Jones International University (JIU) was a private, for-profit university founded in 1993 by cable television pioneer Glenn R. Jones. Based in Centennial, Colorado, it was notable for being the first fully online university to receive regional accreditation in the United States, achieving this milestone from the Higher Learning Commission in 1999. The university offered undergraduate and graduate degree programs primarily focused on business, education, and communication. JIU’s educational model was designed specifically for working adults and distance learning, utilizing asynchronous online courses that allowed students to complete their studies on their own schedule. Throughout its operation, JIU served students from across the United States and internationally, with all coursework delivered through its virtual campus platform. The university employed faculty members from various institutions across the country and developed proprietary digital learning materials. In 2015, Jones International University announced its closure due to declining enrollment and increasing competition in the online education market. The university worked with other institutions to ensure its remaining students could complete their degrees through teach-out agreements. After 22 years of operation, JIU officially ceased operations in 2015, having served approximately 2,000 students annually during its peak years.