Ben Wilcox Ex -Dean of Kaplan University

Apr 2 2008

Ben Wilcox Ex-Dean of Kaplan University

My name is Ben Herald Wilcox and this is my first attempt at a Blog, so bear with me, as I’m not real sure how to do this or what the messages are supposed to look like. I guess I will start this, my first public record blog entry by just blogging as a spokesman for and about myself. My name is Ben Herald Wilcox and I live in Oak Park Illinois near downtown Chicago.
My wife accuses me of being a southern boy. I am originally from Dallas Texas although I grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. As for my education I received a bachelors degree in public relations / pre-law from Oklahoma State University and a law degree (Juris Doctor) from Oklahoma City University school of Law in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I am a member in good standing of the American and Oklahoma Bar association. I practiced as an attorney at law for many years in Oklahoma City Oklahoma with many fine attorneys and staffers with several large firms.

Like many students in law school I paid for my law studies working full time for my employer (large mega firm) as a paralegal, law clerk, and legal assistant. High school and college was a breeze for me and I made A’s with minimal study, I played baseball and ran track on an athletic scholarship. I studied hard in law school to make good grades and always felt threatened with failing grades as I worked for an employer full time and went to law school full time unlike most students. Working while a law student at OCU in those days was unauthorized by my former university administrators and faculty, so I took a lot of on-line and night classes. I didn’t have my first cell phone till I was 29 and didn’t send my first emails till I was 30. I worked on my first computer system at 32.

In my legal career I focused on, and have been associated with lawsuits involving, taxpayers, wrongdoing, financial defrauding, computer hacking, qui tam, medical malpractice, and grand jury indictment. . I have been involved with lawsuits involving the FBI, Department of Justice, and the Department of Education. My average settlement was $250.000 and average length of case was (5) five years. I practiced law and filed lawsuits in Oklahoma and Texas for several years before moving into online education as a career. I have worked for several major university and online schools such as Career Education Corporation Westwood, MRXI, and Kaplan University in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. I have experience teaching in the classroom and on-line via, blackboard, web ct, whiteboard, and ecollege. I have extensive experience in curriculum development including self-studies, focus visits, with ACICS, NALA AFFpE, SACS, NCA, AACSB, and the ABA.

While Dean of Business at Western Oklahoma State my business programs received SACS accreditation with exemplary program accommodations. As Dean at Kaplan University curriculum was expanded, and more new programs were approved by the HLC than ever before in the history of the university. In my present position I oversee more than 25 faculty, as well as, academic operations, curriculum management and accreditation compliance for 15 ground schools and extended campuses. I have taught government, business law, and introduction to business, criminal law and business ethics, at both the university and community college level. My duties further include administration and development of business faculty, instructional programs, and facilities, as well as managing financial performance.




My name is Ben H Wilcox and I am a Lawyer / Educator in Chicago Illinois. I am an active member of First United Church in Oak Park, serving communion and working with the homeless and youth ministries. I play on the church softball team and volunteer and am involved with many community events. I consider myself a strong Christian. I have tremendous faith in God and his love for all of us despite our shortcomings. I just want to serve the lord Jesus and give something back for all the blessings I have received in my own life. In the end its all about God’s love and forgiveness and service to others, our country and our community.

I accepted Christ at a young age and was raised in the church. I believe that Jesus Christ is the living Son of God. I believe that Jesus is the center of a Christian life. I base all my life decisions on the direction I receive from prayer and seeking the guidance of the Lord. I am active in my church and prayer life and live my life accordingly. I want to use my skills and knowledge to serve the lord. I believe all we do in life should be service based and for Christ and his Kingdom

I love Jesus, my family, and my country. I pray for our country and its leaders each day. I pray for our military men and women each day and thank God for them. Community service is a passion of mine. I enjoy working with my church ministries in the community. In the past I have worked with Big brothers Big Sisters, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Pug rescue, Hospice, Meals on Wheels, and the Jewish Anti defamation League just to name a few.

I have preformed thousands and thousands of hours of (ProBono) free legal work for the church, homeless ministries and community service organizations. I have donated thousands of dollars to local charities including, Hospice, Salvation Army, PADS , Habitat for Humanity and the Ronald McDonald House. I am also a member of the Sigma Chi alumni Assoc.

I believe that people in a democracy need education regardless of their vocational or professional fields. I also recognize that occupational proficiency is essential to a satisfying life. Quality education is the primary objective of all programs, whether in university parallel curricula, developmental education, occupational education, or continuing education programs. I recognize that the young are not the only persons needing higher education, but that many adults, including senior citizens, are finding it necessary and desirable to pursue further education and training. I approach all endeavors with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism -- I am committed to excellence in everything I do.

Ben H Wilcox
Apr 2 2008