Educator, medical marijuana advocate, John Sperling, 93, dies — Our prayers are with the family

Screen Shot 2014-08-24 at 4.18.46 PMThe founder of the University of Phoenix, Dr. John G. Sperling, has died, according to a statement posted on the Apollo Education Group’s website. He was 93.

The statement said Sperling passed away Friday at a hospital in the San Francisco Bay area. No cause was given.

Sperling founded the Institute for Professional Development in 1972, followed by the University of Phoenix, a degree program aimed at working adults, in 1978. The for-profit university was one of the first to develop online degree programs.

The University of Phoenix is one of the largest private universities in the United States with more than a million students, alumni, faculty and employees, according to the Apollo Group, its parent company.

He was one of the first to advocate for medical marijuana.

Share this!

Additional Articles

News Categories

Get Our Twice Weekly Newsletter!

* indicates required

Rose Law Group pc values “outrageous client service.” We pride ourselves on hyper-responsiveness to our clients’ needs and an extraordinary record of success in achieving our clients’ goals. We know we get results and our list of outstanding clients speaks to the quality of our work.