Any Thoughts on the New Wexford University?

Founded by John Spencer Ellis of the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), here is what the website says:

As of November 15, 2011, Optimal Performance Institute (established in 1999) changed its name to Wexford University, and is under new ownership.

The Wexford University offices are located at 30245 Tomas, Suite A, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 USA. The University’s phone numbers remain the same. They are 866-583-7277 or 949-484-8454 (International Callers).

Wexford University accepts students from around the world. If you are a non-U.S. student, you will be given information specific to foreign students.

All degree programs are delivered online through the university’s LMS (learning management system) with supplemental textbooks for some courses. Degree programs start every 3 months (quarterly format).

Wexford University offers the following degrees:

Associate of Arts Degree in Fitness Training (AA) $99 per unit
Bachelor Degree in Health and Fitness (BS) $99 per unit
Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise (MS) $135 per unit
Master of Arts in Applied Sport Psychology (MA) $135 per unit
Doctor of Applied Sport Psychology (PsyD) $135 per unit​

Enrollment starts on September 15, 2012

 

Any relationship with Clayton College of Natural Health?

 

No. The connection is with the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), which appears to be a respected name in many different sports training certifications. NESTA's personal fitness trainer certificate is accredited by NCCA, which is as legit as it gets in that area. I am also unable to find anything negative on John Spencer Ellis. Here is a video of him talking about Wexford University:

[video=youtube;5pjSD-JRIKc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pjSD-JRIKc[/video]​

 

It seems to be legit without any accreditation except state of California approval. Also the school states straight forward about their accreditation, which does not mislead its current or prospective students. I am wondering if they are seeking for DETC or other national accredited agencies.

 

According to his own bio. here: John Spencer Ellis Dr. Ellis earned a B.A., B.B.A. and MBA from U. of Atlanta (DETC) and an Ed.D from Cal Coast (DETC). He appears to own/operate at least seven other fitness-related enterprises, including NESTA. He self-advertises as a rags-to-riches story, knowing from age 12 he would be a fitness entrepreneur and moving on to his first studio, started with $2,000 where, in the beginning, he slept on the floor.

His story reads somewhat the same as Donald Trump's -- except that Mr. Trump started out well-financed, thanks to his father, and attended slightly more prestigious schools (e.g. Wharton). I think it's fairly safe to assume that although Dr. Ellis and Mr. Trump work in different fields, both men share the same aggressive work ethic.

I've nothing against all that - nothing at all. I hope Dr. Ellis' University succeeds. Mr. Trump established "Trump University" at one point, but the N.Y. Board of Regents um - persuaded him to change the name. :smile:

The name is a slightly unfortunate choice. Wexford is a nice place (in Ireland) but its name was once usurped by the awful "University of Wexford" that was NOT in Ireland -- it was one of the 29 "schools" in the infamous mill-scam "University Degree program" you can read about here. University Degree Program - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia DI has several old threads on "University of Wexford."

It's just a wacky coincidence - I'm sure Dr. Ellis was just looking for a nice-sounding name and had no knowledge of this similarity.

Johann