As part of the San Diego Padres’ Teacher Appreciation Night on May 4 at PETCO Park, four  area teachers received master’s degree scholarships from Ashford University, an academic institution owned by Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI).

“I am ecstatic. A master’s degree is something I need to pursue and simply could not afford,” said Mark Morgan, a fifth grade teacher at Lakeview Elementary School in Lakeside. “I am excited to have the opportunity to attend Ashford University and achieve this goal.”

Morgan has been instrumental in the evolution of technology in the classroom in the Lakeside Union School District over the past 15 years and is looking forward to pursuing his Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology at Ashford University. Other recipients of the Ashford Teacher Appreciation Scholarships were Leslie Wilson of Mt. Woodson Elementary in the Ramona Unified School District, who will also pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology; Robin Dury of Bear Valley Middle School in the Escondido Union School District, who will enroll in the Master of Arts in Education program; and Christy Millsap of Rancho Bernardo High School in the Poway Unified School District, who will enroll in the Master of Arts in Education program. The scholarships, which are offered in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education, include full program tuition, all books, and a technology fee waiver.

“These scholarships give four deserving San Diego teachers the opportunity to further their education and enhance their skills to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s students,” said Ashford University provost Dr. Rebecca Wardlow, who presented the awards during the May 4 pregame ceremony at PETCO Park. “Ashford University’s engaging curricula and progressive digital platforms create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience for these teachers, as well as the flexibility to continue with their daily obligations educating our youth.”

To apply for the Teacher Appreciation Scholarship, applicants submitted essays on the effects of online learning, the expanding modern classroom and a teacher’s impact on the learning community. All essays were then subjected to a blind review conducted by representatives of the San Diego County Office of Education and Ashford University.

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.