Independence University (IU), located in West Haven, Utah, United States, was a private institution specializing in online higher education programs. Founded as part of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE), IU offered flexible degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, graphic arts, health administration, medical assisting, nursing, and respiratory therapy. From associate to master's levels, its curriculum targeted working adults seeking career advancement through asynchronous online learning. The university emphasized practical skills over traditional research, aligning with career colleges. Unfortunately, IU ceased operations on January 8, 2021, following regulatory challenges, including loss of federal funding eligibility. While no active jobs exist today, understanding its structure provides valuable context for similar roles in online higher education across Utah and beyond.
In West Haven, a suburb near Salt Lake City, IU's campus supported administrative functions, though most faculty worked remotely. This model attracted educators comfortable with virtual teaching platforms like Canvas or Blackboard. Salaries for faculty ranged from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience and role, competitive for online adjuncts. Admin positions offered benefits like health insurance and professional development. For current opportunities in the region, explore higher ed jobs at accredited Utah institutions.
Established in 2008, Independence University evolved from earlier CEHE schools, gaining accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). It grew rapidly, serving thousands of students nationwide with 100% online programs. By 2019, enrollment peaked at over 15,000, but controversies arose. The U.S. Department of Education scrutinized CEHE for incentive compensation violations and high student debt with low completion rates. In 2020, IU lost Title IV eligibility, forcing closure. Assets were liquidated, and students transitioned to other schools. This history underscores risks in for-profit higher ed, yet IU's model influenced remote learning trends accelerated by COVID-19. Past employees gained expertise in digital pedagogy, transferable to remote higher ed jobs.
Jobs at Independence University spanned teaching, administration, and support roles tailored to online delivery. Faculty positions included adjunct professors teaching courses in accounting or healthcare. Full-time instructors developed curricula and mentored students virtually. Administrative jobs covered admissions, enrollment counseling, and academic advising. IT roles maintained learning management systems, while student services handled retention. For a full breakdown, see our university job types guide. Though closed, these mirror openings at similar online providers.
To understand jobs at IU, here are essential terms:
Academic roles at IU demanded specific credentials. Faculty needed at least a master's degree in the teaching field; PhD preferred for leadership. Nursing instructors required RN licensure and BSN minimum. Business faculty held MBAs. Admin positions sought bachelor's in education or related, with master's advantageous. Online teaching certification, like Quality Matters, was often required. These aligned with ACCSC standards, emphasizing practical qualifications over research output.
Unlike research universities, IU prioritized applied knowledge. Expertise in online pedagogy, student engagement metrics, and industry certifications mattered more. Health programs valued clinical experience; IT roles needed coding or cybersecurity knowledge. No major grant-funded research, but faculty contributed to curriculum development based on labor market data.
Employers favored 2-5 years teaching adults online, publications in practitioner journals, and grant writing for program funding. Admissions staff had sales experience; advisors, retention success stories. Metrics like student pass rates (IU targeted 80%+) were key. See how to write a winning academic CV to highlight these.
Core skills included digital communication, LMS mastery, data-driven advising, and cultural sensitivity for diverse students (IU served 90% non-traditional). Soft skills: empathy, adaptability, time management for remote work. Tech competencies: Zoom proficiency, analytics tools. Leadership roles needed team management and compliance knowledge.
IU promoted inclusion through scholarships for underrepresented groups, faculty training on bias, and diverse hiring goals. CEHE reported 40% minority students; efforts included affinity groups and accessible online design. Post-closure, these practices inform employer branding secrets for inclusive campuses.
Remote faculty enjoyed flexible hours, no commute from West Haven. Admin had standard 40-hour weeks with team-building events. Benefits included tuition remission, 401(k). Campus life featured modern facilities, though online focus limited on-site interaction. Closure ended this, but remote perks persist in adjunct professor jobs.
Applications went via CEHE portal: resume, cover letter, transcripts. Interviews combined virtual demos and panels. Tips: Tailor to online experience; demo a lesson; quantify impacts (e.g., "Improved retention 15%"). Network on LinkedIn; use free resume template. For faculty, prepare teaching philosophy. Though closed, apply these to lecturer jobs.
While Independence University no longer hires, its legacy offers lessons in online higher ed. Transition skills to thriving sectors via higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, or university jobs. Employers seek IU-like expertise; post your opening at recruitment or post a job. Explore Utah jobs or West Haven opportunities.
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