In support of the new Icons campaign, University of Phoenix created an interactive question-and-answer page on phoenix.edu. Here, prospective students can ask the Icons and University advisors questions about what the University experience is really like. Visit the page at: http://bit.ly/phoenix-icons.

University of Phoenix debuted its Icons ad campaign in 2010 to share the stories of vibrant alumni who are working to make the world a better place. In May, the University launched the next generation of the campaign, which features three alumnae who are using their education and talents to positively transform their communities and their lives—Dr. Kimberly Horton, Dr. Carrie Buck and Mayor Cherie Wood.

“These graduates embody a determination to work hard to improve their lives and the lives of others in their communities,” says Rob Wrubel, executive vice president and chief marketing and product development officer at University of Phoenix. “These alumni and their unique life journeys with University of Phoenix are a testament to the great potential for change.”

The ad campaign is appearing in digital media, print and outdoor advertising, as well as on major television networks, including A&E, Bravo, ESPN and Food Network. “They’ll also be seen on some popular television shows, such as 20/20, Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy and Modern Family,” adds Wrubel.

Dr. Kimberly Horton

Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) ’08

A 23-year veteran of the health care industry, Dr. Horton is putting her expertise and passion for helping others to work as chief nursing executive at the Alameda County Medical Center in California. There, she oversees a nursing staff of 1,200 and a budget of several hundred million dollars. A visionary in her field, Dr. Horton founded a local chapter of the Association of California Nurse Leaders and an adult sickle cell program in Fresno that now serves as a national model for adult treatment centers. Her greatest satisfaction remains the very reason she got into nursing: to provide exceptional patient care and to save lives.

Dr. Carrie Buck

Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Administration and Supervision, Doctor of Education (MAEd/ADM) ’98

As principal of C.T. Sewell Elementary School in Nevada, Dr. Buck is faced with the challenges of a high-risk school where hundreds of students can’t afford lunch every day. During her time there, this Milken Award winner has turned the school around, increasing its proficiency rating from 30 percent to 64 percent, exceeding results of other local schools in higher-income areas. Dr. Buck’s effort to support her students goes beyond the school gate. To address the issue of hunger, she created a food backpack program so low-income students have something to eat on the weekends. She even helps pick up students at home in the morning to ensure they come to school. Ever passionate about education, Dr. Buck serves as an inspiration to her faculty, staff and students.

Mayor Cherie Wood

Bachelor of Science in Business with a Concentration in Administration & Management (BSB/ADM&M) ’07

When Cheri Wood was elected mayor of South Salt Lake City in 2010, she embraced the opportunity to strengthen the local economy and build a thriving community. First, she updated the city’s slogan from "City of Industry" to "City on the Move," an effort designed to highlight the vibrancy of the area. She has hired the city’s first economic developer to assist her and her team in creating South Salt Lake’s downtown area, which will include 200 acres of offices, retail space and a new city hall. Under Mayor Wood’s leadership, the city received a grant to build a new streetcar line, which will be completed in 2013. Crime in the area also has dropped by 19 percent as a result of a new program she launched. Mayor Wood has found success in her role by creating a strong sense of engagement in her beloved community.