Regis University campus to close, citing lack of students

By Gregan Wingert

Thursday, April 12, 2012 | 2 a.m.

A Henderson campus of a Catholic Jesuit college announced Wednesday it will be closing its doors in August 2013 — a decision that will impact about 170 current students and 50 employees.

Regis University’s Henderson campus, at 1401 North Green Valley Parkway, Suite 100, has faced years of low enrollment rates, according to Roxanne Gonzales, dean of the university’s college for professional studies.

“It’s a tough economy right there, right now for everyone,” Gonzales said.

The Denver-based university has nearly 15,000 students in colleges for professional studies, health professions and traditional liberal arts programs.

The Henderson campus, which opened in October 1999, serves students ages 23 and older. At one point, the campus had about 500 students, but Gonzales said that was about seven years ago.

“Right now education just isn’t a priority,” said Gonzales, adding that potential degree seekers are more focused on working or finding work.

A typical student of the Henderson campus is usually someone going back to college or looking to sharpen their skills in the jobs they already have. Degree programs in professional studies include education, management and social studies.

Nearly 2,500 students have taken classes at the Henderson college since it was established 13 years ago.

“We are committed to graduating every single learner that we have,” said Gonzales, adding that the university will work with students to find ways for them to finish earning their degrees through online courses, independent study or transfers.

The Henderson campus has nine staff members, one full-time faculty member and 35 affiliate faculty, who will continue to work on the campus until Aug. 31, 2013.

Plans for what will happen to the employees after that day will depend on the employee, Gonzales said. Some faculty will continue to teach online classes.

The university’s online degree programs will continue to be available to students in Henderson, and their testing center located at Nellis Air Force Base will continue to operate.

For more information about Regis University visit here.