The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC) has appointed John Ramirez, MBA, MS/AJS-GHS, USA CSM (ret), dean of operations for University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies, to serve on its Executive Committee as the Vice Chair for Internal Activities.
For the past 10 years, Ramirez has served the chamber as a board member and, most recently, has been a key member of the Scholarship Committee, adapting lessons he learned in his leadership role at University of Phoenix to help inform the chamber’s work supporting the academic aspirations of Hispanics in Arizona, particularly first-generation college students.
“AZHCC has done great work in our community in their efforts to promote the success of Hispanic-owned businesses – by facilitating business relationships, economic development and sharing of knowledge for the benefit of the State of Arizona and the growth and success of the members of our Chamber and our Hispanic community,” Ramirez said.
Of the 83,800 students enrolled at University of Phoenix, 17.7 percent are Hispanic and 59.7 percent are first-generation college students. Just 14.1 percent of the University’s students had two parents who attended college.
Building a Pipeline of Excellence at University of Phoenix
In his leadership role at the University, where Ramirez has worked for the past 17 years, he has helped to build a strong pipeline for University of Phoenix students to excel academically through national recognition and scholarships. He was instrumental in establishing a standalone chapter of the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS), the nation’s largest leadership honor society, at the University in 2020 which now has over 40,000 members. In 2021, 12 University of Phoenix chapter members received scholarships and awards, ranging from an Academic Excellence Scholarship, to an Alumni Award, to a Healthy Living Grant and a Living Leadership Scholarship. University of Phoenix President Peter Cohen said: “I appreciate John’s support and leadership in service to our students and to our community.”
The University of Phoenix chapter of NSLS is one of a number of Recognized Students Organizations (RSOs), which include honor, academic and professional societies available to help students build networks, connect socially, explore career options and build confidence. Each RSO has one or more designated faculty advisors or university liaisons. For the NSLS University chapter, Ramirez serves as a faculty advisor along with Rich Schultz, Ph.D., MHA, USF MSgt (ret), the program chair of the College of Health Professions.
“Our students persevere and accomplish so much in their individual academic and career pursuits,” said Doris Savron, vice provost at University of Phoenix, in a release related to the NSLS awards. “It is uplifting to see so many of our NSLS chapter students achieving recognition at the national level.”
A Commitment to the Military, Education and the Hispanic Community
Ramirez said he was raised by his uncle, a community leader and advocate, who inspired him in his lifelong work supporting the Hispanic community. “He was an activist and community leader for 40 years and served as the Director of Chicanos Por La Causa and one of the co-founders of ASU’s Los Diablos,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez has three degrees from University of Phoenix including a bachelor’s degree, master of science, and an MBA. Like many University students and alumni, Ramirez has also served in the military as a Command Sergeant Major (now retired). According to the University of Phoenix 2020 Annual Academic Report, 21 percent of the student population served in the military in 2020, and there are over 269,600 military-affiliated graduates in the University’s history. The University has taken steps to help service members and veterans complete their education and pursue civilian career goals. This includes providing service members with college credit, military tuition rates, military-affiliated scholarships and a resource fee waiver.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is committed to advancing the educational goals of adult and nontraditional learners and to helping students navigate career options that best suit their interests. The University’s degree programs are aligned with numerous in-demand career path including in computer software, nursing and business, and they provide flexible start dates, online classes, and numerous scholarship opportunities to make it possible for anyone to complete the degree program they desire.
In addition, the University’s Career Services for Life® commitment to active students and graduates provides resources that can help them be competitive in the workforce for no additional charge. These services include resume and interview support, career guidance, education and networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.