Shai Reshef is an American entrepreneur and academic administrator who has significantly impacted the landscape of higher education. As the founder and president of the University of the People (UoPeople), the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, American-accredited online university, Reshef has spearheaded efforts to make quality education universally accessible.
His pioneering work has opened doors for students around the globe, particularly those facing financial, geographic, or societal barriers to accessing traditional university education.
Interviewer: Shai, your vision has significantly democratized higher education globally. What inspired you to start the University of the People in 2009?
Shai Reshef: My inspiration came from recognizing the transformative power of education and the potential of the internet to make learning accessible. Seeing the barriers many people faced—financial, geographic, and political—I knew something could be done. Leveraging free resources like open-source technology and online educational resources, I founded UoPeople to make higher education universally available and affordable.
Interviewer: UoPeople was a bold initiative. How did you address the challenges you faced in making higher education affordable and accessible?
Shai Reshef: One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the perception that tuition-free means low quality. From the very beginning, we focused on developing rigorous academic standards for all our degree programs, gaining national accreditation for the university, and forming partnerships with esteemed academic institutions around the world to establish credibility. Managing resources effectively and harnessing the power of volunteers globally also played a crucial role.
Interviewer: With over 137,000 students from more than 200 countries, what impact has UoPeople had on global education?
Shai Reshef: Our greatest impact is most visible in the lives of our students. Many come from underserved regions, including over 16,500 refugees. By providing students with the opportunity to earn accredited degrees and a supportive online community, we’re not just educating individuals, we’re empowering them to improve their lives and communities. Our model is proof that education can be both high-quality and accessible.
Interviewer: You’ve been recognized with several prestigious awards such as the Yidan Prize for Educational Development—one of the top honors in all of higher education. How do these accolades affect your mission?
Shai Reshef: These recognitions are less about personal achievement and more about highlighting the critical role of accessible education in today’s world. Awards like the Yidan Prize amplify our message, attract supportive partnerships, and open doors that allow us to expand our reach and impact.
Interviewer: As a speaker on the global stage, what key message do you aim to convey about education?
Shai Reshef: My key message is that education is a human right for all, not a privilege for a few. It’s the most powerful tool we have for promoting global peace and sustainable development. By making education accessible and affordable, we can transform societies, generate economic development, and promote understanding and tolerance across diverse populations.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what are your future plans for UoPeople?
Shai Reshef: Moving forward, we plan to expand our degree offerings and reach more students, especially in regions most in need of educational opportunities. We’re exploring programs that are in high demand in the job market, which will enable our graduates to not only succeed professionally but also contribute to their local economies.
Interviewer: Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to follow in your footsteps in educational innovation?
Shai Reshef: Start with a clear mission and stay committed to it. Innovation isn’t just about using new tools or technologies but also about thinking differently and being willing to take calculated risks. Most importantly, believe in the power of education to enact change and never underestimate the impact one person can have on the world.
