Nonprofit Mississippi News Dr. Roger Parrott, President of Belhaven University, learned that Argosy University had permanently closed down 20 of its campuses across the country. He took to Facebook to “a brief message of hope” for students who received only 48 hours notice that classes would be cancelled Monday and any day thereafter. Parrott explained to Mississippi Today that there are schools all over America that close. However, it is not uncommon for them to give advance notice. It happens suddenly when you have a large for-profit school such as Argosy. Students are put in greater danger if they don’t warn. This is why we wanted help.” Belhaven is ready to assist approximately 16,000 Argosy student whose studies have stopped. The Jackson-based Christian university is fully committed to helping students complete what they started. It also offers significant tuition discounts for online degrees. Parrott stated in a press release that a student who has lost their academic career needs a safe place to retreat. Belhaven University excels at providing a loving home for students in a Christian environment. Our online program as well as our campus locations in Houston, Memphis and Atlanta will help Argosy students adjust to the disruption. Students who transfer credits to Belhaven receive a $500 scholarship towards the first class. Students at Argosy may transfer up to two-thirds their program hours towards a graduate program if approved. After being told by Belhaven that they were willing to help students like Kallie Koolmo, an Argosy student, Kallie said that it was reassuring that other schools care. After this, colleges are now viewed differently. You have to ask yourself if they are in it for their students or for the money. It gives you hope that things might turn out for the better when other schools get in touch. We won’t be unable to go back to school forever. They are giving us options. It feels really good.” Koolmo was visiting Argosy’s Twin Cities campus, Minnesota, in hopes of becoming an veterinary technician. She was also at a state hockey tournament when she learned that her school was closing. “I was actually scrolling on my smartphone.” She said that she didn’t receive an email immediately, unlike many students. Koolmo (20 years old) received an email from Dream Center Education Holdings (the owner of Argosy), about Monday’s shutdown. It was three days after Argosy closed due to fraud allegations. She said that she was afraid. “I have never worked as hard for something as in school. In high school, I struggled a lot and didn’t do well. When I was accepted to college, I found a passion and started working for it. After I had achieved the highest level of success in my life, I realized that I may have to start over. It’s not easy to work hard for something, but someone takes it away.” Koolmo claims that the financial aid she received to pay tuition at Argosy was removed without explaining. After that, the university set up a payment plan to help her pay the money she allegedly owed. She claimed that Argosy had asked her for $1,500 the week before she closed. Parrot stated, “Those students, that they’ve invested into those programs.” They have invested their time, energy, and their future. We want to be there for them when they feel lost or unsure of where to go. Parrott stated, “We’ll get them over it.” They can choose to go to Belhaven if that is the best option. If they feel that going to Belhaven is the best choice, we will help them. Click here if you or someone you know are an Argosy student. Argosy’s Accreditor has a list of institutions that are willing to assist.