Early Life
Peter V. Sperling, born in 1960, is the son of John Sperling, the founder of the University of Phoenix. He grew up in a family deeply involved in education, which sparked his early interest in business and entrepreneurship.
Rise to Success
Sperling's career is marked by his association with the Apollo Group, the parent company of the University of Phoenix. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UC Santa Barbara and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He joined Apollo Education Group in 1986 and became the chairman when his father retired in 2001. He remained in that position until 2017, when the group was acquired and became private. In addition to his leadership role in Apollo Group, Peter co-founded CallWave, Inc. He served as the chairman of the company. He also has been involved in real estate, as illustrated by the listing of his properties.
Key Business Strategies
Sperling's success stems from his deep understanding of the education sector and his ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. He played a key role in shaping the University of Phoenix's growth and its position as a leading provider of higher education for working adults. He demonstrated strategic financial backing as he contributed to Proposition 7 in California's 2008 general election.
Philanthropy
Peter Sperling has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to charitable organizations and causes. The Sperling Family Charitable Foundation was established in March 2016. In 2003, Sperling and his wife donated $5 million to a campaign to save Ellwood Mesa, a renowned monarch butterfly site and wildlife habitat.
