Higher-ed veteran takes helm of Springfield campus

Robyn Criswell-Bloom, a Missouri native, most recently served as campus director for University of Phoenix in Cincinnati, but she is bringing more than 20 years of experience in higher education to southwest Missouri.

“After being away from my home state for the last two years, I am quite excited to be continuing my educational career pursuits in Missouri,” Criswell-Bloom said in a news release.

“This area provides opportunities for those seeking higher education and the University of Phoenix campus gives working adults a viable option for quality learning.”

In her new position, she will oversee operations, academics, finance and marketing, and she will report to Robert Paul, Midwest regional vice president for the University of Phoenix.

Criswell-Bloom holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Science degree from Central Missouri State University, where she worked for 19 years in several positions, including director of extended campus and distance learning. She is completing a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

University of Phoenix opened its Springfield campus in 2004. In 2005, school officials reported local enrollment of 400 for Springfield Business Journal’s list of higher-learning institutions. The school declined to update information for the 2006 listing, citing school policy that prohibits the release of local enrollment figures.

The school does not use an entrance exam for its students, most of whom are working adults aiming to enhance their educations.

This year, the school has added criminal justice administration to its degree offerings, along with a degree in health-care management.