John Sperling

$1.20 B

Ranked #1015 in World

About John Sperling

John Glen Sperling, an American billionaire and a pivotal figure in the for-profit education sector in the United States, founded the University of Phoenix in 1976, revolutionizing higher education with a business-centric approach. Born into poverty in the Missouri Ozarks, Sperling's journey from a sailor and beatnik to achieving higher education at prestigious institutions like Reed College and King's College, Cambridge, underscores his self-made success. His Apollo Group expanded to include several educational institutions, serving hundreds of thousands of students by 2005. Sperling was also known for his activism, particularly in liberal causes and drug decriminalization efforts, alongside ventures into bio-medical projects aimed at extending human lifespan. His writings, including "For-profit Higher Education: Developing a World-class Workforce" and "Rebel with a Cause," reflect his innovative views on education and society.

Born

January 09, 1921

Died

August 22, 2014 (aged 93)

Source Of Wealth

Apollo Group

Industries

Service

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Phoenix, AZ

Education

Doctorate, University of Cambridge; Master of Arts, University of California Berkeley; Bachelor of Arts / Science, Reed College

John Glen Sperling was born on July 1, 1921, into a poor sharecropper family in the Missouri Ozarks. Despite his humble beginnings, Sperling displayed a thirst for knowledge and a determination to succeed. He worked as a sailor in the merchant marine and a wandering beatnik in the 1950s, gaining valuable life experiences that would shape his future endeavors.

John Sperling: Family

Sperling's family background played a significant role in his upbringing. Born to parents who were sharecroppers, he understood the struggles and challenges faced by working-class families. This understanding would later influence his educational philosophy and his commitment to providing accessible higher education to working adults.

John Sperling: Career Highlights

Sperling's career was marked by several notable achievements. He founded Apollo Group in 1973, which owned several for-profit educational institutions. He also founded the University of Phoenix in 1976, which became a prominent for-profit institution of higher learning. Sperling's innovative approach to education and his emphasis on the business model of higher education set him apart as a visionary entrepreneur.

John Sperling: Companies

Sperling's entrepreneurial ventures included Apollo Group and the University of Phoenix. Apollo Group owned and operated four higher-learning institutions: University of Phoenix, Western International University, Axia College, and the College for Financial Planning. The company also owned Insight Schools and Olympus High School. The University of Phoenix, a wholly owned subsidiary of Apollo Group Inc., catered to working adult students and offered a wide range of degree programs.

John Sperling: Major Achievements

Sperling's major achievements include the establishment of the University of Phoenix, which became one of the largest for-profit universities in the United States. He also played a pivotal role in the development of the contemporary for-profit education movement in the US. Sperling's innovative educational model emphasized the business model of higher education, diminishing labor power, increasing technology, marketing, and maximizing profit.

John Sperling: Awards & Achievements

Sperling received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to education and entrepreneurship.

He was recognized by various organizations and publications for his innovative approach to higher education and his commitment to providing accessible education to working adults.

John Sperling: Personal Life & Legacy

Sperling's personal life was marked by his activism and philanthropy. He was a tenured professor at San Jose State University before becoming an entrepreneur. Sperling was an activist for liberal causes during the 1960s and was involved in conflicts with authorities and university leaders over experimental adult education schemes. He also opposed drug prohibition and financed initiatives to decriminalize medical marijuana in the US. Sperling's legacy is one of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to accessible education.

John Sperling: Trivia

Sperling's interests extended beyond education. He directed attention and resources toward extending human lifespan and biological immortality. He planned to donate his fortune to human biology research if he died. Sperling provided financing to Genetic Savings & Clone (GS&C) for cloning a dog named Missy. The Missyplicity project successfully produced clones of Missy in December 2007. Operation CopyCat created the first cat clone named CC.

Wealth History

Timeline

1921

John Glen Sperling is born to a poor sharecropper family in Missouri Ozarks.

1950s

Sperling works as a sailor in the merchant marine and a wandering beatnik.

1973

Sperling founds Apollo Group, which owns several for-profit educational institutions.

1976

Sperling founds the for-profit University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona, with eight students.

1980

University of Phoenix expands to San Jose, California.

1989

University of Phoenix launches an online program.

1997

Sperling co-authors "For-profit Higher Education: Developing a World-class Workforce" with Robert W Tucker.

2000

Sperling publishes his autobiography "Rebel with a Cause".

2004

Sperling co-authors "The Great Divide: Retro vs. Metro America" with William H. Gates.

2005

Combined enrollment of U.S. domestic universities owned by Apollo Group is approximately 315,350 students.

2007

Missyplicity project successfully produces clones of Missy, the dog.

2014

John Glen Sperling passes away.

John Sperling : FAQs

What is John Sperling's net worth?

As of 2012, John Sperling's net worth was $1.20 billion.

What are John Sperling's main sources of wealth?

John Sperling's main source of income comes from Apollo Group.

In which industry does John Sperling primarily operate?

John Sperling is primarily involved in the Service industry.

What is John Sperling educational background?

John Sperling holds a Doctorate from the University of Cambridge, a Master of Arts from the University of California Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts / Science from Reed College.

Is John Sperling dead?

Yes, John Sperling died on August 22, 2014 (aged 93).

How many children does John Sperling have?

John Sperling has 1 children.

Who was John Glen Sperling and what was his contribution to education in the US?

John Glen Sperling was an American billionaire businessman credited with leading the contemporary for-profit education movement in the US. He founded the University of Phoenix in 1976, emphasizing a business model in higher education that focused on diminishing labor power, increasing technology, marketing, and maximizing profit.

What is the background and early life of John Sperling?

John Sperling was born to a poor sharecropper family in the Missouri Ozarks. He worked as a sailor and a wandering beatnik before pursuing higher education. He received his undergraduate degree from Reed College, a Master's from the University of California, Berkeley, and a PhD in economic history from King's College, Cambridge.

How did John Sperling contribute to entrepreneurship and education through the Apollo Group?

John Sperling founded the Apollo Group in 1973, which owned several for-profit educational institutions including the University of Phoenix. Despite facing opposition, he successfully established institutions that catered to adult learners and emphasized online learning, significantly impacting the for-profit education sector.

What were some key aspects of the University of Phoenix founded by John Sperling?

The University of Phoenix, founded by John Sperling in 1976, catered to working adult students. It started with eight students and expanded rapidly, offering degrees in over 100 programs with an open enrollment policy. It became a significant player in for-profit higher education under the Apollo Group.

What were John Sperling's views and activities outside of education?

Outside of education, John Sperling was an activist for liberal causes, opposed drug prohibition, and financed initiatives to decriminalize medical marijuana. He also directed resources towards extending human lifespan and supported bio-medical projects like cloning through Genetic Savings & Clone.