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From left: Enrollment Counselor Catherine Tolliver, Arts and Sciences Campus College Chairwoman Sunny Ryerson and Enrollment Supervisor Eric Williams play graduates at the University of Phoenix,
Louisiana Campus.
University of Phoenix,
Louisiana Campus
Pietro Della Valentina Jr. is receiving a fulltime
salary as associate director of student
services at the University of Phoenix while
earning a master’s degree in business administration
from the school, tuition free.
On a typical workday, he’s in the office from 9
a.m. to 6:15 p.m., goes home for dinner and takes
courses online from about 9 p.m. until midnight.
He’s on track to receive his advanced
degree, with a concentration in human
resource management, next November,
adding to the bachelor’s degree in political science
he already holds from Loyola University.
His savings of $29,000 is significant, considering
that he’s still paying for his Loyola degree.
“That one cost me a pretty penny, all worth
it,” Valentina said.
Free tuition is one of the favored perks for
University of Phoenix employees, who also
voice appreciation for career advancement
and opportunities to play as hard as they work.
Pamela Calonje, an enrollment counselor,
became familiar with the university while living
in southern California. Then an executive
recruiter, she found the university well respected
among employers and was impressed with
the university’s opportunities for career growth
and continuing education.
“Career advancement is absolutely possible
for those who prove themselves and want the
opportunity for growth,” she said. “The company
is growing continually, which opens up
many possibilities in many directions for those
who are committed to the same goals.”
Calonje has been in the same position the
five years she has worked for the university but
said she’s being groomed for a promotion.
“I’ve been given more and more responsibility,”
Calonje said. “The opportunity’s certainly
there.”
Mary Steele, also an enrollment counselor,
signed on with the university when it was new
to Louisiana 14 years ago and has watched the
company grow.
“There are ongoing opportunities to
enhance your knowledge, aside from the education
benefit, and skill sets via training opportunities,”
Steele said. “The company has a professional
development requirement for each
employee each year, with various resources
Nature of business: higher education
Where based locally: Metairie
Employees: 126
Average starting salary: $38,400
Median salary: $42,747
Average employment time: four and a half years
Benefits: health care with 85 percent coverage, dental, vision
and prescription plans, 401(k) with 30-cent match for every
dollar contributed up to 15 percent, continuing education program,
relocation assistance, telecommuting, flexible hours,
employee recognition program, fitness program
Wait time for benefits: first of the month after 60 days of
employment
Paid days off: up to 35.5
Web site: www.phoenix.edu
available to accomplish this.”
Steele has taken courses in organizational
management and appreciates online and campus
seminars and periodic performance
assessments.
“It encourages you to keep improving yourself,”
she said. “The world does not stop. It
encourages you to keep up with the world.”
With the hard work comes fun times, such
as holiday gatherings, barbecues and community
involvement.
On Halloween, employees of the company’s
four Louisiana campuses gathered at the
Lafayette location for a party and costume contest.
Calonje created a skit based on the “Deal
or No Deal” game show, casting herself as
Wanda Whoopee, a contestant dressed as a
whoopee cushion, with a bald coworker as
host Howie Mandel.
— Diana Chandler
December 14, 2009 49