248: The Regulatory Challenges of Tax Status - with Dr. Ronald L. Shape, President, National American University

<p>Welcome back to America’s leading higher education podcast! This is <a href="https://www.edupexperience.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The EdUp Experience</a> President Series Episode #80. &nbsp;In this episode, sponsored by <a href="https://mdtmarketing.com/edup" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MDT Marketing</a>, we welcome <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/ronald-shape-b5a5a946">Dr. Ronald L. Shape</a>, President, <a href="https://www.national.edu/">National American Universi</a>ty! &nbsp;Ron comes on the show to talk to us about the regulatory challenges of tax status among other salient topics. &nbsp;He discusses NAU's shift from physical campus locations to a centralized online unit well before coronavirus - and the significant barriers that exist when trying to exit physical space. &nbsp;Schools across the country have had to reimagine what 'space' looks and feels like post-pandemic - learning from a pioneer in the for-profit ed space will lend insight to what schools face today.&nbsp;</p> <p><br> Since 1991, Dr. Shape has held various leadership roles at National American University, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer &amp; System Interim President. Dr. Shape was officially appointed on January 25, 2016.</p> <p>Dr. Ronald Shape began his career at National American University as a Student Account Specialist at the Ellsworth Air Force Base campus in Western South Dakota. He was quickly promoted to System Assistant Director of Financial Aid in 1992. He then served the university in various capacities, including System Controller, Executive Vice President at the Sioux Falls campus, Regional President for the Minnesota Region, Assistant to the University President of National American University, Chief Fiscal Officer and later in a dual role as Chief Fiscal Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He became Chief Executive Officer in 2009, successfully growing the institution throughout his tenure and launching the University’s “Service Center” education model. Dr.