By: Rena Marie

In the spring of 2020, Roy Virgen Jr taught marketing from home, contending with unstable Wi-Fi and the unpredictability of remote work. Many educators faced similar chaos, but for Roy, these moments became more than daily obstacles. They became the spark for a dramatic shift in his professional life. The pandemic forced universities to rethink operations, and for Roy, it meant reimagining what his institution could become.

Remote teaching, technical hiccups, and the challenge of keeping students engaged all collided at once. Roy says, “Even normally, when I did my lectures online during the pandemic, I had that said marketing in the background.” The world’s sudden shift to home offices and digital classrooms exposed vulnerabilities in higher education. For Roy, it also revealed new possibilities.

Early Struggles and the Brink of Closure

Roy’s journey into higher education began after fifteen years in corporate America, with roles at UPS and Macy’s. He transitioned into academia later in life, first as a student, then as a lecturer at the University of California, Irvine, University of California, Riverside, and Cal State Los Angeles. He describes his move as something he “fell into,” but soon found purpose in teaching and consulting for small businesses and schools.

In 2018, Roy launched American Management University. The early days were slow, and the pandemic made things worse. He recalls, “It started off kind of weak for the first couple of years, and then the pandemic hit, making things even worse. I nearly sold the school.” The prospect of closure loomed large. A sale seemed imminent, but when the deal collapsed, Roy took it as a sign to keep going. “The deal had fallen through, and I took it as a sign to keep going with it. So I did.”

That decision marked a turning point. He chose to persevere despite setbacks and began charting a new direction for the university.

From Private Venture to Nonprofit in France

After the failed sale, Roy decided to convert American Management University into a nonprofit and relocate operations to France. He explains, “We have converted to a nonprofit. Over to France, and we also moved to France for the time being, because the rules were a bit loose over there.” This move required adapting to a new regulatory environment and building a presence in a different country.

Roy’s choice to shift to nonprofit status allowed the university to focus on service rather than profit. He continued his work as a lecturer and consultant, supporting small businesses and educational startups. The university’s mission remained focused on practical, accessible education. Roy says, “We’re on the right track. We’re doing things pretty well.” The transformation did not come easily, but it brought new energy and direction to the institution.

Building a Global Student Base and Expanding Impact

American Management University began to thrive after its reinvention. Roy notes, “We’ve been able to keep adding on to our accreditations. I still do advertising, and for, you know, small businesses on the side, and I continue to be a lecturer.” The university’s student base became global, with learners from multiple continents enrolling in its programs.

Roy’s efforts extended beyond the university. He started two nonprofits: one providing scholarships for aspiring entrepreneurs, and another focused on business networking and mentorship. He recently filed the paperwork for 501(c)(3) status for the latter. Roy says, “I have two nonprofits that I started. One is a scholarship nonprofit just under my name. The scholarship that I give to people who are in need and want to be entrepreneurs. The other nonprofit I started is a business organization, for which I just filed the 501(c)(3) paperwork yesterday.”

Despite living in France, Roy directs donations to nonprofits and small businesses in California. He explains, “Our student base is global. But I do a lot of donations to nonprofits as well. So right now, looking, I try to stick to local ones that we’re at in California.” The university’s online format and practical focus have attracted students worldwide, and Roy’s philanthropic work continues to support both local and international communities.

Lasting Lessons and the Future of Higher Education

Roy’s story highlights the value of resilience and adaptability. He continues to teach marketing at several universities, consult for small businesses, and support students through scholarships and mentorship. Roy’s experience shows that setbacks can become catalysts for growth when met with determination and a willingness to adapt.

He believes in giving back, stating, “Can’t take it with you when you leave the world. So, I mean, give back when you can.” Roy’s journey from corporate boardrooms to the classroom, and from private university founder to nonprofit leader, offers a model for others navigating uncertainty in higher education.

American Management University’s transformation from a struggling startup to a nonprofit with global reach proves that adversity can lead to new beginnings. Roy’s work continues to impact students and communities, demonstrating that practical education and community support can thrive even amid global disruption.