Jones International University, Englewood (JIUE) has remained strong in its progress since its inception in 1993. Glenn R. Jones’ idea started in 1987, when he launched the cable television network Mind Extension University, which let over 30,000 students to view courses from over 30 colleges and universities. Jones International University was then accredited by the Higher Learning Commission in 1999, making it the first wholly online university in the United States.
Despite its promising start, JIUE ran into significant difficulties and had to temporarily stop operations. JIUE chose to shut its doors on March 31, 2015, after 22 years of steady service and the provision of high-quality university education to countless students throughout the globe. The decision was made in part owing to a drop in enrolment and the necessity for financial restructuring.
At the time, 2,000 students had to transfer credits or drop out of school. When the time came, however, JIUE did not desert its pupils. JIUE authorized the winding down operations for the students who would complete that year to extend roughly a year to 15 months so that the Class of 2015 would not have to transfer to finish their degree.
In 2017, the school reopened for the Spring semester. The reopening was made possible by a USD 3.5 million EEI investment, as well as a USD 15 million operating reserve investment and a $5 million yearly research and development investment in the University’s Finance, Business, and Economics sections. These contributions have enabled the University to continue to fund programs for its students in more than 70 countries throughout the world.
JIUE “wants to further enhance capacity in the College of Business and Economics, notably in the finance, management, and marketing areas,” according to President Dr. Henry S. Wyatt. The investments make it feasible for the University to increase its capabilities.
Education went on without a hitch until the University ran upon another stumbling block. In the years 2020 and 2021, it was the Covid epidemic that wrecked devastation over the planet.
During the Covid epidemic, the issues that the University encountered in 2015 were essentially duplicated. This placed a burden on the University’s current resources, as well as worsening some of the issues they were already facing. Despite the fact that they were able to continue functioning, there were a number of obstacles.
The outbreak caused a plethora of logistical challenges for schools and organizations alike. Some students were concerned about a range of issues, ranging from technology issues to motivational issues. The lack of feedback and engagement between students and instructors has been a tough issue to overcome. Jones International University, like many other schools throughout the globe, was impacted by the virus, and managing it as a higher education institution was not easy. Fortunately, the University has persevered in the face of adversity.
The outbreak provided an opportunity for the University to reorganize its minor flaws. However, since JIUE’s courses have always been online, the educational process was not significantly affected. They did, however, modify their methods to make online connection even more straightforward. They made considerable use of the Internet, streaming audio and video, and other emerging technologies to encourage communication and skill building. During the Covid epidemic, the Jones International University e-global Library was likewise totally online and available to students. Students collaborated with instructors and classmates through e-mail and asynchronous forums, resulting in a highly engaged community where learners could discuss ideas and experiences. Students may now study from home or from anywhere in the globe if they have access to the Internet.
According to studies, online education has grown significantly over the last decade, and Jones International University, as one of the early forerunners, has mastered the trends to increase the efficacy of distant learning programs and so assure online student success. This has undoubtedly shown their great strength, persistence, and reputation across the world.
