New (Donald) Trump University Poised to Offer Business, Entrepreneurship and Real Estate Knowledge

Distance learning programs have come a long way since Sally Strothers hawked them on late night television commercials. With the proliferation of institutions like National Louis University, the University of Phoenix and Strayer University, colleges now offer a myriad of accelerated programs in everything from business certifications to master’s degrees. Now Donald Trump, creator of the television phenomenon “The Apprentice” and one of New York’s largest real estate developers, wants in on the action.

“In today’s hyper-competitive business climate, the need for the highest quality education has become more crucial than ever,” Trump said recently as he announced the university that will bear his name. “But people are looking beyond the traditional business education model, which involves hours in the classroom and relies primarily on book learning.”

The core of the Trump University, which opened in May, is virtual with staff hoping to encourage “a vibrant online community,” according to its website. Courses will also be offered through audio and video channels as well as live seminars. The Donald has tapped Fortune 500 talent to serve as the faculty of the university. The focus of the college is on teaching students about marketing, real estate and entrepreneurship.

“People need education fast and it has to be practical, something they can apply immediately to real-world business problems,” Trump said in a statement.

Michael Sexton, a consultant in the business of developing emerging companies, is Trump’s pick to hold the university’s presidency. Sexton has pulled faculty members from top colleges like Dartmouth and Columbia to join the staff, but it’s unclear as to just how much interaction students will have with the esteemed scholars. Most of the faculty are more engaged in curriculum development than actual instruction.