National University faces questions in its drive to become a force in online education – The San Diego Union-Tribune
The school will not say if it still has the support of big-time donor Denny Sanford
The applause was crisp and loud two years ago when National University told supporters it was getting a $350 million gift from philanthropist Denny Sanford, and that the money would help the San Diego-based school double enrollment.
It was one of the biggest pledges in the history of higher education. But the celebration might have been premature.
News reports later popped up saying that authorities in South Dakota were investigating whether Sanford had obtained child pornography. National announced that “for the foreseeable future” it was shelving plans to rename the school Sanford National University.
Now, it is unclear whether Sanford, who has homes in La Jolla and Sioux Falls, has or will give National any or all of the money.
University officials refused to answer questions about Sanford and the gift during a lengthy interview with the Union-Tribune. They also declined to discuss why National President David Andrews, who played a key role in landing the donation, resigned on June 11.
Attempts to reach Sanford, his attorney, Marty Jackley, and Andrews were unsuccessful.