has expanded to include 17 locations statewide including its four main Florida campuses and affiliated learning and resource centers. With a variety of degree programs, University of Phoenix-Florida currently serves more than 18,000 students. The state's four campuses include Central Florida, North Florida, South Florida and West Florida.
FAMU’s administration has pinpointed distance education as one of priority areas in its strategic initiatives. Phoenix’s increasing presence as major FAMU competitor shows that the university needs to kick those planning and implementation processes into high gear.